Role of Third Party Inspection in heavy industry

In the heavy industry sector, quality and safety are paramount. Third-party inspections (TPI) have emerged as a cornerstone of ensuring these critical factors. But what exactly is TPI, and why is it so crucial?

TPI is a conformity assessment process involving the examination of products, processes, or services by an independent organization. This impartial evaluation ensures adherence to specific or general requirements, providing an unbiased perspective crucial for quality assurance.

The foundation of TPI lies in its independence. According to ISO 17020:2012. TPI activities must be conducted by organizations free from the influence of manufacturers or users, maintaining objectivity throughout the assessment process.

So let’s answer the question: When is Third Party Inspection necessary?

TPI involvement can stem from two primary sources. First of them is Regulatory Requirements. Compliance with directives like the PED 2014/68/EU mandates third-party evaluations for specific high-risk equipment. The second one is Client decisions. Contractors or end-users often voluntarily engage TPI services to safeguard against quality issues and associated risks.

Of course there are a lot of benefits of TPI. We will mention some of key benefits there:

1. Risk mitigation: Independent inspections identify defects early, reducing the likelihood of costly repairs, replacements, or operational delays.
2. Traceability: Continuous supervision ensures product traceability and compliance with quality standards.
3. Cost-efficiency: Local inspectors minimize assessment expenses without compromising on quality.
4. Comprehensive reporting: Detailed certificates and reports enhance confidence in the delivered products.
5. Expertise: Skilled personnel with relevant qualifications ensure thorough evaluations.

As you can see above, inspections really matter. Neglecting inspections can lead to several consequences, including increased risk of failures during installation or operation, delays in project timelines and financial losses or environmental and safety hazards.

Conversely, conducting inspections at the production stage allows for immediate rectification of issues, avoiding downstream complications and ensuring a smoother project lifecycle.

By adopting TPI, companies not only safeguard their operations but also reinforce trust and reliability across stakeholders.

ATG offers services in this area, ensuring your projects meet the highest standards of quality and safety. Our main inspection activities include:

• Inspection and supervision of special processes: Covering NDT processes, welding, painting, leakage/pressure tests, and performance/function tests.
• Inspection of large unit deliveries: From shop manufacturing to site erection phases, our experts ensure conformity and quality.
• Notified body/ASME Authorized inspections: Operating under HSB and serving clients worldwide, we bring accredited expertise to every project.
• Inspection for Electrical Equipment and Instrumentation: Managing the inspection and verification of electrical components and instrumentation to ensure compliance with industry standards.

More: https://en.atg.cz/testing-inspection/