ASTM E543, “Standard Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing,” has just been updated and the new 2015 Edition is available now from Document Center Inc. The standard is used to assess the competence of any public, independent or in-house NDT facility. It was developed so that when nondestructive testing is part of the purchasing requirements, there’s a methodology for assuring the customer that the testing is done properly.
This specification covers your requirements from A to Z. Clauses cover:
- The organization of the “agency” (the testing facility)
- It’s responsibilities and duties (what kind of testing it’s qualified to do)
- Personnel requirements and Certifications
- Requirements for a procedure manual
- Equipment (included in mandatory Annex A1)
Appendix X1 is a chart that compares selected NDE methods (provided for your information only, not as a requirement). This is particularly helpful since many ASTM NDT specifications are called out in the reference documents section. This will help you choose the appropriate tests and standards.
Since this specification sets out the minimum requirements for NDT facilities, it is entirely possible to expand your requirements as necessary. It is expected that this would be done in the purchasing contract.
If you’re using the ASTM E543, you’ll want to know what the changes are. The committee E07 has provided you with the following information at the end of the document: Subclauses 9.4.3 and 9.4.4 have been revised. And of course, you’ll be needing a copy of the 2015 Edition in order to stay current with this material.
Head to the Document Center Inc. webstore at www.document-center.com to order a copy in either paper format or as a pdf download. Want multi-user access to this ASTM publication? Contact our staff about setting up an account for our Standards Online subscription service. It’s an easy way to maintain your conformance documentation and offer your staff convenient access any time, any where. You can reach us by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com). Make Document Center your Standards Experts!