CERTIFICATION RULES - PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Transcription

1 Accredited product certification CERTIFICATION RULES - PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS Revisions in this document: Rev. no. Date Description of revision Added information regarding certificate validity and renewal of certificate 4.11 Added Scope extension/change Minor changes 1 SERVICE DESCRIPTION These certification rules describe the DNV GL conditions and the certification process for certification of Portable Fire Extinguishers (PFE). The products shall comply with the requirements as defined in the following standards: EN 3-7:2004/A1:2007 Portable fire extinguishers Part 7: Characteristics, performance requirements and test methods Supporting standards: EN 3-8:2007/AC:2007 Portable fire extinguishers - Part 8: Additional requirements to EN 3-7 for the construction, resistance to pressure and mechanical tests for extinguishers with a maximum allowable pressure equal or lower than 30 bar EN 3-9: 2007/AC:2007 Portable fire extinguishers - Part 9: Additional requirements to EN 3-7 for pressure resistance of CO2 extinguishers EN 3-10:2009 Portable fire extinguishers - Part 10: Provisions for evaluating the conformity of a portable fire extinguisher to EN LEGAL FRAMEWORK DNV GL will perform this service as a Certification Body in conjunction with the accreditation standard EN ISO/IEC 17065:2012. DNV GL Business Assurance Sweden AB is accredited by SWEDAC as Certification Body (1053) for EN 3-7 as listed above. The accreditation is based on SWEDAC evaluation and approval of the DNV GL procedures according to EN ISO/IEC GENERAL CONDITIONS These certification rules give the rights and obligations for certificate holders, applicants as well as for DNV GL at issuance, maintaining and cancellation of certificates. The Certificate holder / applicant must be a manufacturer or dealer of the product(s). The basis for certification is these certification rules and the standards mentioned above. When considerable changes of the standards, covered by the accreditation, have occurred or when DNV GL finds it necessary DNV GL will revise these certification rules. Revised certification rules will be sent to all certificate holders and be published on the DNV GL homepage. In addition to the Terms and conditions mentioned in the DNV GL Product Certification Agreement the following applies: The certification covers only the compliance of the product to the requirements in the standard stated in the certificate. Ann-Louise Pått Ann-Louise Pått of 9

2 Issuance of certificates to prove compliance with the above-mentioned standard(s) requires the applicant to: o Comply with these certification rules, o Make sure that the product meets the requirements of EN 3-7, -8 and -9, o Make the FPC system to comply with the FPC requirements in EN DNV GL will not provide any consultancy services aiming to design the applicant s Factory Production Control system (FPC) subject for certification. DNV GL will perform the certification in accordance with the PCA, the valid certification rules and the valid accreditation requirements. All product information needed for the DNV GL evaluation of the product, and FPC system, is treated as confidential. DNV GL can choose to use subcontractors to perform testing or inspection activities. The certificate holder/applicant shall be informed about the use of subcontractors. In case of nonapproval of the subcontractor by the certificate holder/applicant DNV GL might not be able to deliver the requested service. DNV GL subcontractors are obliged to follow the DNV GL certification rules. 4 CERTIFICATION PROCESS A Certificate may be issued to a manufacturer or a dealer, which has demonstrated that the certification requirements for issuance are met. Before Initial issuance of a certificate, one or more of the following topics shall be successfully completed. a) Initial type testing of the product b) Document review of the FPC system c) Product verification d) Initial inspection of the manufacturing plant and of the FPC The topics to be implemented, and the extent of these topics, are shown in the certification rules and / or standards. When non-conformities have been raised, corrective actions shall be performed by the applicant and the implementation will be verified by DNV GL, before issuing the certificate. 4.1 Application Upon a Request For Quotation (RFQ) sent by an applicant, DNV GL will review the obtained information. The RFQ shall contain information about the applicant as well as information about the product(s) and FPC system subject to certification. When DNV GL finds the information about the applicant and the product(s) to be sufficient, the quotation process can be conducted. The RFQ should state the type of PFE for which the certificate is required. The following documentation shall be forwarded to DNV GL: Copy of complete type-testing report in relation to EN 3-7, containing all test results issued by a DNV GL approved laboratory. The PFE labelling and instruction in Swedish or multilingual language (incl. Swedish). Assembly drawing of the PFE, for which the certificate is required, showing the constituent components and dimensions. Once the scope of the requested certification project has been established and understood, by collecting sufficient information, a quote will sent to the applicant. When the applicant has already been certified by DNV GL for similar type of products, produced at a manufacturing plant already inspected and approved by DNV GL, the RFQ shall be treated as a scope extension of the existing quotation. If the existing Certification Agreement does not cover the scope extension, a revised Certification Agreement will be sent to the customer for signing. 4.2 Planning DNV GL will setup a plan for the evaluation activities to allow for the necessary arrangements to be managed. Ann-Louise Pått Ann-Louise Pått of 9

3 4.3 Preliminary assessment An applicant, not ready for an initial inspection, may ask DNV GL to perform a voluntary preliminary assessment. The extent of such an assessment should cover a representative part of the FPC system. The preliminary assessments will provide an indication to the applicant whether relevant aspects of the standards requirements, has been addressed. Preliminary assessment is a service offered to applicants prior to commencement of the certification process. It is optional and does not normally form part of the certification process. The result may cause discussions between the applicant and DNV GL regarding the compliance of the FPC system with EN 3-10 requirements. If so DNV GL can only give the applicant facts about the interpretation of the different requirements. 4.4 Type testing (TT) of the product The manufacturer shall make the following available to an EN ISO/IEC and EN 3-7 accredited testing laboratory for assessment: a batch of 50 extinguishers from which the number of extinguishers necessary for the verification shall be taken; the extinguisher selected shall be regarded as prototypes full documentation (drawings, technical files, etc.) of the extinguisher to be tested; a documentation relating to the extinguisher media; a technical data sheet of the extinguisher to be tested in accordance with EN 3-10, Annex B. The testing laboratory shall issue a laboratory test report in accordance with EN 3-10, Annex C. 4.5 Document review of the FPC system Prior to the initial inspection of the implementation of the FPC and the initial inspection of the manufacturing plant, DNV GL shall verify whether the applicable requirements described in EN 3-10, clause 7 "Factory Production Control" are dealt with. If this is not the case DNV GL will inform the applicant about the non-compliances found and request corrective actions and an updated version of the documents. When the documentation is accepted a date for the initial inspection of the FPC and the manufacturing plant will be agreed upon. 4.6 Product verification Prior to technical review DNV GL will verify the test results from the ITT in order to find out whether all requirements relating to the DNV GL labelling of PFE have been met. For this purpose one completed PFE of each type is selected. Product verification includes the following: Review of documentation in relation to type-testing. Review of labelling 4.7 Initial inspection of the manufacturing plant and of the FPC During the initial inspection DNV GL will assess whether the documented FPC system is implemented in accordance with the requirements of EN 3-10, clause 7. Items found not to be in compliance are classified as observations, minor and major non-conformities, and reported at the end of the closing meeting. Initial inspection of the manufacturing plant and of the FPC will cover the following clauses, which are defined in ISO 9001: Implementation of the applicants FPC system with respect to: o 4.2 Documentation requirements, except a) o 5.1 e) Ensuring the availability of resources o Responsibility and authority o Management representative o 6 Resource management o 7.1 Planning of product realisation except 7.1 a) o c) Customer communication, information coming back from customers and customer complaints o 7.4 Purchasing Ann-Louise Pått Ann-Louise Pått of 9

4 o 7.5 Production and service provision o 7.6 Control of monitoring and measuring devices o Monitoring and measurement of processes o Monitoring and measurement of product o 8.3 Control of non-conforming product o Corrective action. Relevancy of the test plan concerning products/characteristics/test methods o EN 3-10, clause 9 Items to be regularly checked and recorded during production o EN 3-7, clause 16.2 Marking of the product The initial inspection will be documented in a written inspection report and when applicable, a list of findings is attached. A report containing the results of the assessment of the FPC system, related documents and the initial inspection of the factory, will be sent to the applicant within an agreed time after the initial inspection, normally not longer than 6 weeks. The applicant shall inform DNV GL about the corrective actions taken within 3 months after receiving the report from the initial inspection. When DNV GL classifies the corrective actions as not sufficient, DNV GL may cease the certification process and the applicant will be informed about this decision. 4.8 Issuance of certificate When the applicable activities TT, Document review, Product verification and Initial inspection, have been conducted and the requirements in the mentioned standards are fulfilled, a certificate can be issued. In the case where non-compliances have been detected, these shall be dealt with to the satisfaction of DNV GL before issuance of certificate. An internal technical review of the records will be performed by DNV GL before issuance of certificate. The product certificate will have a unique number and contains the following information: The name and address of the applicant The scope of the certification (products and FPC) Applicable scheme (ISO/IEC 17067:2013, scheme 5) Reference to EN 3-7:2004+A1:2007 and EN 3-10:2009 The name and address of DNV GL The certificate validity start date The certificate expire date The date of certificate issuance The name and signature of the DNV GL Management Representative Annex o Certificate history etc For each manufacturing plant a single certificate is issued. A certificate can only include products from a single manufacturer. The certificate will have a validity period of 5 years from the date of the approved internal technical review. Before the certificate can be renewed for another 5 year period, DNV GL will verify that the following requirements are fulfilled: Yearly surveillance audits performed where all identified non-compliancies have been handled All product types have been tested during the certification period No change in material/product 4.9 Surveillance inspections DNV GL will perform planned surveillance inspections, of the manufacturing plant and FPC, annually and in the same way as the initial inspection was performed. During surveillance inspections DNV GL will evaluate that the FPC system and products continues to meet the requirements. Ann-Louise Pått Ann-Louise Pått of 9

5 If the surveillance inspection shows that the requirements are not met, the certificate holder shall immediately carry out appropriate corrective actions, and if necessary, stop the certification marking of the products and withhold the products of the same batch until the cause and extent of the nonconformity is found and corrected. The surveillance audit will cover the requirements in EN 3-10, Annex A, as well as: Verification of the implementation of the controls, tests and frequencies relating to EN 3-10, clause 9. Follow up on changes made in the FPC system and findings from previous inspection Marking of the product(s) The test equipment and test methods used are assessed as part of the initial inspection of FPC and may be assessed also during each surveillance inspections. EN 3-10, Table 1 and 2, states the required test frequencies for the PFE. However, all certified PFEs shall be tested once during a five year period. DNV GL will inform the certificate holder about the results of the surveillance inspection(s) and the surveillance inspection will be documented in a written inspection report, and where applicable, a list of findings. DNV GL decides whether the certificate will remain valid on the basis of the results from the surveillance inspection. When DNV GL has reported non-compliance the certificate holder shall investigate and correct the noncompliance. The cause of the non-compliance and the effectiveness of the corrective action shall be reported to DNV GL. Non-conforming products shall be adjusted to meet the requirements. Otherwise the certification mark shall be removed from the product. When necessary, the product shall be sent for destruction. Similar measures should be taken for products already delivered to the market. DNV GL may decide to carry out further visits if serious deficiencies in the FPC are identified. In the case of non-implementation of suitable corrective action, or continuing non-compliance (nonconformities), DNV GL shall advise the certificate holder of the action it intends to take. DNV GL can decide to suspend or withdraw the certificate when the requirements are not met. A new certificate can in this case only be issued on the basis of a new inspection Non-scheduled visits DNV GL reserves the right to perform non-scheduled visits and/or supplementary tests related to the certified products. Such visits will take place if DNV GL has reasons to suspect deviations from standard requirements on the product(s), deviations from the certification conditions etc Scope extension/change When the certificate holder wishes to extend or change the scope of the product certificate the following applies: New product: a) Initial type testing of the product b) Product verification c) Verification at next surveillance audit that the new product is implemented in the FPC-system Change of product: a) Type testing of the product b) Product verification c) Verification at next surveillance audit that the changes of the product is implemented in the FPCsystem When the certificate holder wishes to add a new manufacturing plant the following applies: a) Initial type testing of the products produced att the new plant b) Document review of the FPC system c) Product verification d) Initial inspection of the manufacturing plant and of the FPC Ann-Louise Pått Ann-Louise Pått of 9

6 In the case where non-compliances have been detected, these shall be dealt with to the satisfaction of DNV GL before issuance of certificate. 5 REFUSAL OF CERTIFICATION Certification will be refused when the applicant fails to close reported non-conformities within 3 months after receiving the non-conformity report from the initial inspection. DNV GL will communicate refusal of certification to the applicant in writing. Information regarding the appeal procedures will be given. 6 MAINTAINING THE CERTIFICATE The certificate holder shall at all times ensure that the requirements of the standards under the certification scope are complied with and undergo all DNV GL scheduled assessment activities. Corrective actions to identified findings shall be implemented within the set time limit. The fees, as stipulated in the certification agreement, shall be paid following the conditions for payment stated therein. The certificate holder is also obliged to keep a record of all complaints concerning the products under the certification scope with regard to the standard requirements. DNV GL will verify that the certificate holder has taken relevant corrective actions for these complaints in conjunction with the surveillance inspections. 7 TERMINATION, REDUCTION, SUSPENSION AND WITHDRAWAL OF CERTIFICATION 7.1 Termination of the certification by request of the certificate holder The certificate holder may terminate the certificate at any time provided that DNV GL receives a written communication at least 60 days prior the requested termination date, authorizing DNV GL to invoice all activities up to that date. The certificate holder is obliged to return the certificate to DNV GL when he has terminated the certification. After the end of the termination period the certificate holder shall stop all DNV GL marking of the products and all references to certification in advertising or other publicity for the products. DNV GL will remove the certificate from the list of DNV GL certified customers. 7.2 Reduction of certification When the scope of certification is reduced by the certificate holder, DNV GL shall be informed about the change in writing. DNV GL shall confirm the request and make relevant changes in the formal certification documents, public information, authorisations for use of marks, etc. When the scope of certification is reduced by the certification scheme, DNV GL will inform the certificate holder about the changes and make relevant changes in the formal certification documents, public information, authorisations for use of marks, etc. When a certification is reduced the certificate holder has lost the right to use the DNV GL certificate, certification mark and all references to the certification in advertising or other publicity for the products affected by the reduction. the certificate holder is obliged to inform his stakeholders about the reduction and return the certificate to DNV GL or shred this. if DNV GL requires, the certificate holder has to remove the DNV GL certification mark from any given products affected by the reduction, available at the factory or dealer's stock. Ann-Louise Pått Ann-Louise Pått of 9

7 7.3 Suspension of certification Suspension of a certification is normally initiated as the first step, followed by a withdrawal if the issue of concern is not resolved within due time. However, dependent on the seriousness of the situation, DNV GL may decide a direct withdrawal of the certification. When a certification is suspended, DNV GL will as soon as possible communicate, in writing, the following to the client: confirmation of the suspension the agreed period and the conditions for lifting the suspension during the suspension period the following applies: o no inspections will be performed o no DNV GL marked products are allowed to be put on the market o all references to certification in advertising, or other publicity of the products, shall be stopped the certificate holder has lost the right to use the DNV GL certificate, certification mark and all references to the certification in advertising or other publicity for the products affected by the suspension. the certificate holder is obliged to inform his stakeholders about the suspension. if DNV GL requires, the certificate holder has to remove the DNV GL certification mark from any given products affected by the suspension, available at the factory or dealer's stock. DNV GL will evaluate and review the corrective actions taken by the certificate holder, either by desktop audit or by on-site inspection, and decide whether the certification shall be reinstated or not, or to be reduced in scope. The suspension of the certification will be lifted when the conditions are found to be satisfying, and the product(s) and FPC system are in compliance with the EN 3-7 and EN 3-10 requirements. A certification shall generally not be suspended for more than three months, where the case should either be resolved, and the certificate reissued, or should be escalated to a withdrawal process Reasons for suspension: When a temporary interruption of the production occurs, the certificate may be suspended by request of the certificate holder The certificate is being misused The certificate is incorrectly issued The product is changed and the certificate holder has not informed DNV GL about it (i.e. so that equipment is no longer in accordance with test samples subjected to testing and as referenced in the test report), or DNV GL has pointed out any faults or defects on the product or FPC system, and those are insufficiently corrected o Violation of the terms of the signed certification agreement, including non-payment of fees or refusal of access to unexpected/periodic/planned assessments o Corrective actions not implemented within the agreed time-scale o Scheduled assessments not completed o Certificate holder voluntarily requesting temporary suspension o Incorrect use of the certification mark o Information from stakeholders that could affect the status of certificate (i.e. noncompliance to regulatory/statutory requirements) o Changes in the product design or production process, without properly informing DNV GL A certificate may also be suspended if SWEDAC imposes DNV GL to suspend the certification scheme 7.4 Withdrawal of certification DNV GL may decide to withdraw the certification and, in such cases, the certificate holder will be informed as soon as possible. When a certification is withdrawn, DNV GL will as soon as possible communicate, in writing, the following to the client: Ann-Louise Pått Ann-Louise Pått of 9

8 the certificate holder has lost the right to DNV GL certification mark the products and refer to the certification. the certificate holder is obliged to stop the DNV GL certification marking and all references to the certification in advertising or other publicity for the products. the certificate holder is obliged to inform his stakeholders and return the certificate to DNV GL or shred this. if DNV GL requires, the certificate holder has to remove the DNV GL certification mark from any given products, available at the factory or dealer's stock. New certificate can only be issued after a new certification process Reasons for withdrawal: DNV GL has the right to withdraw a certification: when issues that resulted in a suspension has not been resolved within the time limits set for the case immediately when it is found that the certificate holder has used the DNV GL mark on, or in relation with, products that does not fulfil the requirements or are not covered by the certificate or that the certificate holder otherwise has violated the provisions for the certification when fees or inspection costs are not paid on time, after reminders when it is found that the certificate holder has become insolvent or gone into liquidation DNV GL will also withdraw the certification when: the certification scheme has been revised and the certificate holder don t want, or is not capable, to fulfil the revised requirements within the defined transition period if SWEDAC imposes DNV GL to withdraw the certification DNV GL or SWEDAC is denied to have access to the certificate holder or relevant information about certified products or the FPC system the certificate holder no longer exist as a legal entity 8 CHANGES AFFECTING THE CERTIFICATION DNV GL will handle changes affecting the certification according to applicable parts of the certification process, see clause Changes in certification documents When new or revised requirements are introduced in the certification scheme, EN 3-7 or EN 3-10 standards, DNV GL will communicate this to the certificate holder. DNV GL will verify the implementation of the changes at the next surveillance inspection. DNV GL will evaluate and review the implementation of the changes made by the certificate holder and decide whether the certification shall be approved or not. 8.2 Changes made by the certificate holder The certificate holder shall report to DNV GL all changes in the product design and/or production (i.e. changes in the organisation, ownership, new products, modifications to the factory and services, location etc.) and FPC, which may reasonably be considered to have an effect on the certification. The reporting shall be performed within a reasonable time and preferably before implementation of such a change. DNV GL will evaluate and review the changes made by the certificate holder and decide whether the certification shall be approved or not. 9 COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS Complaints and appeals can be made by certificate holder / applicant or a third party to DNV GL about defects or disputes related to certification activities. DNV GL is required to maintain a documented procedure to receive, evaluate and make decisions on complaints and appeals. DNV GL will, upon request, give detailed information about the procedure. All complaints and appeals will be recorded and traceable, as well as actions undertaken to resolve them. Ann-Louise Pått Ann-Louise Pått of 9

9 Upon receipt of a complaint or appeal DNV GL will verify whether it relates to certification activities for which DNV GL is responsible. If so, DNV GL will address it. Written confirmation of received complaints or appeal are sent to the complainant within 5 working days. DNV GL is responsible for gathering and verifying all necessary information (as far as possible) to progress the complaint or appeal to a decision. DNV GL will inform the complainant of the outcome of the complaint process as soon as decision has been taken. When a complaint is rejected, it may be appealed to a final decision by the DNV GL Certification committee. DNV GL will inform the appellant of the outcome of the appeal process as soon as decision has been taken. When a complaint gives reason to justifiable doubt about the accuracy of an issued certificate, DNV GL will take corrective action. This may lead to suspension or withdrawal of the certificate. 10 USE OF CERTIFICATION MARK (THE DNV GL LABEL) The certificate holder has the right to mark the certified products, covered by this certification rules, and to use the mark in marketing of the certified product(s). All certificate holders have access to the certification mark of DNV GL, to be used in their marketing material, on notepaper etc. to show that their product(s) is/are certified. The use of the certification mark on certified products does not make DNV GL responsible for the marked products or their compliance to EN 3-7. The certification mark may be affixed on certificate holder s public relations material, provided it is directly related to the product which has been certified, and that the explanatory text is sufficiently precise (i.e. on product data sheet: The product has been certified by DNV GL <<LOGO>> ). The certification mark shall only be affixed in standard size and design. Standard size and design may be obtained from DNV GL on request. The certification mark shall never be shown larger than certificate holder s own logo, but the certification mark shall always be shown in its entirety. The certificate holder shall consult DNV GL in respect of use of the certification mark. The product marking shall be presented and approved by DNV GL prior to certificate issuance. The right to use the certification mark ends when the certificate validity end date is passed, the certificate has been cancelled, suspended or withdraw. The certification mark can be printed directly on the extinguisher s label together with other information, or can be a manufactured label which shall be affixed to the extinguisher. No PFE included in the certificate may be sold in Sweden by the certificate holder without having been provided with the certification mark. PFEs which are on stock to be sold shall be provided with the certification mark. Incorrect references to the certification scheme or misleading use of certificates, marks, or any other mechanism for indicating that a product is certified may cause suspension or withdrawal of the certification. 11 DIRECTORY OF CERTIFIED PRODUCTS DNV GL keeps a directory of the DNV GL certificates, listing product scope and manufacturing plants. This is available upon request. Ann-Louise Pått Ann-Louise Pått of 9