1. Jim Munro Chairman IECEx Panel of Assessors
Feedback from assessments of ExCBs and ExTLs – Areas where difficulties are experienced
Jim Munro
Chairman IECEx Panel of Assessors

2. Scope of presentation This training session will:
Look at some common problems and how to overcome or avoid them
Discuss IECEx and other documents ExCBs and ExTLs need to consider
Discuss some of the approaches that can be used to help bodies be accepted

3. Problems?

4. Types of issues/problems
Applying IECEx Procedures
System issues related to ISO/IEC Guide 65 and 17025
Technical issues
Other Issues

5. Applying IECEx Procedures - ExCB
IECEx 02 IECEx Scheme rules of procedure
OD/003 IECEx Assessment procedures
OD/005 Quality System requirements for manufacturers
OD/009 Issuing of CoCs, ExTRs and QARs
ExMC/161/CD Management of assessment and surveillance programs for manufacturers
OD/017 Drawing and documentation guidance
Other ODs

6. Applying IECEx Procedures – ExTL
IECEx 02 IECEx Scheme rules of procedure
OD/003 IECEx Assessment procedures
IECEx Operational Document OD/009 Issuing of CoCs, ExTRs and QARs
Other ODs
IECEx Technical Guidance Documents (TGDs)
ExTAG Decision Sheets

7. Applying IECEx Procedures -
Use of data, subcontracting and off site testing
New OD024V1 Use of ‘Other Testing Laboratories’
A Manufacturer Testing Laboratory
An End-User Testing Laboratory
For third party laboratories - hierarchy:
IECEx
IECEE
Local accreditation
No accreditation
Assessment and Control

8. Applying IECEx Procedures -
Appeals – to IECEx
Manufacturing surveillance
Adjustment where local system is different (not a Type 5 Scheme)
Ensuring QARs are issued
ExTRs
Blanks in completed ExTRs
Lack of supporting data
Referencing to ATEX component certificates – see Decision Sheets 2004/006 and 2006/002

9. Applying IECEx Procedures -
Clear delineation of responsibilities of people within ExCB and ExTL, including:
Who makes certification decision
Who signs what
Deputies where necessary

10. Guide 65 and 17025 Using uncontrolled pieces of paper:
For recording results
For useful data such as conversion lookup tables
Capturing and retaining original data
Internal audits - Not always done to schedule
Calibration
Instruments not in calibration
Extending calibration periods

11. Technical Issues Technical issues related to: Equipment Procedures
Competency

12. Technical Issues –IP Testing
Dust testing – keeping dust in circulation
Humidity - heating
Vibrators – rappers – hoses
Slope of hoppers
Viewing windows
Water testing –
Temperature differential - control temperature or use of pressure balance
Nozzle calibration

13. Technical Issues –Intrinsic Safety
Intrinsic safety assessment
Lack of guidance material
OD021V2
Spark test apparatus
Inductors and capacitors
Temperature classification
Measurement
Assessment
Small component ignition

14. Technical Issues – Flameprooof
Flameproof pressure determination systems
Understanding
Calibration approaches
Gas measurement

15. Technical Issues – Temperature Measurement
Lack of attention to measurement techniques
Thermocouple and system calibration
Thermocouple attachment
Hot spot location

16. General issues Use of latest 17025 – 1 June 2007
Unusual test equipment
Accreditation
Use of pre-assessments

17. Conclusion
Despite the seeming long list of issues here – everyone seems to get there in the end!