1. 2009 IECEx Melbourne ExTAG Training Workshop Overview of IECEx Assessments of ExCBs and ExTLs
Michel BRENON
IEC ExTAG Secretary
Director Certification, BV LCIE France
Focus on how the IEC operates and produces the standards.

2. IECEx reports to IEC Conformity Assessment Board (CAB)
IECEx is Part of the IEC
IEC Founded in 1906, the IEC is an international organization whose mission is to promote international co-operation on all questions of standardization and related matters in the field of electrotechnology
“Related matters” means Conformity Assessment or Certification Standards and Worldwide Systems
IECEx reports to IEC Conformity Assessment Board (CAB)
Range of activity covered by IEC is enormous.

3. IECEx ExCB / ExTL Assessments - Topics
Purpose
Model used
Line of Reporting
Structure

4. To Develop Confidence and Easier Acceptation:
PURPOSE ?? Why
To Develop Confidence and Easier Acceptation:
Trained + Competent personnel with Ex testing/assessment knowledge
Appropriate Facilities for testing / assessment / certification
That systems used by ExCBs/ExTLs complies with minimum requirements of
ISO/IEC Standards + Guides, eg 17025, Guide 65
IECEx Operational Documents + Rules
ExTAG Decisions
Confidence that the ExCB / ExTR operates the IECEx way.

5. IECEx Assessment of ExCBs, ExTLs - Model Used
Gathering of objective evidence to demonstrate compliance
Documentation Reviews
Formal report prepared/ Reviewed by Secretariat
Site visits
Witness testing
Inspection
Technical meeting / evaluation of staff
Review files records
Review internal Audits
Review accreditation audits
Report submitted for formal voting

6. Line of Reporting
Through the Secretariat Assessment Team reports to the IECEx Management Committee
ExMC have final decision on acceptance of ExCB / ExTL
Appeal process via ExMC is available
ExMC Reports to CAB via IECEx Chairman

7. Structure IECEx Rules of Procedures require
At least one person from ExCB / ExTL on assessment team
Assessment team covers technology scope of ExTL / ExCB application.
Use of IECEx Technical Guidance Documents
ExMC approving the acceptance of ExCBs/ExTLs

8. IECEx Mode of Operation
Scheme operation similar to the “Franchise Model” with a single set of Rules and Operational Procedures adopted by ALL ExTLs and ExCBs
Focus for assessments of Candidate ExTLs and ExCBs
Ensure they integrate/adopt IECEx ODs as part of the internal Quality System and understand + implement them
Consistency in assessments of candidate ExTLs and ExCBs due to use of common assessor pool
5 year re-assessment program of previously accepted bodies.

9. IECEx ExTL + ExCB Assessment
IECEx 02 Rules – Clause to
iecex02 (ed 3).pdf
Determine Acceptance at National Level
Integration of IECEx Rules and ODs, eg OD 009
OD009_Version1_IECEx_OpsManual_Issued.doc into their internal Quality system
Compliance with ISO/IEC Guide 65 (OD 007 Checklist)
Linkage with at least one ExTL, where integral a clear separation between testing and certification
Ability to conduct Quality Audits of Manufacturers to OD 005 and compliance with OD 025
Compile site assessment Report (OD 006)
Prepare final voting Report to ExMC

10. IECEx ExTL + ExCB Assessment
ExTL Assessment:
IECEx 02 Rules – Clause to
iecex02 (ed 3).pdf
Determine Acceptance at National Level
Integration of IECEx Rules and ODs, eg OD 012(GUM)
OD_012_ExTAG_GUM_Edition_2.doc into their internal Quality system Plus ExTAG Decision sheets
Compliance with ISO/IEC (OD 018 Checklist)
Linkage with at least one ExCB
Compile TGDs for the relevant protection concepts. Note now being used by National Accreditors
Technical interview with ExTL staff re competence assessment
Witness conduct of tests and assessments
Review of issued reports

11. Summary of IECEx Assessment Records
Completed TGDs
+ Check Lists
Site Assessment Audit Plan, Reports + Notes, eg Follow Up Actions
Original Application
Information
+ Forms
Original Application
Information
+ Forms
Surveillance Schedule and Information
Retained by IECEx Secretariat
Available to IECEx Member Bodies
Summary Voting Report
Available to ALL IECEx Member Bodies
Surveillance information and reporting by IECEx Secretariat

12. Surveillance of ExCBs and ExTLs
Where National accreditation found to comply with IECEx requirements
Periodic check by Secretariat on status and scope of National accreditation
Internal auditing by ExCB and ExTL
Notification of any changes, eg re-location, ownership, loss of key personnel etc
5 Year re-assessments
Where Body does not have acceptable national accreditation
Annual surveillance visits by an IECEx Assessor
Notification of any change eg re-location, ownership, loss of key personnel etc
Where ExTL has national accred. But ExCB does not – annual surveillance shall be conducted

13. Surveillance of the IECEx System
Dedicated Technical Secretariat with the role of Scheme CEO
Secretariat reports to IECEx Chairman and Officers between meetings and to full IECEx Management Committee
Annual meetings of ExMC and IECEx Technical Committee, ExTAG + ExMarkCo
Constant monitoring of the Scheme, including industry inquiries to IECEx Secretariat.
IECEx Chairman and Secretariat report TWICE per year to the IEC Conformity Assessment Board (12 Member IEC Board) at meetings
Any IECEx Member Country may request a change or improvement.

14. Thank you.