S-A-01-G:2010 - Accreditation Standard Guide
S-A-01-G:2010 - Accreditation Standard Guide (PDF, 62 KB, 19 pages)
(revised 2013-03-06)
Table of Contents
- Revisions Table
- Introduction
- 1.0 Scope
- 2.0 Definitions
- 3.0 Responsibilities
- 4.0 Quality Management System Requirements
- 5.0 Management Responsibility
- 6.0 Resource Management
- 7.0 Product Realization
- 8.0 Measurement, Analysis, and Improvement
- 9.0 Accreditation Process
- 9.1 General
- 9.2 Appeal Process
- 9.3 Suspension of Accreditation
- 9.4 Revocation of Accreditation
- 9.5 Expansions of Scope, Minor Revisions and Expansions to Additional Locations
- 9.6 Changes to Accredited Organizations
Revisions Table
This document will continue to be periodically reviewed by Measurement Canada to ensure its effectiveness with respect to its objectives. The following revisions are authorized by:
Alan E. Johnston
President
Measurement Canada
| Date of Revision or Addition | Language | Section | Nature of the Revision or Addition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-03-06 | English & French | Throughout the document | Minor editorial corrections. |
| 2013-03-06 | English & French | 1.2.2 | Add a reference to Bulletin GEN-41. Add a note regarding Canadian Grain Commission inspectors. |
| 2013-03-06 | English & French | 3.2 | Move from S-A-01 the paragraph about the number of persons requiring the mandatory training. |
| 2013-03-06 | English & French | 3.3 f) | Removed, no longer necessary since a revision to S-A-01 in 2008. |
| 2013-03-06 | English & French | 3.4 | Add information that was in the Appendix 1 of the guide. |
| 2013-03-06 | English & French | 4.2.2 (E&G) | Benefits to specify the particular ranges intended to be verified or reverified. |
| 2013-03-06 | English & French | 6.2.2 | Move to S-A-01 text about technicians' recognition and maintenance of their knowledge. Add information about specialized training that is not yet available through Measurement Canada. |
| 2013-03-06 | English & French | 7.1 | Remove the first paragraph and add a link to section 1.2 of S-A-01 to ensure consistent interpretation. Move to S-A-01 the last paragraph. |
| 2013-03-06 | English & French | 7.6 | Replace the frequency of the ice point test by a reference to Bulletin V-24. |
| 2013-03-06 | English & French | 9.6 | When changes are made to the organization, notify early on Measurement Canada for a smooth transition. |
| 2013-03-06 | English & French | Appendix 1 | Remove the appendix and move the information to section 3.4. |
| 2013-03-06 | English & French | Appendix 2 | Removed, information will be available through the regional coordinator/auditor. |
Introduction
This edition of S-A-01-G:2010 provides guidance for the application of S-A-01:2010. To facilitate cross referencing to S-A-01:2010 and ISO 9001:2008 this document has the same clause structure as those standards.
The information contained in this supplementary document does not entail additional requirements. This document provides guidance, direction, and clarification regarding the development, implementation and maintenance of quality systems that are intended to satisfy the requirements contained in S-A-01.
1.0 Scope
The purpose of this document is to give guidance to enable applicants and other users to have improved consistency, clarity and understanding when applying the requirements of S-A-01. However, this guidance document does not add to, or otherwise change, the requirements of S-A-01.
1.1 Applicability
This document gives guidance to the following users:
- applicants who want to implement the latest version of S-A-01; and
- parties that need to assess the implementation of accreditation program requirements.
1.2 Scope of Measurement Canada Accreditation Program
1.2.1 Under the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act
The inspection of a conditionally approved device by an ASP is allowed, however certain guidelines are to be followed prior to a device being inspected and these guidelines can be found in bulletin GEN-04.
1.2.2 Under the Weights and Measures Act
An organization that is accredited for field inspections is also authorized to conduct inspections at the request of an organization (that is accredited or is not accredited), at the place of business of the organization making the request or in the field, provided that all requirements, including inspection conditions described in the test procedures and S-A-01:2010, section 7.6 Control of monitoring and measuring devices, are met by the accredited organization conducting the inspection.
The inspection of a conditionally approved device by an ASP is allowed, however certain guidelines are to be followed prior to a device being inspected and these guidelines can be found in bulletin GEN-04.
Bulletin GEN-41 — Type Approval and Inspection of Devices: Clarification of What Is Considered Trade clarifies which activities are considered trade in order to determine whether devices used in trade require type approval and inspection.
Note: Device inspections at companies licensed by the Canadian Grain Commission as transfer or terminal elevators are typically provided by Canadian Grain Commission inspectors who have been recognized by Measurement Canada.
1.3 Excluded from the Scope of the Accreditation Program
No guidance provided
1.4 Eligibility
1.4.1 Additional Eligibility Requirement Applicable to Weights and Measures
Measurement Canada will not accept any applications from organizations unless they are established legal entities such as organizations that are incorporated under the laws of Canada or the laws of one of the Provinces.
2.0 Definitions
2.1 Definitions Applicable to all Organizations
No guidance provided.
2.2 Additional Definitions Applicable to Organizations Seeking Accreditation Pursuant to the Weights and Measures Act
Site: Additional Location or Site Related to Weights and Measures
An additional location or site is a location that has received delegated authority from its accredited headquarters to make decisions that can impact on the quality system. This authority is typically associated with a middle management role or supervisory role.
Such delegated authority for management at this additional location or site could be for one or more of the following:
- the training or evaluation of competencies of the technicians, as they relate to inspection duties; or
- storage of quality records (e.g. records for: training, device inspection, standards calibration and designation); or
- ensuring a valid calibration and designation of standards used for inspection purposes.
This list is not exhaustive and there could be other factors that may be considered to establish a location as an additional location or site by Measurement Canada.
2.3 Additional Definitions Applicable to Organizations Seeking Accreditation Pursuant to the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act
No guidance provided.
3.0 Responsibilities
3.1 Measurement Canada
- The frequency of audits of remote locations and sites is dependent on the extent of the processes and activities at the remote location or site.
3.2 Accredited Organizations and Organizations Seeking Accreditation
Organizations seeking accreditation to perform inspections pursuant to the Weights and Measures Act should define the number of persons requiring the mandatory training from Measurement Canada.
3.3 Additional Responsibilities Related to Weights and Measures Applicants
b) This requirement applies to technicians who will perform work on behalf of the organization in its capacity as designated inspector for Measurement Canada.
The declaration regarding a criminal offence can be sent directly by the organization's top management to the President of Measurement Canada or to the local Measurement Canada regional manager ASD programs (who would in turn forward it to the President). This declaration from top management should be in writing and also include a statement confirming if, to the best of their knowledge, the past offence has no negative impact on the individual's present behaviour or negative effect upon his job performance. The statement should also include the duration of employment of the individual by the organization.
3.4 Fees Payable to Measurement Canada
All fees are subject to applicable taxes.
Examples of Fees Payable to Measurement Canada
Example 1
Accreditation audit conducted in January 2012; no expansions of scope are granted in 2012.
Fee payable = Accreditation Audit Fee $1000.00 (plus applicable taxes)
Example 2
Accreditation audit conducted in January 2012; one expansion of scope audit is conducted prior to the end December 2012.
Fee payable = Accreditation Audit $1000.00 (plus applicable taxes)
= Expansion of Scope Audit $1000.00 (plus applicable taxes)
Example 3
Accreditation audit conducted in January 2012. Combined expansion of scope and surveillance audit conducted in 2023.
Fee payable for year 2012 = Accreditation Audit Fee $1000.00 (plus applicable taxes)
Fee payable for year 2023 = Expansion of Scope / Surveillance Audit Fee $1000.00 (plus applicable taxes)
Guidance applicable to Weights and Measures
If an organization wishes to send 3 individuals on a 5 day training session which starts at 1:00 p.m. on Monday and ends at noon on Friday of the same week, the fees would be:
3 individuals x 5 days x $100 each = $1500 (plus applicable taxes)
There are no fees for practical evaluations.
4.0 Quality Management System Requirements
4.1 General Requirements
Where the term procedure is used, it is meant to include other mechanisms for describing activities or actions, such as processes, process flow charts, other diagrams, etc.
Determining full compliance to these requirements is a two step process: documentation review and on-site auditing. Quality management system documentation submitted to Measurement Canada for documentation review should demonstrate a commitment to meeting the S-A-01 requirements. Technical procedures should reference the forms that are completed in the process. Evidence that the procedures are effective in meeting requirements is usually confirmed at the time of audit.
Organizations may structure their quality management system documentation in any fashion, as long as all of the identified ISO 9001:2008, and the additional Measurement Canada requirements are adequately addressed.
4.2 Documentation Requirements
4.2.1 General
No guidance provided.
4.2.2 Quality Manual
Guidance Applicable to Weights and Measures
An accredited organization is not required to list the makes and models of devices in its quality management system manual. However, the device model number should appear on the test report form that is completed when an inspection is performed and a certificate is issued.
Guidance Applicable to Electricity and Gas
The required list may be part of the quality management system documentation or be maintained through other means.
Certain device types may have particular makes and models with various available ranges. In such cases, specifying the particular ranges intended to be verified or reverified, assists in ensuring the organization has measuring apparatus and test equipment to cover all applicable ranges of operation.
4.2.3 Control of Documents
Guidance Applicable to Weights and Measures
Accredited organizations may choose to provide their personnel with either paper or electronic (i.e. CD) copies of the documents mentioned in S-A-01:2010. As an option, it is also acceptable that accredited organizations refer to the documents located on the Measurement Canada website provided that their personnel, including those who perform field inspections, have direct access to them at all times. Accredited organizations may chose to make available to their personnel, copies of Measurement Canada's Weights and Measures Inspection Manual (Field Inspection Manual, Inspection Procedure Outlines and Standard Test Procedures for Mass and Volume) as work instructions; or include their own evaluation and inspection procedures in their quality management system documentation in the form of work instructions that have been reviewed and accepted by Measurement Canada prior to implementation.
4.2.4 Control of Records
An organization can establish and maintain inspection and test records in a variety of ways (travellers, field notes, test reports, checklists, etc.). Inspection and test records may refer to the applicable Weights and Measures Standard Test Procedures and Inspection Procedure Outlines without repeating their content. Inspection and test records may be designed to cover a variety of device types in a single record.
Evidence that records have been established and maintained is determined during the on-site audit process.
Guidance Applicable to Weights and Measures
Appendix 5 of S-A-01and the Weights and Measures Inspection Certificate Completion Manual provide all the necessary details regarding inspection certificates.
The local Measurement Canada district office where certificates are sent is the location determined by the organization and the Measurement Canada contact responsible for the organization's accredited headquarter.
5.0 Management Responsibility
5.1 Management Commitment
No guidance provided.
5.2 Customer Focus
No guidance provided.
5.3 Quality Policy
No guidance provided.
5.4 Planning
5.4.1 Quality Objectives
No guidance provided.
5.4.2 Quality Management System Planning
For Product Realization, organizations need only address those areas specified in section 1.2 of this standard. That is, when planning to address quality planning for inspection purposes, all legal requirements will be implemented within the context of section 1.2, in order to obtain or maintain accreditation.
Section 1.2 forms the auditing basis of this standard, in terms of processes addressed by an organization planning to perform inspections according to the applicable Act.
5.5 Responsibility, Authority and Communication
5.5.1 Responsibility and Authority
No guidance provided.
5.5.2 Management Representative
The management representative is responsible for liaising with Measurement Canada on matters relating to the accreditation of the organization and its quality management system.
5.5.3 Internal Communication
Organizations will not be required to establish and document procedures describing internal communication processes. The effectiveness of internal communications will be determined during the audit process.
5.6 Management Review
5.6.1 General
No guidance provided.
5.6.2 Review Input
Organizations will not be required to establish and document procedures describing the management review input process. The effectiveness of management review will be determined during the audit process. With the exception of customer satisfaction, Measurement Canada auditors will expect to see all review inputs addressed during the management review process.
No action will be taken by Measurement Canada if the organization does not consider customer satisfaction as an input to the management review process (also see sections 8.2.1 and 8.5.1 of this guide).
5.6.3 Review Output
Organizations will not be required to establish and document procedures describing the management review output process. Measurement Canada auditors will expect to see all review outputs addressed during the management review process, however Measurement Canada auditors will not expect improvements to products that exceed Measurement Canada legal requirements.
6.0 Resource Management
6.1 Provision of Resources
No guidance provided.
6.2 Human Resources
No guidance provided.
6.2.1 General
6.2.2 Competence, Training and Awareness
Guidance Applicable to Weights and Measures
Measurement Canada will evaluate all candidates through a theoretical examination, followed by a practical evaluation. Candidates who achieve satisfactory results in the theoretical and practical evaluations will be officially recognized within the scope of the organization's accreditation to inspect devices and issue certificates on behalf of Measurement Canada. For the theoretical evaluation, a satisfactory result is defined as a pass mark of 70% or higher. For the practical evaluation, a satisfactory result is defined as a pass mark of 70% or higher in each required section.
A trainee who fails the theoretical evaluation will be offered an opportunity to take a make up following a minimum 1 month delay from the previous exam and a maximum 6 month delay from the completion of the theoretical training. Should the trainee fail the make up exam, the trainee will have to repeat the training module. Training will not be offered to trainees who have failed a third attempt to pass the exam.
Practical evaluations are typically conducted on the most complex devices included on the accreditation application.
A trainee who fails the practical evaluation will be offered an opportunity to take a make up practical evaluation following a minimum delay of one week between the failure and the make up evaluation. Should the trainee fail the make up practical evaluation, the trainee will have to repeat the training module and theoretical evaluation. If a trainee fails a subsequent practical evaluation, he/she will not be qualified as a recognized technician by Measurement Canada.
Should a recognized technician attempt and fail subsequent practical evaluations while attempting to have any combination of additional device type(s) added to his Schedule A three consecutive times, the technician's recognition will be reassessed by the Measurement Canada regional coordinator or regional manager ASD and the Innovative Services Directorate. The assessment may result in a requirement to repeat theoretical training and practical evaluations for all device types or a recommendation to the President for the suspension of recognition or to permanently disqualify the technician.
A letter and training evaluation forms will be sent to the trainee and the trainee's organization advising of the results of the evaluation.
Successful completion of a practical evaluation, while an important step in becoming recognized to perform inspections, is not the final step and does not authorize the technician to inspect devices on Measurement Canada's behalf. The final step consists of authorization through Schedule A of the agreement between the organization and Measurement Canada.
Once recognized, if a technician is found to no longer have the knowledge or skills required, a nonconformance will be raised. The technician's authority to inspect and issue certificates may be temporarily suspended until such time as the technician can demonstrate the ability to again meet requirements.
Additional theoretical or practical evaluations of recognized technicians may be required when regulatory of procedural changes occur. Measurement Canada reserves the right to audit technicians at any time.
Recognized technicians who leave an accredited organization to work for another accredited organization will be re-evaluated before their names and competencies can be added to Appendix A of the new organization's agreement. The scope of the evaluation will be at the discretion of Measurement Canada.
In addition to training modules given by Measurement Canada, if a specialized training is not yet available through Measurement Canada, it may be given by an organization recognized by Measurement Canada. An organization may be recognized to deliver specialized theoretical training provided:
- the organization is accredited, or registered, or in the process of becoming accredited or registered;
- the organization's trainers have successfully passed the corresponding basic theoretical training given by Measurement Canada;
- the organization's trainers can demonstrate their qualifications (recognized facilitators course, years of experience working on the subject matter, education, etc);
- the organization's training modules are accepted and approved by Measurement Canada; and
- the organization's training modules are kept current with any significant changes made to inspection requirements or procedures.
Measurement Canada will remain responsible for evaluating all candidates through theoretical and practical evaluation. An organization recognized by Measurement Canada may deliver specialized training solely to technicians that successfully pass Measurement Canada's basic training in the corresponding discipline.
The recognition of an organization, to deliver specialized training, can be withdrawn at any time.
6.3 Infrastructure
No guidance provided.
6.4 Work Environment
No guidance provided.
7.0 Product Realization
7.1 Planning of Product Realization
Product realization is applied within the context of section 1.2 of S-A-01:2010 including all of the requirements a) thru e). Other production processes do not have to be addressed unless they incorporate aspects of final inspection.
7.2 Customer-Related Processes
7.2.1 Determination of Requirements Related to the Product
No guidance provided.
7.2.2 Review of Requirements Related to the Product
No guidance provided.
7.2.3 Customer Communication
No guidance provided.
7.3 Design and Development
Excluded from S-A-01:2010.
7.4 Purchasing
7.4.1 Purchasing Process
The packing, handling, storage, preservation and transportation of trade devices for which the accredited organization has responsibility may be outsourced. The necessary instructions should be given to the supplier, and effective processes should be implemented to control these activities.
Guidance Applicable to Weights and Measures
Accredited organizations may outsource the assembly and installation of devices (vehicle scales, hopper scales, loading rack meters, etc.). However, they should provide all the necessary instructions, plans, blueprints, etc.; and should exercise the necessary controls to ensure that the assembly and installation is done by the supplier in accordance with all the device manufacturer's specifications and instructions, and in accordance with Measurement Canada requirements.
Guidance Applicable to Electricity and Gas
Outsourcing of final inspection of devices; the responsibility for issuing inspection certificates, or the responsibility for selecting the sample to be evaluated is permitted where the supplier is also accredited by Measurement Canada for these activities.
For the purpose of obtaining accreditation pursuant to the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and Regulations, in instances where accredited organizations outsource the following should apply:
- activities outsourced by an accredited organization are considered to be part of its operations. Even if these activities are not directly performed by the accredited organization, the organization should address the activities as part of their quality management system. This includes evaluating suppliers. Suppliers may also be subject to Measurement Canada audit;
- accredited organizations that outsource for the provision of the services listed below should ensure that the supplier has been evaluated and performs these activities in a controlled manner:
- compliance sample lot formation and selection;
- validation and authorization of compliance sample lot formation and selection;
- retrieval of compliance sample meters;
- cleaning and calibration of meters for reverification, excluding compliance sample meters;
- inspection during verification, reverification (including compliance sampling), sealing issuing and retention of inspection certificates;
- the work of retrofitting diaphragm meters in situ with an Automatic Meter Reading Device (AMR);
- handling, storage, preservation and delivery;
- quality and inspection records; and
- internal audits;
- in all instances, when an accredited organization outsources device related activities, the organization is responsible for ensuring that the device related activities are carried out in a controlled manner. The accredited organization should set out the criteria and the basis for the selection of suppliers;
- the following services should only be outsourced to organizations that are also accredited to perform these activities:
- validation and authorization of compliance sample formation and selection;
- final inspection during verification, reverification (including compliance sampling), sealing of meters; and
- issuing and retention of inspection certificates;
- inspection, sealing, and issuing of the inspection certificate for any meter should be performed by the same organization;
- accredited organizations may only outsource the selection of compliance sample meters where a Measurement Canada accepted methodology is used. The validation and authorization of compliance sample lot formation and sample selection may only be performed by an organization which is accredited for compliance sampling of that meter type;
- for retrieval of compliance sample meters, conducted by non-accredited organizations, the handling, storage, preservation and delivery activities should be evaluated by the accredited organization which is outsourcing these services;
- in the case of shipping devices post inspection (including the return of compliance sample meters), the handling, storage, preservation and delivery requirements are to be applied to the original point of shipment. This does not absolve a meter owner or contractor from the responsibilities arising from section 16 of the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act. Measurement Canada may periodically monitor the performance of in-service meters. Any non-conformances arising from these monitoring activities should be addressed by the meter owner.
This guidance applies only to accredited organizations outsourcing the work of retrofitting diaphragm meters in situ with an Automatic Meter Reading Device (AMR). Those employed by an accredited organization who come under the direct control and supervision of the subject organization, may be recognized by Measurement Canada (MC) as being eligible to perform the AMR installation work, including the breaking of meter seals and the resealing of the meters being retrofitted. In this case, being employed by or under the control and direction of an accredited organization is sufficient. It is not required to be an employee of the organization. This means that an accredited organization can outsource the work but shall take actions to demonstrate that it has remained in control of the work performed by the supplier. Under no circumstance(s), will the outsourcing of work be permitted for the verification or reverification of meters.
The paired-difference experiment tests, which need to be performed for the purpose of establishing appropriate AMR installation procedures, will need to be accepted by MC prior to granting the expansion of scope. See Bulletin G-19 for the prerequisite details.
Sections 7.4.1 a, b and c of this guide are also applicable to outsourcing the work of retrofitting diaphragm meters in situ with an AMR.
7.4.2 Purchasing Information
Incoming replacement parts and device components should be inspected to ensure that they conform to the manufacturer's specifications and that they are of types approved by Measurement Canada.
7.4.3 Verification of Purchased Product
No guidance provided.
7.5 Production and Service Provision
7.5.1 Control of Production and Service Provision
No guidance provided.
7.5.2 Validation of Processes for Production and Service Provision
No guidance provided.
7.5.3 Identification and Traceability
For traceability purposes, the identification of the physical standard used for the inspection, can be done by recording the individual physical standard identification number, kit number or the series number (i.e. XX-01 to XX-20) on the inspection certificate, on a test report or any other document kept by the organization.
Guidance Applicable to Weights and Measures
As there is no legal requirement in the Weights and Measures Act, its regulations and in the related specifications for marking the year on a seal, the requirement in Appendix 4 for the year mark was removed. It was established that, until further notice, the use of the year mark on seals used by Authorized Service Providers is permissible and left up to each organization to apply or not as they see fit, and that Measurement Canada will not take any enforcement action where a seal is marked with a year which differs from the one stated on the inspection certificate.
7.5.4 Customer Property
No guidance provided.
7.5.5 Preservation of Product
No guidance provided.
7.6 Control of Monitoring and Measuring Equipment
Organizations that apply to receive and/or receive accreditation to perform inspections on behalf of Measurement Canada may in some circumstances be able to borrow some certification equipment from the local Measurement Canada district office. The conditions under which the equipment may be borrowed is governed by Bulletin Gen-37.
Guidance Applicable to Electricity and Gas
Measurement Canada delegates certain authorities for the calibration and certification measuring apparatus to qualified organizations. The conditions for this delegation are set out in Conditions for the Delegation of Authority for the Calibration and Certification of Measuring Apparatus Pursuant to the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act, C-D-01:2010.
Guidance Applicable to Weights and Measures
Particular attention for physical standards:
Electronic Thermometer ice point test / paragraph 5 of Bulletin V-24
8.0 Measurement, Analysis, and Improvement
8.1 General
No guidance provided.
8.2 Monitoring and Measurement
8.2.1 Customer Satisfaction
Excluded from S-A-01:2010.
8.2.2 Internal Audit
The requirement states that auditors shall not audit their own work. In circumstances where this could not be achieved, such as in a small business for example, the organization needs to document the situation and propose a solution(s) to the Measurement Canada regional coordinator in advance. The Measurement Canada regional coordinator will consult with the Innovative Services Directorate to assess the organization's proposed solution(s). It would be expected that the organization would need to revise their documented internal audit procedure. Advice and guidance from the ISO document titled "ISO 9001, For Small Businesses, What to do, Advice from ISO/TC 176", as well the definition of an audit from ISO 9000:2005 and the guidance on independence from section 4 of ISO 19011:2011should be considered when developing a solution.
The objective will be to ensure that the auditors conducting the internal audit are competent and as independent of the work or processes being audited as possible. The organization should demonstrate how the auditor will achieve objectivity and impartiality during the internal audit to ensure that there will not be any actual or potential conflict of interest.
The solution will be considered effective if Measurement Canada auditors do not find any audit evidence contrary to the internal audit.
8.2.3 Monitoring and Measurement of Processes
Guidance Applicable to Weights and Measures
The inspection of devices at the factory or any location other than the intended point of use may be subject to supplementary requirements such as those found in Measurement Canada bulletins.
8.2.4 Monitoring and Measurement of Product
Guidance Applicable to Weights and Measures
Accredited organizations are not required to submit the reports required under sections 40, 41 and 42 of the Weights and Measures Regulations when the devices being serviced (repaired, altered or adjusted) are of the types included in the scope of their accreditation and for which a recognized technician issues inspection certificates, since inspection certificates serve this purpose. In all other circumstances, when a seal is broken or a device is repaired, altered or adjusted, accredited organizations are to send the reports required under sections 40, 41 and 42 of the Weights and Measures Regulations.
Device evaluation and inspection procedures should include the course of action to be taken when a device is not suited for the application; does not have the proper graduation value; is affected by differences in acceleration due to gravity; is not installed properly; its reading elements cannot be seen by the consumer; etc.
Accredited organizations are neither permitted nor required to lock devices out of service or seize devices.
An inspection certificate may only be issued pursuant to section 19 of the Weights and Measures Act by a recognized technician of an accredited organization. In order to be able to issue an inspection certificate stating that the device meets the requirements of the Weights and Measures Act and Regulations, a recognized technician performs a complete inspection. A complete inspection is not required when issuing a rejection certificate for a device that does not meet the requirements.
Devices, within an organization's accreditation scope, may be serviced by a non-recognized person of the accredited organization. However, this person is not recognized to certify devices on behalf of Measurement Canada. If the device owner wishes to obtain a certificate, a recognized technician of the accredited organization is to perform the inspection of the device and issue a certificate. Accredited organizations may issue certificates only for device types that fall within their scope of accreditation.
A portable device (i.e. computing scale, POS scale) may be inspected on site (exemption from section 28 of the Weights and Measures Regulations) as long as the inspection is performed before the accredited organization disposes of the device and before the device is used in trade.
Note: Although it is not a requirement of accreditation, organizations are requested to notify Measurement Canada when they find that the use requirements of the Weights and Measures Act and Regulations are contravened: i.e. a scale is not properly set to zero before use; a device is used fraudulently; no tare is applied; split weighing is used, etc.
Guidance Applicable to Electricity and Gas
To assist Measurement Canada staff and accredited organizations in determining electricity and gas contractor registration, Measurement Canada has published an Electricity and Gas Contractors' Registry .
8.3 Control of Nonconforming Product
No guidance provided.
8.4 Analysis of Data
No guidance provided.
8.5 Improvement
8.5.1 Continual Improvement
Measurement Canada will exclude customer satisfaction from its audit scope and limits its continual improvement expectations to: the use of the quality policy, quality objectives, audit results, analysis of data, corrective and preventive actions and management review.
No action will be taken by Measurement Canada if the organization does not consider customer satisfaction as an input to the management review and continual improvement processes (also see section 5.6.2 and 8.2.1 of this guide).
8.5.2 Corrective Action
No guidance provided.
8.5.3 Preventive Action
No guidance provided.
9.0 Accreditation Process
9.1 General
No guidance provided.
9.1.1 Application for Accreditation
No guidance provided.
9.1.2 Evaluation of Applicant's Documentation
No guidance provided.
9.1.3 Witness Inspection Process
No guidance provided.
9.1.3.1 Responsibilities - Measurement Canada
No guidance provided.
9.1.3.2 Responsibilities - Applicant
No guidance provided.
9.1.3.3 Procedures
No guidance provided.
9.1.4 Accreditation Audits
No guidance provided.
9.1.5 Granting of Accreditation
No guidance provided.
9.1.6 Maintenance of Accreditation
No guidance provided.
9.1.6.1 Weights and Measures and Electricity and Gas Product Audits
No guidance provided.
9.2 Appeal Process
No guidance provided.
9.3 Suspension of Accreditation
No guidance provided.
9.4 Revocation of Accreditation
No guidance provided.
9.5 Expansions of Scope, Minor Revisions and Expansions to Additional Locations
No guidance provided.
9.5.1 Expansions of Scope
No guidance provided.
9.5.2 Minor Revisions Requiring Measurement Canada Regional Acceptance
The applicant's request for a minor electricity or gas revision should confirm that the organization has:
- reviewed their existing documentation and have determined that there are no changes required to their existing test procedures;
- assessed their measuring and test equipment to ensure that the additional meter model can be tested using the existing certified test points (electricity), flow rates or volumes (gas) of the measuring apparatus; and,
- in the case of electricity, performed a burden evaluation to ensure that the additional model does not cause a burden effect beyond the limits which were established, and provided in writing with the request, the certified console burden limits and the burden test results for the new meter.
9.5.3 Minor Revisions Requiring Notification
No guidance provided.
9.5.4 Expansions to Additional Locations
No guidance provided.
9.5.4.1 Expansions to Additional Locations for Accredited Weights and Measures Organizations
No guidance provided.
9.5.5 Expansions of Scope / Outstanding Nonconformances
No guidance provided.
9.6 Changes to Accredited Organizations
It is important that Authorized Service Providers notify Measurement Canada, early on, of any ownership or other structural change being planned, so that a smooth and seamless transition can be planned for the continued recognition by Measurement Canada of inspection work being performed by the organization.
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