A field evaluation is an alternative certification process used for products that are already in the field, or previously certified products that are being used in a unique, limited production, or modified way. During a field evaluation, a field evaluation body (FEB) inspects the product to determine if it meets all applicable product standards in its current location and use. If the field evaluation is successful, the FEB can apply a field label to demonstrate product conformity.
A field evaluation may be necessary if a product is certified according to all relevant standards, then later modified for use in a specific setting or application. Another common reason for a field evaluation is a failed inspection by a state, county, or local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), such as a Building Inspector, Electrical Inspector, or Code Compliance Inspector.
While FEBs are typically evaluating other companies’ compliance, ISO/IEC 17020 and NFPA 790 are a great example of how FEBs must demonstrate their own compliance with relevant standards. The way field evaluators are organized, trained, and managed matters, and FEBs should be prepared to demonstrate their processes and impartiality to comply with the requirements of NFPA 790 and ISO/IEC 17020.
Field evaluations and the FEBs that conduct
them are governed by two relevant product standards:
NFPA 790: Standard for Competency of Third-Party Field Evaluation Bodies
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 790 standard lays out requirements for an FEB’s quality system documentation, tests, and measuring equipment. When an FEB is accredited according to NFPA 790, it demonstrates to the AHJ that the FEB is competent to perform field evaluations and apply field labels.
Accreditation to NFPA 790 is carried out by
internationally recognized accreditation bodies like American Association for
Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA), ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB),
and International Accreditation Service (IAS).
ISO/IEC17020: Conformity assessment - Requirements for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection
ISO/IEC 17020 is a standard from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to ensure the FEBs conducting field evaluations are conducting consistent, impartial inspections. IEC 17020 sets up a system of accreditation by which accreditation bodies ensure that FEBs are maintaining proper standards and procedures in their inspections.
ISO 17020 lays out the requirements for how FEBs must examine products, installations, plants, materials, processes, and services during inspections and determine their conformity to specific requirements. Accreditation bodies review the FEBs’ processes, including how they train inspectors, how they handle conflicts of interest, how they securely document inspections, and how they report the results of the inspection to clients and relevant authorities.
G&M Compliance can help FEBs determine the laws and standards that are relevant for their business. In addition, G&M Compliance offers field evaluation services to companies that have modified, unique, or otherwise non-compliant equipment in the field. Contact us today to learn more about field evaluations and complying with NFPA 790 and IEC 17020.