A Field Evaluation Body (FEB) is an organization that is authorized to evaluate products in the field according to the relevant product safety standards. When an FBE is accredited, it means that the FEB itself has been evaluated and held to a high standard of excellence.
What does accreditation entail?
Different accreditation bodies have their own accreditation processes and criteria. For one example: International Accreditation Service, a highly regarded accreditation service, includes the following steps in its accreditation process:
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Customer submits an application,
including documentation and fees
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IAS reviews the submitted data to
ensure basic compliance with applicable criteria
●
IAS assigns an assessment team
that includes experts on the system, technical aspects, and subject matter
●
The assessment team completes an
on-site inspection, then an assessment report
By the end of the accreditation process, if the requirements are met and the customer demonstrates technical competence, an accreditation certificate will be awarded.
Accreditation bodies typically accredit a wide
range of industries, each of which have their own relevant standards and
accreditation criteria. In the case of IAS, Field Evaluation Bodies are
evaluated according to NFPA 790, NFPA 791, and IAS AC354®.
Why does Field Evaluation Body accreditation matter?
Simply put, accredited FEBs have passed an
important test of competence and reliability. FEBs that earn accreditation have
demonstrated that they adhere to the relevant standards, so clients know for
certain that their field evaluation team is knowledgeable and competent.
Accredited FEBs have also demonstrated that they have the documentation to
train their field evaluators appropriately, as well as the internal processes
needed to ensure consistency and quality of service.
Here are a few key benefits of working with an accredited FEB:
●
Customer confidence - In order to perform its
services, an FEB must be knowledgeable, reliable, consistent, and
detail-oriented—applicable standards change often, and different products
require very different types of evaluation. By going through the accreditation
process, an FEB can demonstrate to its customers that it is equipped to do the
job well.
●
International recognition - Global brands need
a field evaluation service that will be recognized and accepted in all
international markets by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). By working
with an FEB that has an internationally recognized accreditation, companies can
work with one accredited body rather than onboarding and paying multiple
evaluation companies.
●
Business excellence - In addition to the legal
and regulatory requirements, the accreditation process improves overall
business function. FEBs are in the business of evaluating companies’ product
safety compliance, and an accreditation is another type of compliance
evaluation. FEBs that go through the accreditation process learn important best
practices for efficiency and consistency along the way, as compared to FEBs
that are not accredited.
Contact G&M Compliance for a Field Evaluation Today
G&M Compliance is an experienced FEB
accredited by the International Accreditation Service (IAS),
identifier FEB-117. G&M Compliance has a team of seasoned experts with deep
knowledge of the relevant safety specifications and how they should be applied
to onsite equipment. We respond quickly to field evaluation and labeling
requests, and we can help you determine if a field evaluation is the right fit
for your equipment and situation.
Contact
G&M Compliance to learn more about the field evaluation process
for your product, or request a quote today!