SGS CONSUMER TESTING SERVICES TECHNICAL BULLETIN BAS-PS-004 - ISSUE 1 - JANUARY 2018

GUIDE TO TYPE EXAMINATION SERVICES

This document provides an overview of the Type Examination Services offered by SGS Baseefa Ltd in relation to
both the ATEX Directive and the IECEx International Product Certification Scheme.

Type Examination is the process of standard(s). The evidence will often TYPE EXAMINATION AND THE ATEX
comparing the design specification of include the results of tests performed DIRECTIVE
a product against the requirements of in our own laboratory or in another
The process for EC-Type Examination
a standard specification, informed by laboratory, which can, probably through
is described in Annex III of the ATEX
physical examination of a sample and accreditation, demonstrate equivalent
Directive and forms the procedural
the performance of tests as may be traceability, along with data sheets for
basis for all type examination work
necessary according to the particular material and components. Drawings,
that we carry out. Type Examination, in
standard. often prepared specifically for the
combination with Product Verification
A Type Examination Certificate makes a certification exercise, are a primary
form the basis for Unit Verification
statement (without time limitation) that source of information.
described in Annex IX of the ATEX
is true on the day of issue and refers to The output is a report, confirming the Directive. For further information on
compliance of the design as specified by evidence of compliance, and a certificate, Unit Verification, please see the Product
the certificate. defining what has been certified. The Verification Guide (BAS-PS-005).
A Certification Report provides the certificate will normally be a “public
The ATEX EC-Type Examination
details as to how compliance has been domain” document, but the report is
Certificate is issued against the Essential
confirmed. a confidential document between our
Health and Safety Requirements (EHSRs)
customer and us. There will, however,
An EC-Type Examination Certificate given in Annex II of the directive.
be the possibility that we are required
is a specific form of Type Examination However, compliance with those EHSRs
to reveal the contents of the report, and
Certificate, given legal status within the is normally assured by compliance with
the drawings, to appropriate legal bodies
framework of one or more EU Directives. one or more standards that have been
(such as the European Commission in
Such a certificate does not necessarily published by the European standards
connection with EU Directives) and to
provide evidence of compliance with making bodies, CEN and CENELEC.
our accreditors.
all statutory requirements, but it does Once such a standard has been listed
signify conformity with particular A Supplementary Type Examination in the Official Journal of the European
standards or requirements (the Essential Certificate (or Supplementary EC-Type Union (OJ) as a “Harmonised Standard”,
Health and Safety Requirements of Examination Certificate) is issued, compliance with the standard may be
the ATEX Directive), and may be used where appropriate, to accommodate presumed to give compliance with the
as evidence towards the meeting of subsequent variations in the specified EHSRs.
relevant legal requirements. design. This will normally be in the
As an alternative to the use of
form of a supplement to the original
An IECEx Test Report (ExTR) fulfils the Harmonised Standards, the EC-Type
certificate, describing the permitted
purpose of both the Type Examination Examination Certificate may be issued
changes. Occasionally, as changes
Certificate and the Certification Report directly against the EHSRs, but full
occur during the life of a product, the
within the IECEx Scheme. justification must be given in the
number of individual supplementary
report. In practice, it is normal to follow
An IECEx Certificate of Conformity certificates may become unwieldy and it
the requirements of the harmonised
(IECEx CoC) relates to more than just is appropriate to issue a “compendium”
standards so far as they are applicable,
the Type Examination phase as its issue supplementary certificate, restating
and to use a direct interpretation of the
status is also closely related to the everything from the previous certificates
EHSRs only for those aspects of the
production phase of the product through that remains applicable to current
design of the equipment where there are
the Production Quality Assurance activity production. Such certificates are
no relevant standards.
(identical to the ATEX module). Under identified with “issue numbers” rather
specific circumstances, the Product than “supplement numbers”.
Verification module may be applied as an For IECEx, a supplementary ExTR will
alternative, for example where only very normally be issued (or in some cases
few of a product will ever be made. (For an additional ExTR) and the relevant
more information see BAS-PS-006 and IECEx CoC will be amended and formally
BAS-PS-005). issued on the IECEx web site at the next
The prime activity of type examination issue level.
is the collation of evidence confirming
compliance with the specified
SGS CONSUMER TESTING SERVICES TECHNICAL BULLETIN BAS-PS-004 - ISSUE 1 - JANUARY 2018

Current information on the harmonisation MANUFACTURERS’ DRAWINGS We recommend that you consider
status of particular standards and the preparing separate certification drawings
Certification drawings are used
relationship between the Cenelec that are specifically for the purpose of
principally by the certifying body and by
Standard and the relevant IEC Standard certification and do not necessarily give
the company responsible for the design
is available from www.sgs.co.uk/ every detail required to manufacture the
of the product (referred to here as the
sgsbaseefa. (See BAS-PS-010). product. Once these drawings are listed
manufacturer).
in a certificate, they can only be modified
The manufacturer prepares and uses the by having a supplementary certificate
THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS
drawings: issued, to permit the alteration.
An overview • To record the controlled details of the Manufacturing drawings, derived from
The certification process is essentially certified product; the Certificate Schedule Drawings,
an exercise in information gathering • To provide a source of reference are referred to as Certificate Related
and confirming that the information for the control of manufacturing Drawings. These drawings may be
demonstrates compliance with all drawings; originated and/or modified under the
the relevant clauses of the specified control of a defined procedure within
• If the drawings are manufacturing
standard(s) or other form of specification. your organisation, without the need for
drawings, to make the product;
The information may come from many our prior consent, unless the change
• To audit or inspect final product for relates to information controlled by
sources and we, as a certifying body, are
compliane. the Schedule Drawings. If detailed
responsible for ensuring that any source
used is reliable and, where necessary, We use the drawings: manufacturing drawings are submitted
has proven traceability to national for the purposes of certification, they will
• During examination, including
standards of measurement. become subject to the same control as
comparison with a prototype or
any other Certificate Schedule Drawing
Essentially the information is of three sample;
and this is not usually necessary or
types: • In conjunction with the certification desirable.
• The manufacturer’s drawings – report, to demonstrate conformity;
The certification drawings should provide
providing detailed dimensional • As a record of what has been a general outline of the equipment
information, material selection certified; and also concentrate on those details
information and occasionally
• For product surveillance activities; which are relevant to compliance with
processing information.
the specified standard(s). The details
• To be held available for authorised
• Material supplier’s data sheets to be included will vary according to
third parties including accreditors
– providing information on the the emphasis of each standard. IECEx
(e.g. UKAS), inspecting bodies
properties of the materials used in Operational Document OD 017 (available
(e.g. HM Inspectorate of Mines)
construction, where reference to a at http://www.iecex.com/operational.
and legislative authorities (e.g. EU
national or international standard is htm) provides useful information on
Commission).
inappropriate or insufficient. the preparation of drawings and other
The drawings used for certification documentation.
• Sample test data – providing direct
should ideally contain only those details
evidence of compliance with certain At the completion of the certification
necessary for:
testing clauses in the construction process, once we are satisfied that
standards. • Compliance with the standard or the drawings contain all the relevant
other normative document to be information to ensure that subsequent
Also critical, in most cases, is the
demonstrated; production will remain in compliance
physical process of comparing the
sample with the drawings, to ensure that • The conformity of subsequent with the specified standard, the
the drawings and sample are identical production items with the certified drawings are frozen at a given issue. The
where relevant for compliance with the type to be achieved. drawings are listed on the certificate and
standards or specification. On occasion, in the Certification Report (for IECEx in
it may be possible for us to accept a the ExTR), along with their issue and
sample that differs from the drawings, date. We supply a stamped and signed
but you should establish this with us copy of each drawing along with the
before such a sample is submitted. certificate and report.

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SGS CONSUMER TESTING SERVICES TECHNICAL BULLETIN BAS-PS-004 - ISSUE 1 - JANUARY 2018

MATERIAL SUPPLIERS’ DATA SHEETS in selecting the input parameters or Other than for IECEx, we will not
in assessing the outcome. (Even the always create a Certification Report
Where possible, we will rely on the
simple impact test requires a deal of in association with Supplementary
veracity of information contained
judgement in assessing the correct point Certification, particularly where the
in material suppliers’ data sheets,
of application of the impact.) Where we changes are minor and do not affect
particularly where it is backed up
do accept results from other laboratories, compliance with the standards.
by declarations in accordance with
we have to demonstrate the equivalent
recognised standards. However, on
traceability of all measurements. ATEX CERTIFICATE AND SCHEDULE
occasion, the data can be critical in
Obviously, we have to reserve the right
determining compliance with the The complete certificate comprises a
not to accept results where we are
specified standard, but the presented front sheet and a schedule.
unsure that the methods employed
data is in a form that does not provide
would give the same results as tests The front sheet gives the relevant
sufficient traceability. Under these
performed in our own laboratories. A summary information: Certificate
circumstances, we have to reserve the
report from another IECEx Certification Number; Manufacturers Name and
right to separately verify the material
Body provides the highest degree of Address; Equipment Title; Directive,
characteristics.
acceptability but we will always seek Standards or Specifications complied
In most cases it will be necessary to clarification from the report issuer if with; Hazardous Area Marking (in
confirm that the data given relates to a there is anything that is not clear to us. accordance with the directive and
clearly identifiable material type and that standards) if relevant; along with the
If you wish to submit results from your
a change in data will result in a change in date of issue and a signature on behalf of
own laboratory on a regular basis, you
material type reference. SGS Baseefa Ltd.
may elect to have the facility audited
by us specifically for that purpose. For The Schedule includes a brief description
TEST DATA further information, please contact us. of the equipment, a list of the definitive
We have facilities to perform the majority drawings, any specific parameters
For the purpose of IECEx Certification,
of tests required by the large range of relevant for use, and, where appropriate,
the use of such results from a
standards covering equipment for use a section on “Specific Conditions of Use”.
manufacturer or other third party is very
in potentially explosive atmospheres, This is relevant if there are conditions
rigorously controlled. More information
together with many more generalised for use over and above those found
is provided in IECEx OD 24 which can be
tests. These facilities are subject to in normal industry codes of practice
accessed at www.iecex.com.
accreditation by the United Kingdom for installation. Often such specific
Accreditation Service (UKAS), conditions are directly mandated by the
CERTIFICATION REPORT appropriate standard, for example if the
demonstrating the effectiveness of the
methods employed and the traceability At the end of the certification process, equipment will only withstand the lower
of the measurements to national we assemble evidence in the form of a level of impact test.
standards through a comprehensive report confirming how the information An SGS Baseefa Ltd Type Examination
system of instrumentation calibration. demonstrates compliance. Unlike some Certificate is regarded as being a
We have also been subjected to the other European certification bodies, we statement of fact on the day on which it
“peer review” process of the IECEx routinely make this report available to was issued and, as such, the only reason
Scheme to ensure that other laboratories our customers, since this represents the for withdrawal would normally be if that
and certification bodies throughout the culmination of the work done leading statement were subsequently found to
world can have confidence in accepting to the issue of a certificate. Under be incorrect.
our reports. some circumstances we come to an
agreement with a customer that a formal
For many of the tests, the work can only IECEX TEST REPORT (EXTR) AND
report will not be prepared and that the
be carried out by a specialist laboratory CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY (COC)
data will remain in our files. (This option
such as ours at Buxton.
is not available for IECEx.) Note we can The IECEx ExTR provides all the
For other more general tests, we would then make a formal report available at a information that is in the ATEX
normally expect to carry out the more later date, if required, though obviously Certificate, Schedule and Report.
critical ones at our own laboratory the cost of doing so would be greater The IECEx CoC provides abbreviated
unless there was prior agreement than if it were prepared at the conclusion information similar to the ATEX
between us. This is particularly important of the certification process. Certificate and Schedule (but without
for the large number of tests where
a list of drawings and documents), in
subjective judgement plays a part, either

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SGS CONSUMER TESTING SERVICES TECHNICAL BULLETIN BAS-PS-004 - ISSUE 1 - JANUARY 2018

addition to the current status relating to Proper targeted advice at an early stage We reserve the right to make that
production of equipment. Because the of a project can usually save time and abstracted information publicly available.
IECEx CoC also relates to production, costs at a later stage. Under certain circumstances we may
it can be considered a time limited If you want specific technical advice, also make the full text of certificates
statement and its status (Current, or if you want more general training in directly available to the public.
Suspended or Cancelled) can be checked aspects relating to our services, please
from the on-line certificate database at As the full text of every IECEx CoC is
contact us. available directly on the IECEx web site,
www.iecex.com.
If you are unable to meet us face to this is truly in the public domain and can
face (for example because of distance) be downloaded by any interested party.
PROGRESSION OF CERTIFICATION WORK
we can provide the advice service Note, however, that the certificate on
Ideally, the documentation package you by telephone or correspondence. In the web site is considered the master
supply will contain all the information to some circumstances, you may wish and that any printed copy has secondary
enable us to proceed straight through to commission a “Gap Report” where status.
the certification process in one go and we can produce a summary of initial
issue the certificate. Inevitably, this will findings from a document review, prior EQUIPMENT INTENDED FOR USE IN
not always be the case. Information may to instigating a full certification project BRITISH MINES
be missing, or some details may need including supply of samples and the
to be changed to obtain compliance with performance of tests. Before electrical equipment can be
the standard. used below ground in British mines, it
must comply with the relevant statutory
For complex projects, it may be CONFIDENTIALITY OF REPORTS AND
requirements of the Health and Safety
necessary for there to be a number of CERTIFICATES at Work etc. Act 1974, and the Mines
interactions between us before all the
Reports (including IECEx ExTRs) are and Quarries Act 1954 and Regulations
evidence has been collected to justify
normally regarded as being confidential made thereunder, in particular with the
certification. When this happens, the
between you and us, although, when we Electricity at Work Regulations 1989,
final delivery date for the certification
provide a report in a publishable form, which include specific legal requirements
documentation is as much a function of
you are entitled to make use of it, so for equipment used in mines susceptible
your reactivity as our own workload. If
long as it is reproduced in its entirety to firedamp. Additional information is
you are not sure where we have got to in
and not used out of context. If you are provided on our web site.
the certification process, please contact
requiring certification from overseas test
us and we will give you an update.
houses, whether covered by a mutual TRADE AGENTS
recognition agreement or not, you will
TEST AND ASSESSMENT REPORTS It is a common commercial practice
usually find an SGS Baseefa Report,
for a manufacturer to supply “badged”
Where certification is not required, the particularly an ExTR, to be a good
product; i.e. the product bears the name
results of tests or assessments can be starting point.
of the company to whom it has been
reported as a separate function. Certificates are not regarded as sold by the manufacturer and who will,
confidential documents, but copies subsequently act as a supplier to the
TECHNICAL ADVICE SERVICE required by third parties should normally market. This supplier will also normally
We have developed a wealth of be requested from the certificate holder provide the market with all relevant
knowledge of the standards, both from rather than us. However, we will produce documentation in his own name. We
applying them and from taking a lead role further copies when circumstances have procedures under both IECEx and
in the British, European and International dictate it to be appropriate. You have ATEX to assist this process.
committees responsible for creating an obligation to provide copies of
them. certificates with supplied equipment,
APPLICATIONS FOR TYPE EXAMINATION
when requested, and an obligation to
We can make this knowledge available
inform your customers of any “Specific Contacting us
to you, to help you design your products
Conditions of Use” given in a certificate We welcome applications for Type
to meet the requirements of those
with a number having a suffix “X”. Examination from all customers who
standards. We do this within carefully
laid out guidelines that prevent us The various directives make specific have registered with us. If you have not
breaking the commercial confidence of provision for certain documentation to already registered, we will be happy
our other customers, or stepping over be held available for member states and to accept your request for registration
the dividing line into design consultancy the European Commission, and require along with your application for type
that would then prevent us acting as a that abstracted information from issued examination. (Please see our Publication
certification body. certificates is circulated on a routine basis. BAS-PS-003 General Information and
Guide to Services.)

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SGS CONSUMER TESTING SERVICES TECHNICAL BULLETIN BAS-PS-004 - ISSUE 1 - JANUARY 2018

We provide an application form, for the Other projects, such as simple For customers with an established
use of those seeking type examination, supplementary certification, are also good payment record, we will act as
but we will also be pleased to proceed suitable for the direct order route. Should expeditiously as possible to get projects
on the basis of any written application it become apparent that we cannot moving as soon as possible and shorter
(letter, fax, e-mail) provided that we have complete the project within a reasonable projects will often be invoiced on
the information that would be obtained cost, we will provide an appropriate completion.
by the use of the form. We will supply quotation, or otherwise obtain your Customers may also elect to run a
quotations to anyone who makes the agreement to the cost in writing before “reserve account” whereby the need for
request. proceeding. individual project payments is avoided
and the rate at which invoices are sent
QUOTATIONS PROVISION OF DRAWINGS, DATA AND depends on the rate of turnover of
For brand new products, we normally SAMPLES certification projects. We will supply
recommend that you ask us for a The more information that we have a receipted invoice for each project
quotation. This will be supplied entirely when we provide a quotation, the more that has been charged to the reserve
free. We will recommend the best way accurate it will be, so we encourage account.
to proceed with certification, including you to send drawings and data with the
the use of our Technical Advice Service enquiry. Unless we ask for a sample at
if you appear to need guidance on the an earlier stage, we prefer that you wait
way that the available standards can be until we have provided you with our CONTACT INFORMATION
applied to your product. Where the steps quotation (which will specify the samples
to completion of the certification process To learn how SGS Baseefa can help you
we require, together with details of
are reasonably clear, we will provide exceed customer expectations, visit
any special preparation). We would not
a fixed price quotation. Where there www.sgs.co.uk/sgsbaseefa or contact
normally expect to receive samples until
is still work to be done before we are [email protected] for more information.
after you have confirmed an order with us.
ready to proceed towards certification,
We are happy to receive documentation
we will provide a firm quotation for the
by e-mail and can handle anything in
first phase of the work and a budget
Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format. We also
quotation for completion. Our quotation
have other software packages available
will normally offer staged payments
to us (particularly for dealing with
where appropriate. Work can commence
PCB artwork) so please ask if we can
following receipt of your order confirming
accommodate your native format.
the acceptance of our quotation.

PAYMENT OF FEES AND CHARGES

DIRECT ORDERS
We operate different payment schemes
For certain routine certification projects,
according to the amount of work placed
where we have an agreed protocol with
with us by a particular customer and
our customer, we will normally avoid the
their payment record history.
quotation process and accept a direct
order on the basis of the agreed protocol. For new customers, and for those with
Our staff will discuss this with you if it a poor payment history, we require
appears likely to be of interest. (On this most payments in advance and certainly
basis, we hope to maintain certification before release of final documentation.
times of less than two weeks for those Such customers will normally receive
routine projects that do not require the invoices based on the progress of
provision of a testing facility.) individual projects.

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