CONTACT:
Gladys Miller
Third-Party QA and
   Product Certification
(210) 522-2424
E-mail: gmmiller@swri.org

KEY TERMS:
quality assurance
directory of listed
products
certification
follow-up inspection
inspection agency
inspections
listing and labeling
listing mark
NRTL
third-party
certification

Objective of the SwRI Third-Party Listing and Labeling Program

The objective of a third-party Listing and Labeling Program is to ensure that the product that reaches the consumer is similar to the product that was approved through testing. This requires that we get involved from the time the test samples are manufactured until authorization to use our label is issued.

Activities to Implement the Program

Preliminary Phase

1. We make arrangements for our third-party inspector in the vicinity of the manufacturing plant to witness manufacturing of the test sample or select samples from stock. Documentation concerning the manufacturing process is gathered by the inspector at this time.

2. We verify that the samples that arrive at our lab are the same made under the inspector's surveillance, or selected randomly by the inspector, and review the documentation submitted by the inspector and the client. We address any discrepancies with the client.

3. We witness the tests to ensure that the correct samples are being tested in accordance with the appropriate test standard.

4. If successful test results are obtained, we review the test report to ensure that the test samples are properly identified and described and that the report contains all the information required in the applicable test protocol or code.

Implementation Phase

5. We write a Quality Control (QC) Manual that describes the product and documents the production process and all critical aspects that, if changed, could adversely affect the quality and performance of the product. If required, a copy of this QC Manual is submitted to the ICC-ES in support of the client's application for an Evaluation Report.

6. We visit each manufacturing facility that will be included in the Program to verify that all the information contained in the QC Manual is accurate and to meet the key personnel involved in manufacturing and quality control. Based on this information, we finalize the QC Manual.

7. We authorize the use of our label, distribute the QC Manual, and add the product to our Directory of Listed Products, which is on line at www.fire.swri.org.

Follow-Up Phase

8. Our field inspectors visit the plants every 3 months to ensure that the manufacturing process and the product remain unchanged.

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Objective of a Third-Party Production Control Program

The objective of a third-party Production Control Program is to ensure that the product that reaches the consumer is similar to the product that was evaluated and tested. This requires that we get involved from the time the test samples are manufactured until authorization to use our label is issued.

Activities to Implement the Program

Preliminary Phase

1. We make arrangements to have our third-party inspector in the vicinity of the manufacturing plant witness manufacturing of the test sample or select samples from stock. Documentation concerning the manufacturing process is gathered by the inspector at this time.

2. We verify that the samples that arrive at our lab are the same made under the inspector's surveillance or were selected randomly by the inspector and review the documentation submitted by the inspector and the client. We address any discrepancies with the client.

3. We witness the tests to ensure that the correct samples are being tested in accordance with the appropriate test standard.

4. If successful test results are obtained, we review the test report to ensure that the test samples are properly identified and described and that the report contains all the information required in the applicable test protocol or code.

Implementation Phase

5. We write a Follow-Up Procedure (FUP) Document that describes the product and documents the production process and all critical aspects that, if changed, could adversely affect the quality and performance of the product. A copy of this Document is submitted to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) as our notification that the follow-up program has been implemented. The USCG does not issue Type Approvals until they receive this Document.

6. We visit each manufacturing facility that will be included in the Program to verify that all the information contained in the FUP Document is accurate and to meet the key personnel involved in manufacturing and quality control. Based on this information, we finalize the Document.

7. We authorize the use of our label, distribute the FUP Document, and add the product to our Directory of Listed Products, which is on line at www.fire.swri.org. A copy of this Document is sent to the USCG as our official notification that the program has begun.

Follow-Up Phase

8. Our field inspectors visit the plants every 6 months to ensure that the manufacturing process and the product remain unchanged.

Please e-mail Gladys Miller or call (210) 522-2424 for more information about Third-Party Quality Assurance and Product Certification.

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