SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE

The objective of a third-party quality assurance (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. For U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Type approvals, this activity is carried out by a SwRI staff member concurrently with the initial plant inspection (See Activity #6 below.)
    

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. Tests are conducted by accredited laboratories in accordance with applicable requirements.
    

4. If successful test results are achieved, we move to the Implementation Phase.

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. If required, a copy of this FUP Document is submitted to the certification body or administration in support of the client's application for product approval.
    

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 FUP 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 online at www.listedproducts.swri.org.

Follow-Up Phase

8. Our field inspectors visit the plants at the frequency established by the approving body to ensure that the manufacturing process and the product remain unchanged.

For more information about third-party quality assurance and product certification capabilities or how you can contract with at Southwest Research Institute, please contact Tim Koebke, M.S., at tkoebke@swri.org or (210) 522-6976.

3rdpartyqa.swri.org

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Southwest Research Institute^® (SwRI^®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 11 technical divisions.

March 06, 2013