General
RIES offers services to its prospective and existing clients covering inspection against industry recognized standards and specifications.
To achieve and preserve their inspection certification, RIES clients are required to develop and maintain their equipment and services (including their management systems) in accordance with the agreed standards and specifications, allowing unconditional access to RIES to inspect the equipment, services and systems.
The certificate awarded by RIES covers only the equipment and services specified under the client’s contract agreed with RIES Clients remain solely liable for any defect in their equipment and shall defend, protect and indemnify RIES from any and all defects, claims or liability arising from said equipment.
The certificate issued does not exempt the clients from their legal obligations in respect of the services or equipment RIES certify.
Requests for Inspection
The customer should request the type of inspection required either verbally, by fax on the company letterhead or e.mail as will be considered an official request to proceed with the inspection process. In addition to this Service Agreement the documentation shall contain the RIES Terms & Conditions under which the inspection service is offered. RIES shall perform the services with the reasonable skill, care and diligence to be expected of a reputable organisation experienced in providing the class of services specified on the inspection request.
The Inspection Process
The details of the services to be provided will be agreed between the client and RIES. To provide a general guide, outlined below are the key stages of the Inspection process.
Pre-Inspection Documentation Review
RIES may undertake a Pre-Inspection Documentation Review, to ensure its clients have addressed the key areas of the standard against which they seek certification. This ensures that
the inspection will be of maximum value.
Inspections
RIES may provide an Audit / Inspection Programme where the size of the client’s organization dictates that this would be required or beneficial.
The RIES Inspector(s) will meet with the client’s management to discuss the details of the inspection process and consider possible issues relating to the performance of the inspection.
The RIES Inspector(s) will present a verbal report to the client’s management, outlining the inspection, which will include the inspection findings where necessary, on the nature of any
corrective actions to be taken.
The RIES Inspector(s) will discuss any observations, general remarks and non-conformities, if and when they are identified during the inspection.
A written copy of any subsequent report shall be provided to the client.
Non Conformities
Where non conformities are identified, the auditor / inspector will notify the responsible person or company representative verbally and in writing.
A timescale will be set for clearance of non conformities and the type and nature of evidence required for clearance to be agreed.
Where a defect is detected that involves an imminent or immediate risk of serious or personal injury
The inspector will notify the responsible person or company representative and in addition send a copy of his findings to the local HSE even if the defects are repaired at the time.
Issue of Certification
RIES will issue the client with a certificate if appropriate, and when all corrective actions agreed between the client and the inspector(s) have been completed.
The certificate will detail the standard/specification to which they have been found compliant at the time of inspection and the scope of equipment/service covered.
Re-Assessments and Re-Inspections
RIES operates a re-inspection programme to ensure equipment and services are maintained. The programme is ongoing and is agreed with the client at the Audit / Inspection Request stage.
Re-Inspections and Re-Assessments will be arranged in accordance with the client’s legal or otherwise responsibilities and the Standard applied for.
Interim and Re-Assessment programmes will be agreed.
Accreditation Body Access
The Client shall allow the RIES’s accreditation body ( UKAS ) or their representative, access to any part of the audit / inspection process for the purposes of witnessing the performance of the Auditor / Inspector(s).
The Client will not have the right within this contract to refuse such a request either by the accreditation body ( UKAS ), it’s representative or RIES.
Appeals
If the client is not in agreement with the recommendations after an Audit / Inspection, then he is at liberty to lodge an appeal with the Company Chairman of RIES. The Client shall support his reasons by objective evidence.
All appeals will be heard by an independent sub-committee which will include members of the Governing Board. The sub-committee may hear evidence from the Client’s representative and the Engineer.
The decision of the sub-committee is final and binding on both the Client and RIES. No counter claim will be allowed by either party. No costs, for whatever reason, will be allowed for either party as a result of an appeal.
Complaints Regarding RIES Personnel
If a Client has a complaint about the conduct of any RIES Assessor / Engineer then this should be sent in writing to the RIES Company Chairman.
If the complaint involves the Company Chairman then the complaint is to be addressed to the Chairman of the Governing Board of RIES.
Any complaint involving RIES should be forwarded to RIES Ltd, POBox 185 Wisbech, PE14 4BP.