S-A-01:2010 - Criteria for the Accreditation of Organizations to Perform Inspections Pursuant to the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and the Weights and Measures Act

S-A-01:2010 - Criteria for the Accreditation of Organizations to Perform Inspections Pursuant to the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and the Weights and Measures Act (PDF, 100 KB, 36 pages)

(revised 2013-03-06)

Table of Contents

Revisions Table

This document will continue to be periodically reviewed by Measurement Canada to ensure its effectiveness with respect to its objectives. The following revisions are authorized by:

Alan E. Johnston
President
Measurement Canada

Revisions Table
Date of Revision or Addition Language Section Nature of the Revision or Addition
2013-03-06 English & French Throughout the document

Minor editorial corrections.

Replace the asterisks indicating instructions in the guide by the following sentence in "Additional Information in the guide for section ..."
2013-03-06 English & French 1.3

Update the exclusions based on the last revision of the weights and measures inspection certificate completion manual.

Remove the reference to class I and class II devices from the list of exclusions.
2013-03-06 English & French 2.2 and 3.3 Change the name of the Measurement Canada Enforcement Policy.
2013-03-06 English & French 3.2 Move to Guide the paragraph about the number of persons requiring the mandatory training.
2013-03-06 English & French 4.2.2 (E&G) Clarification of the information about device types and inspection types that the organization must clearly state on a list.
2013-03-06 English & French 6.2.2 Add text (from the Guide) about technicians' recognition and maintenance of their knowledge.
2013-03-06 English & French 7.1 Add text from section 7.1 of the Guide.
2013-03-06 English & French 7.5.3 (weights and measures) Clarification of the obligation to adhere to the requirements relating to inspection certificates.
2013-03-06 English & French 9.1.5 and 9.6 Move one paragraph from 9.1.5 to 9.6 and addition of a paragraph about the possible impact of the sale of an organization on inspections performed after the sale.
2013-03-06 English & French 9.3 Clarify that the suspension may also apply to recognized technicians.
2013-03-06 English & French Appendix 2 Minor editorial corrections.
2013-03-06 English & French Appendix 3 Remove the note about the rejection tag.
2013-03-06 English & French Appendix 4

Remove the note about the development of specifications for seals.

Remove references to the Voluntary Periodic Certification Program for Devices. Add procedure for evaluation of stickers.

Previous revisions table

Authorization

The mission of Measurement Canada, an agency of Industry Canada, is to ensure equity and accuracy where goods and services are bought and sold on the basis of measurement, in order to contribute to a fair and competitive marketplace for Canadians. Measurement Canada ensures that goods and services are measured accurately by:

  • requiring that measuring equipment used in trade be approved and inspected;
  • investigating complaints received from businesses and consumers who believe they have not received accurate measure;
  • requiring that measuring apparatus and standards be calibrated and certified or designated; and
  • administering and enforcing the Weights and Measures Act and the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act.

Accreditation is a voluntary program that authorizes qualifying organizations to perform inspections on behalf of Measurement Canada.

The concept of accreditation for Measurement Canada began in 1979. In 1986, LMB-EG-05 - Criteria and Procedures for the Accreditation of Electricity and Gas Meter Verifier was issued. The Weights and Measures component of the accreditation program, Accreditation of Organizations to Perform Factory Initial Inspections Pursuant to the Weights and Measures Act, was issued in May 1995.

The harmonization of the two existing accreditation programs with the international standard ISO 9002:1994 resulted in the creation of Measurement Canada accreditation standard S-A-01, Criteria for Accreditation of Organizations to Perform Inspections Pursuant to the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and the Weights and Measures Act, in July 1999.

The first revision to S-A-01, which became S-A-01:2002, further expanded the use of international standards by including references to ISO 9001:2000 and ISO/IEC 17025:1999.

In April of 2002, Measurement Canada opened the accreditation program to its North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners.

The next revision to S-A-01:2002, which became S-A-01:2006, established ISO 9001:2000 as the basis of the quality management system requirements, effectively replacing ISO 9002:1994.

This edition (S-A-01:2010) of the accreditation program criteria establishes ISO 9001:2008 as the basis of the quality management system requirements. Measurement Canada wishes to acknowledge the use of this well recognized document in the development of its accreditation standard. This new edition also provides clarifications, updates terminology and definitions in order to harmonize the accreditation program with the registration program; and corrects editorial and formatting errors.

Certificates of accreditation issued to organizations under the S-A-01, S-A-01:2002 or S-A-01:2006 accreditation standard will remain valid under the S-A-01:2010 accreditation standard.

Accreditation agreements signed between weights and measures organizations and Measurement Canada will remain in effect without re-signature. Any references to S-A-01:2002 or S-A-01:2006 in previously signed accreditation agreements shall be deemed to also include S-A-01:2010.

This standard is issued:

  • pursuant to section 10 of the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and Part V of the Regulations established thereto, and
  • pursuant to section 7 of the Department of Industry Act, which gives the Minister the authority to designate inspectors to carry out inspections under the Weights and Measures Act.

It has been produced under the authority of the President of Measurement Canada for the purposes of the accreditation program.

This document will continue to be periodically reviewed by Measurement Canada to ensure its effectiveness with respect to its objectives.

Alan E. Johnston
President
Measurement Canada

Sonia Roussy
Vice-President
Innovative Services Directorate
Measurement Canada

Signed on 2013-03-06

Revision Process

Revisions to S-A-01:2010 and S-A-01-G:2010 will be processed as follows:

The revision status to the standard and guide will show as the name and year of revision and for minor revisions, the date of the revision in brackets [revised 201x-xx-xx]. The year of revision within the name of the standard will only change to denote a major revision.

Editorial changes (e.g. grammatical, spelling, wording) will be processed as required, without consultation by the Innovative Services Directorate of Measurement Canada.

Changes to the structure, format and content that do not require external consultation (no change to the requirements) will be processed by the Innovative Services Directorate after consultation with the Alternative Service Delivery Standing Committee (ASC).

Major changes to the accreditation quality management system requirements or to the Measurement Canada additional requirements will be processed by the Innovative Services Directorate after stakeholder consultation has taken place.

Introduction

Under the accreditation program, the organization seeking accreditation (applicant) shall satisfy Measurement Canada that an acceptable quality management system has been developed and implemented. A properly designed and implemented quality management system assures that all devices inspected, as well as all documents and records, meet and will continue to meet minimum requirements. Objective evidence that such a system is in place provides Measurement Canada with assurance that accuracy and equity in trade measurement will be maintained.

The requirements stipulated in this document are set out in the following manner:

  • a reference to specific quality management system requirements from ISO 9001:2008 Quality management systems - Requirements is made; and
  • additional Measurement Canada requirements are included following the reference to the quality management system requirements.

Organizations may structure their quality management system documentation in any fashion, as long as all of the identified ISO 9001:2008 and additional Measurement Canada requirements are adequately addressed.

Note: ISO 9001:2008 registration is not a requirement of this standard.

This document (S-A-01:2010) is intended to be used in conjunction with:

  • ISO 9000:2005 Quality management Systems - Fundamentals and vocabulary; and
  • Measurement Canada document S-A-01-G:2010 Accreditation Standard Guide.

The information contained in these supplementary documents do not contain additional requirements. These documents provide guidance, direction, and clarification regarding the development, implementation and maintenance of quality management systems that are intended to satisfy the requirements contained in S-A-01:2010.

To facilitate cross referencing, S-A-01-G:2010 has the same clause structure as this standard.

1.0 Scope

This document contains the quality management criteria and administrative requirements that organizations shall meet in order to obtain and maintain accreditation to perform inspections on behalf of Measurement Canada. Compliance with all of the relevant criteria and requirements defined in this document is a prerequisite to obtaining and maintaining accreditation.

Additional information in the guide for section 1.0

1.1 Applicability

This document applies to all organizations seeking to be granted Measurement Canada accreditation to perform inspections pursuant to the Weights and Measures Act or the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act.

Additional information in the guide for section 1.1

1.2 Scope of Measurement Canada Accreditation Program

The applicant's quality management system shall address, as a minimum:

  1. the control of processes for the receipt of devices, parts or components of devices;
  2. the calibration or adjustment of devices;
  3. the handling, cleaning, packaging, storage, delivery and preservation of devices;
  4. the final inspection (as defined in this document) of devices, including the inspection of devices by sampling; and
  5. the retrieval of devices for the purposes of inspection.

1.2.1 Under the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act

The scope includes verifications and reverifications pursuant to the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act, including:

  1. electricity devices that are verified or reverified in a metershop setting;
  2. natural gas devices that are verified or reverified in a metershop setting or using test data obtained from a test facility recognized by Measurement Canada and identified in Bulletin G-16;
  3. natural gas devices that are verified or reverified on site; and
  4. electricity metering installations.

1.2.2 Under the Weights and Measures Act

The scope:

  1. includes initial factory and field inspections and subsequent factory and field inspections of approved weighing and measuring devices that are used for trade pursuant to the Weights and Measures Act and Regulations;
  2. is subject to exclusions mentioned in section 1.3 below.

For a detailed description of device types, refer to Appendix 1 of the Weights and Measures Inspection Certificate Completion Manual.

Note: The scope of accreditation is open to certain device types or product groups for which Measurement Canada training is not yet available. Organizations may apply for these device types but have their scope of accreditation restricted until such time as training becomes available or Measurement Canada has accepted a combination of significant expertise and experience demonstrated by the organization as an alternative to training.

Additional information in the guide for section 1.2.2

1.3 Excluded from the Scope of the Accreditation Program

The scope of accreditation does NOT include:

Under the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act:

  1. verifications or reverifications of pressure factor measurement (PFM);
  2. verifications or reverifications of natural gas dispensers (NGV);
  3. reverifications of multiple customer metering systems (MCMS) on site (100% reverification in situ, after the 6-year seal period has expired); and
  4. dispute inspections.

Under the Weights and Measures Act:

  1. inspections of systems for cryogenic liquids, and other liquefied gases (see Note 1 below);
  2. subsequent inspections of non automatic weighing devices used in the precious metal and precious stones sector;
  3. inspections of automatic continuous totalizing devices (conveyor belt scales, device type 6-11);
  4. inspections of dynamic weighing (integrating) scales (device types 08-20 Waste Weighers (waste disposal & recycling vehicles) and 08-22 Front End Loaders);
  5. inspections of in motion railway scales (device types 10-11, 10-21); and
  6. complaint inspections.

Note 1: Inspections of systems for liquefied petroleum gases, such as propane and butane (product code 31) and anhydrous ammonia (NH3, product code 32) are included in the present scope of accreditation.

1.4 Eligibility

Any organization willing to comply with the criteria and requirements established in this document may apply for accreditation to perform inspections at specific sites in Canada, the United States of America and Mexico. In making such an application, the organization agrees to abide by Measurement Canada's policies and procedures related to the accreditation process.

1.4.1 Additional Eligibility Requirement Applicable to Weights and Measures

Measurement Canada will only accept applications from established legal entities such as organizations that are incorporated under the laws of Canada or the laws of one of the Provinces.

Note: With regard to applications from organizations in the United States of America and Mexico, additional review of the organizational status must be conducted by Measurement Canada prior to the acceptance of the application. These organizations are not required to be incorporated under the laws of Canada or the laws of one of the Provinces, but they are required to be an established legal entity in their respective country.

Additional information in the guide for section 1.4.1

2.0 Definitions

For the purposes of this document, the definitions included in the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and Regulations and the Weights and Measures Act and Regulations are applicable and shall supersede any ISO definition.

2.1 Definitions Applicable to all Organizations

Act:

means, as applicable, the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act or the Weights and Measures Act.

Authorized service provider:

organization that has been accredited for the verification and/or reverification of meters under the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act (accredited meter verifier), or organization that has been designated as an inspector to carry out inspections under the Weights and Measures Act.

Calibration:

comparison of a measuring equipment, device or meter of unknown accuracy to another measuring equipment, device or meter of known accuracy (traceable to a recognized national standard) to detect, correlate, report or eliminate by adjustment any variation from the required performance limits of the unverified measuring equipment, device or meter. For the purposes of this standard, calibration takes place prior to final inspection activities.

Device:

a measuring machine or an electricity or natural gas meter as defined in the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and Regulations and the Weights and Measures Act and Regulations.

Final inspection:

the inspection that is carried out on a device that ensures that the device meets all requirements specified in the Weights and Measures Act, Regulations and Specifications and/or the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act, Regulations and Specifications. Portions of the final inspection may occur in process, provided that the results are not affected by further processing.

Inspection:

the activity of measuring, examining, evaluating, testing or gauging one or more characteristics of a device or meter to determine its acceptability, and it includes documentation of results.

Legal requirements:

all pertinent requirements contained in the applicable Act, Regulations, Specifications and any related documents used for the purposes of administering the Act and Regulations.

Management representative:

the person in authority who will act as the organization's representative to, and main contact for Measurement Canada.

Product:

for the purposes of this standard, it includes devices being inspected to verify conformity to legal requirements.

Regulations:

as applicable, the Electricity and Gas Inspection Regulations or the Weights and Measures Regulations.

Remote location:

a location were limited activities covered by the organization's scope of accreditation are conducted, and there is no delegated authority to make decisions that can impact on the quality management system (examples: meter / device storage, handling, and shipping; and installation inspections).

Top manager:

the person who directs and controls the organization at the highest level for the scope of accreditation being sought.

Witness inspection process:

is a non mandatory process applicable to any organization seeking accreditation. It is meant to facilitate the organization's implementation of its quality management system prior to an accreditation audit. During this process, Measurement Canada issues the inspection certificates, however the organization performs all other work set out in its quality management system.

2.2 Additional Definitions Applicable to Organizations Seeking Accreditation Pursuant to the Weights and Measures Act

As found results:

means the results of tests performed or observations made upon arrival at the site and before the device is adjusted or repaired.

Device Major Non-Compliances:

for the purposes of this document, the descriptions of major non-compliances included in the section 2.2 of Measurement Canada Enforcement Policy for Weighing and Measuring Devices, Part 1 — Role of Authorized Service Providers are applicable.

Device Minor Non-Compliances:

any non-compliance not identified under major non-compliances.

Device Type:

for the purposes of this document and the Accreditation Standard Guide, device type includes any device type or subtype described in the Weights and Measures Inspection Certificate Completion Manual.

Initial Inspection:

means a mandatory inspection performed before a device is used in trade for the first time.

Inspector:

designates, in the context of the accreditation program, an organization that has entered into an accreditation agreement with the Minister of Industry and has been delegated inspection powers pursuant to the Weights and Measures Act.

Inspector number:

an alphanumeric code assigned by Measurement Canada to an organization that has been designated as inspector.

Point of service:

the geographic location from where a recognized technician offers inspection services. Services could be offered from a place of business or the residence of the technician.

Recognized technician:

an individual, employed by an accredited organization, whose competencies have been successfully assessed and who is recognized by Measurement Canada to inspect devices and issue inspection certificates.

Re-inspection:

any inspection performed following a subsequent inspection where a device has been rejected. Does not apply following an initial inspection.

Reporting location:

the location of the manager that the recognized technician reports to when performing inspection services.

Site:

an additional location or site is a location that has received delegated authority from its accredited headquarters to make decisions that can impact on the quality management system.

Subsequent Inspection:

any inspection other than the first (initial) inspection of a device before its use in trade. For the purpose of this document, it includes re-inspection. Subsequent inspections do not include additional initial inspections that may be performed until such time as the device is certified as meeting the requirements for the first time.

Additional information in the guide for section 2.2

2.3 Additional Definitions Applicable to Organizations Seeking Accreditation Pursuant to the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act

E&G Site:

a location or site under the authority of its accredited headquarters where final inspection is performed.

3.0 Responsibilities

3.1 Measurement Canada

Measurement Canada shall:

  1. Establish and publish the policies and procedures regarding accreditation.
  2. Assist interested organizations to acquire and interpret information relevant to the accreditation program.
  3. Review applications for accreditation and verify that each application falls within the scope of the program.
  4. Where applicable, deliver the appropriate technical training to the technician(s) of the organizations seeking accreditation.
  5. Review and evaluate the quality documentation submitted by applicant organizations and advise applicants of the results.
  6. Following the evaluation and acceptance of quality documentation, conduct a comprehensive evaluation audit of an applicant organization's ability to comply with all criteria and requirements for specified accreditation.

  7. Where an organization meets the criteria and requirements:

    for accreditation pursuant to the Weights and Measures Act; advise the President, Measurement Canada to designate the organization as inspectors for the purpose of the Weights and Measures Act subject to any conditions or limitations that the Minister may impose on the designation;

    for accreditation pursuant to the Weights and Measures Act; recommend to the President of Measurement Canada to enter into agreement with organizations that are to be accredited and comply with the conditions of the agreement; and

    for accreditation pursuant to the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act; grant accreditation to organizations which have demonstrated compliance with all criteria and requirements specified for accreditation.

  8. Specify any conditions to which the granting of accreditation is subject.
  9. Issue certificates of accreditation to successful applicants.
  10. Perform annual surveillance audits of the accredited organization's quality system to confirm the continued adherence to the accreditation criteria and requirements. The frequency of audits of sites is dependent on the extent of the processes at each site.
  11. Perform product audits, as specified, to provide additional assurance of the accredited organization's ability to provide inspection services that ensure the conformance of devices to legal requirements.
  12. Report the results of any audits to the organization being audited.
  13. Maintain and publish a list of accredited organizations.
  14. Suspend accreditation for all or part of an organization's scope of accreditation in instances where the organization fails to adhere to the requirements of the applicable act and its regulations and the terms and conditions under which accreditation was granted to the organization.
  15. Recommend revocation of accreditation to the Minister where an accredited organization fails to take corrective action following a suspension of accreditation or the commission by an organization of an offence under either the Weights and Measures Act or the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and their associated regulations.
  16. Notify a transgressing organization of the pending revocation of its accreditation and, after revocation of an accreditation, amend the list of accredited organizations to indicate that the accreditation has been revoked.
  17. For accreditation pursuant to the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act, publish the notice of revocation of accreditation in the Canada Gazette.
  18. Inform accredited organizations of any changes to the applicable legislation, regulations, policies and procedures.

Additional information in the guide for section 3.1

3.2 Accredited Organizations and Organizations Seeking Accreditation

An accredited organization or an organization seeking accreditation shall:

  1. Submit an Application for Authorization of Service Providers in accordance with this standard.

    An application shall be made to Measurement Canada in writing, and signed by a top manager of the organization with executive authority and shall include:

    • the legal (registered) name and address of the organization;
    • for applicants applying under the Weights and Measures Act, the Provincial or Federal incorporation number and the articles of incorporation;
    • the location of the organization's inspection facility; and
    • the scope of the organization's accreditation program.

    Accreditation applications will be processed as presented. If an organization wants to reduce or change its application after Measurement Canada has performed a document review or an audit, a new application shall be submitted.

    Measurement Canada will not allow tailoring of applications after an unsuccessful audit. An applicant shall meet all of the applicable requirements for the complete scope of an application.

  2. Develop and submit quality management system documentation (including policies and procedures) to meet the requirements stipulated in S-A-01:2010 - Criteria for the Accreditation of Organizations to Perform Inspections Pursuant to the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and the Weights and Measures Act.
  3. Implement the quality management system described in the version of the quality documentation that has been accepted by Measurement Canada.
  4. Update and maintain the quality management system as required and obtain approval from Measurement Canada for any modifications to the quality management system prior to their implementation, where the modification may affect the manner in which the organization meets the requirements stipulated in S-A-01:2010 - Criteria for the Accreditation of Organizations to Perform Inspections Pursuant to the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and the Weights and Measures Act.
  5. Update and resubmit the quality documentation as required by Measurement Canada.
  6. Provide Measurement Canada representatives with access to the premises and measuring equipment for the purposes of surveillance audits, product audits and other quality monitoring activities.
  7. Promptly correct any potential or actual non-conformity of the quality management system that is identified in the course of an audit or otherwise.
  8. Provide Measurement Canada with any information that is required for the purpose of the administration of the Weights and Measures Act or the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and their regulations.
  9. Provide Measurement Canada with any information that is required for planning purposes and determination of resource allocation and utilization.
  10. In the case of third party inspection organizations, ensure the confidentiality of the results of any inspections performed.
  11. Provide inspection certificates, where required, and maintain the quality records required by S-A-01:2010 - Criteria for the Accreditation of Organizations to Perform Inspections Pursuant to the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and the Weights and Measures Act.
  12. Ensure that non-conforming devices are not certified, sold, leased or otherwise disposed of for use in trade.
  13. Ensure that the organization's accreditation remains in good standing.
  14. Pay, upon completion of an accreditation audit, an audit fee as per section 3.4 of this standard.
  15. Modify the quality management system or quality management system procedures to meet any new requirements that may be brought about by changes to legislation, technical specifications, bulletins or the accreditation standard.
  16. Report immediately to Measurement Canada any changes in the organizational structure, personnel or measuring apparatus or test equipment that could affect compliance with the accreditation and requirements.
  17. Provide services on behalf of Measurement Canada in accordance with the Official Languages Act.
  18. Only claim that it is accredited with respect to those activities for which it has been granted accreditation.
  19. Not use its accreditation in such a manner as to bring Measurement Canada into disrepute, and not make any statement regarding its accreditation which Measurement Canada may consider misleading or unauthorized.
  20. Upon suspension or revocation of its accreditation (however determined), discontinue use of all advertising matter that contains any reference thereto and return any accreditation documents as required by Measurement Canada.
  21. Ensure that no accreditation document, mark or report, or any part thereof, is used in a misleading manner.
  22. In making reference to its accreditation in communication media such as documents, brochures or advertising, comply with the requirements of Measurement Canada.

Additional information in the guide for section 3.2

3.3 Additional Responsibilities for Weights and Measures Organizations

An accredited organization or an organization seeking accreditation shall:

  1. Ensure that at least one person, employed at the site to be accredited, has successfully completed the appropriate Measurement Canada training course or courses. Measurement Canada may assess competencies through alternate means when appropriate.

  2. Ensure that criminal record checks are initiated and conducted regarding the technicians that will perform work on behalf of the organization in its capacity as a designated inspector for Measurement Canada. The organization's top manager shall ensure that a declaration regarding the existence of a criminal record be obtained and remitted to the President of Measurement Canada. Specifically, the top manager will be required to state whether a recognized technician has been convicted of a criminal offence for which a pardon has not been granted.

    All criminal record checks must be completed and documented by organizations seeking accreditation or seeking to add technicians to Schedule A before the granting or addition is made.

  3. Where accepted for accreditation by the Minister:
    • enter into an accreditation agreement with the Minister;
    • comply with the conditions of the accreditation agreement; and
    • maintain the inspection program as set out in the quality documentation.
  4. Report on the inspection certificate "as found" measurement errors and other non-compliances (i.e devices that are not configured, installed or located properly, etc.) for Measurement Canada compliance monitoring purposes as well as to assist Measurement Canada in determining the frequency of certification for devices.

  5. Issue rejection certificates for devices that do not comply with the legal requirements and that cannot be repaired or brought to compliance for any reason at the time of inspection. Legal requirements include those related to device configuration, performance and installation.

    Note: Effective October 25, 2006, accredited organizations are no longer required to affix rejection tags to non-complying devices.

  6. Follow the Measurement Canada Enforcement Policy for Weighing and Measuring Devices, Part 1 — Role of Authorized Service Providers
  7. Advise Measurement Canada of any changes to the top manager, manager representative, or contact person under the Agreement as soon as these changes come into effect.

Additional information in the guide for section 3.3

3.4 Fees Payable to Measurement Canada

An organization seeking accreditation pursuant to the Weights and Measures Act and the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act shall pay, upon completion of an accreditation audit, a $1000.00 audit fee.

Thereafter, each accredited organization shall pay a $1000.00 audit fee for each surveillance or expansion of scope audit. To qualify as an expansion of scope audit, a document review and an on-site assessment shall be conducted. When surveillance and expansion of scope audits are combined, a single $1000.00 audit fee is payable.

Audit fees are not payable for product audits. Product audits are deemed to be a component of, and are included as part of an accreditation, expansion of scope or surveillance audit.

The fees applicable for weights and measures training are $100 per each day or part of each day per technician and are payable prior to the commencement of the course. These charges are separate from the accreditation evaluation and maintenance fees.

Additional information in the guide for section 3.4

4.0 Quality Management System

4.1 General Requirements

ISO 9001:2008
4.1

Additional information in the guide for section 4.1

4.2 Documentation Requirements

4.2.1 General

ISO 9001:2008
4.2.1

Measurement Canada Requirement

An organization shall submit documented procedures addressing all of the identified clauses contained in ISO 9001:2008, and adequately address all of the applicable Measurement Canada requirements.

4.2.2 Quality Manual

ISO 9001:2008
4.2.2

Measurement Canada Requirement

For the purpose of obtaining Measurement Canada accreditation, the organization shall clearly state the scope of its quality management system. Organizations not addressing any element of this standard shall clearly demonstrate why the element does not apply to their application.

Measurement Canada requirements Applicable to Weights and Measures

Subject to exclusions mentioned in section 1.3 of this document, an organization's quality management system documentation shall clearly:

  1. specify the device types selected from Appendix 1 of the Weights and Measures Inspection Certificate Completion Manual that the organization intends to inspect and certify on behalf of Measurement Canada;
  2. specify the types or categories of fluids measured by the devices (see Appendix 4 of the Weights and Measures Inspection Certificate Completion Manual); and
  3. specify the type of physical standards it will use.

Measurement Canada Requirements Applicable to Electricity and Gas

An organization shall maintain a list that clearly specifies:

  1. the device types (including make, model, notice of approval number and operating ranges) that the organization intends to verify or reverify on behalf of Measurement Canada; and
  2. the inspection types the organization will conduct for each particular device type.

Additional information in the guide for section 4.2.2

4.2.3 Control of Documents

ISO 9001:2008
4.2.3

Measurement Canada Requirements

The organization shall maintain current copies of (or access to) the applicable act and its associated regulations, specifications, bulletins and notices of approval.

Prior to implementation, all document and data changes regarding inspection procedures or changes which may affect the ability of or manner in which the organization ensures that devices meet the requirements of the applicable act shall be reviewed and accepted by Measurement Canada (see section 9.5 for further details).

Measurement Canada Requirements Applicable to Weights and Measures

The organization shall provide to its recognized technicians current copies of the following documents:

  1. the Weights and Measures Act and Regulations;
  2. applicable ministerial specifications;
  3. applicable Measurement Canada bulletins;
  4. applicable device inspection procedures (Field Inspection Manual, Inspection Procedure Outlines and Standard Test Procedures for mass and volume);
  5. designation certificates for physical standard use;
  6. applicable notices of approval;
  7. Weights and Measures Inspection Certificate Completion Manual; and
  8. any other document required for device inspection and certification.

Additional information in the guide for section 4.2.3

4.2.4 Control of Records

ISO 9001:2008
4.2.4

Measurement Canada Requirements

Quality records shall be made available, on request, to Measurement Canada representatives or those persons in the organization who require such information for the performance of their duties under this standard.

Measurement Canada Requirements Applicable to Weights and Measures

The retention period for records relating to accreditation shall be:

  1. for inspection reports, certificates of inspection, and non-compliance reports, a minimum of three years;
  2. for certificates of designation of test standards, the lesser of a period equivalent to three designation cycles or until the standard is withdrawn from service;
  3. for policies and procedures, until superseded or revised;
  4. for employee training records of persons involved in the inspection process or the development, implementation and maintenance of the quality management system, the duration of such employment; and
  5. for other records, 2 years.

For the purposes of traceability under the Weights and Measures Act and Regulations, a certificate of inspection shall be completed for every device that is certified for use in trade. The certificate shall be designed as stipulated by Measurement Canada (for guidelines regarding certificate format refer to Appendix 5 of this document). In addition, accredited organizations shall send an original copy of certificates to the local Measurement Canada district office at least once a week, but no longer than 15 days from the date of their issue.

Inspection certificates shall be issued to the device's owner or to the person in possession of the device at the time the inspection service is provided and in accordance with Bulletin —23, Inspection of scales that are affected by differences in acceleration due to gravity.

Measurement Canada Requirements Applicable to Electricity and Gas

The organization shall also maintain the following quality records for the prescribed periods:

  1. where applicable, inspection reports other than certificates shall be kept for the life of the device if maintained by a device owner, or for 6 years if maintained by a service organization;
  2. certificates of calibration for measuring apparatus or test standards, for 6 years after certification date;
  3. policies and procedures, until superseded or revised; and
  4. training records for individuals directly involved in the inspection process or the development, implementation and maintenance of the quality management system, the duration of employment.

Additional information in the guide for section 4.2.4

5.0 Management Responsibility

5.1 Management Commitment

ISO 9001:2008
5.1

5.2 Customer Focus

ISO 9001:2008
5.2

Note: Section 7.2.1 Determination of requirements related to product is included as a requirement of this standard. Section 8.2.1 Customer satisfaction is not included as a requirement of this standard.

5.3 Quality Policy

ISO 9001:2008
5.3

Measurement Canada Requirement

For the purpose of obtaining Measurement Canada accreditation, the organization's policy and objectives shall include a commitment to meeting Measurement Canada's requirements.

5.4 Planning

5.4.1 Quality Objectives

ISO 9001:2008
5.4.1

5.4.2 Quality Management System Planning

ISO 9001:2008
5.4.2

Measurement Canada Requirements

Measurement Canada's legal requirements shall be addressed in the organization's quality planning.

5.5 Responsibility, Authority and Communication

5.5.1 Responsibility and Authority

ISO 9001:2008
5.5.1

Measurement Canada Requirements

The authority to perform inspections, sampling procedures and to sign and issue inspection certificates shall be documented.

5.5.2 Management Representative

ISO 9001:2008
5.5.2

Measurement Canada Requirements

The organization shall notify Measurement Canada of the appointment of the management representative in writing.

Additional information in the guide for section 5.5.2

5.5.3 Internal Communication

ISO 9001:2008
5.5.3

Additional information in the guide for section 5.5.3

5.6 Management Review

5.6.1 General

ISO 9001:2008
5.6.1

Measurement Canada Requirement

Where management review occurs less frequently than annually, the organization shall provide a complete assessment of the adequacy of this reduced frequency period.

5.6.2 Review Input

ISO 9001:2008
5.6.2

Additional information in the guide for section 5.6.2

5.6.3 Review Output

ISO 9001:2008
5.6.3

Additional information in the guide for section 5.6.3

6.0 Resource Management

6.1 Provision of Resources

ISO 9001:2008
6.1

6.2 Human Resources

ISO 9001:2008
6.2

6.2.1 General

ISO 9001:2008
6.2.1

6.2.2 Competence, Training and Awareness

ISO 9001:2008
6.2.2

Measurement Canada Requirements

The organization shall establish, document, implement and maintain procedures.

Measurement Canada Requirements Applicable to Weights and Measures

For the purposes of obtaining Measurement Canada accreditation to perform inspections pursuant to the Weights and Measures Act and Regulations, the organization shall have at least one employee who has successfully completed the mandatory Measurement Canada training.

All technicians shall be assessed theoretically and practically by Measurement Canada prior to being recognized. The organization shall ensure that selected technicians to be recognized to perform inspection activities intended to meet the requirements of this standard shall have the appropriate experience and training. In order for a technician to be a recognized technician under the accreditation program, the technician's name must be listed in Schedule A of the agreement between the organization and Measurement Canada for the particular device type, product group and physical standard type, as applicable.

To maintain their authority to inspect devices, recognized technicians shall demonstrate on an on-going basis that they have maintained their knowledge and skills.

Where Measurement Canada advises the organization that regulatory or procedural changes have occurred, the organization shall ensure that at least one employee attend refresher courses conducted by Measurement Canada and provides training on the changes to any other personnel who may be carrying out inspections or parts thereof that are affected by the changes. Appropriate records shall be maintained of the training provided to employees by Measurement Canada.

Additional information in the guide for section 6.2.2

6.3 Infrastructure

ISO 9001:2008
6.3

6.4 Work Environment

ISO 9001:2008
6.4

7.0 Product Realization

7.1 Planning of Product Realization

ISO 9001:2008
7.1

Measurement Canada Requirements

Processes shall be implemented and maintained to ensure that devices are set up, configured and installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions; the requirements provided in the applicable Measurement Canada Notices of Approval; and Measurement Canada requirements, before the device is inspected and certified.

Additional information in the guide for section 7.1

7.2 Customer- Related Processes

7.2.1 Determination of Requirements Related to Product

ISO 9001:2008
7.2.1

Measurement Canada Requirements Applicable to Electricity and Gas

For the purpose of obtaining accreditation pursuant to the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and

Regulations, an organization providing inspection services for another organization shall ensure that the organization is registered as a contractor, as defined in the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and Regulations.

7.2.2 Review of Requirements Related to the Product

ISO 9001:2008
7.2.2

7.2.3 Customer Communication

ISO 9001:2008
7.2.3

7.3 Design and Development

This standard does not include design and development. This ISO subclause is included to align the clause numbering to ISO 9001:2008.

Additional information in the guide for section 7.3

7.4 Purchasing

7.4.1 Purchasing Process

ISO 9001:2008
7.4.1

Measurement Canada Requirements

All activities that are outsourced shall meet the requirements of the purchasing element of this standard.

Additional information in the guide for section 7.4.1

7.4.2 Purchasing Information

ISO 9001:2008
7.4.2

Additional information in the guide for section 7.4.2

7.4.3 Verification of Purchased Product

ISO 9001:2008
7.4.3

7.5 Production and Service Provision

ISO 9001:2008
7.5

Measurement Canada Requirements

When servicing entails any activity that affects the accuracy of a measuring device, the organization shall implement processes to ensure compliance with section 35.1 of the Weights and Measures Regulations.

7.5.1 Control of Production and Service Provision

ISO 9001:2008
7.5.1

7.5.2 Validation of Processes for Production and Service Provision

ISO 9001:2008
7.5.2

7.5.3 Identification and Traceability

ISO 9001:2008
7.5.3

Measurement Canada Requirements

The organization shall establish, document, implement and maintain procedures.

The organization shall:

  1. establish and maintain a system for seals, stickers or other means on the devices that indicate the status of the inspection and final acceptance;
  2. control status indicators including the authority for applying and removing seals, stickers, stamps or other physical means of indicating the inspection status; and
  3. seal devices which have passed inspection in the manner prescribed in the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act, Regulations and specifications, the Weights and Measures Act, Regulations and specifications and as set out in the applicable Notice of Approval issued by Measurement Canada.

For each inspection performed, the organization must be capable of identifying physical standards which were used for the inspection.

Measurement Canada Requirements Applicable to Weights and Measures

Seals, initial inspection markings and verification indicators shall be accepted by Measurement Canada prior to use by the organization. The organization shall ensure that appropriate controls are in place in order to safeguard inspection certificates, seals, marks and stickers from being misplaced or misused.

Requirements for seals, markings and indicators can be found in Appendix 4.

Organizations seeking accreditation to perform inspections pursuant to the Weights and Measures Act and Regulations shall:

  1. affix a verification indicator; and
  2. mark devices with the appropriate initial inspection markings.

Inspection certificates shall be numbered and controlled from the point of issuance to recognized technicians to their filing upon return to the office. Inspection certificates may be generated electronically at the time of inspection. The accredited organization shall adhere to the requirements related to inspection certificates and their completion which are found in Appendix 5 and in the Weights and Measures Inspection Certificate Completion Manual. This manual also specifies the requirements for Cancelled/Invalid Certificates.

Processes shall be implemented to ensure that inspection markings and verification indicators (stickers) approved by Measurement Canada are used only on devices certified on behalf of Measurement Canada.

Additional information in the guide for section 7.5.3

Measurement Canada Requirements Applicable to Electricity and Gas

The accredited organization shall use a seal that shows its unique identity, and the year of verification. The seal shall be used in accordance with and meet the requirements of PS-EG-02 – Provisional Specifications for the Means and Methods of Sealing Verified Electricity and Gas Meters.

For the purposes of accreditation under the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and Regulations, certificates, when required, shall contain the information stipulated in section 21 of the Electricity and Gas Inspection Regulations.

7.5.4 Customer Property

ISO 9001:2008
7.5.4

7.5.5 Preservation of Product

ISO 9001:2008
7.5.5

7.6 Control of Monitoring and Measuring Equipment

ISO 9001:2008
7.6

Measurement Canada Requirements

The organization shall establish, document, implement and maintain procedures.

The organization shall identify the necessary measuring apparatus or test standards used to perform final inspections. These shall be certified as prescribed in the applicable act.

Measurement Canada Requirements Applicable to Weights and Measures

For the purposes of obtaining accreditation pursuant to the Weights and Measures Act and Regulations, the organization shall ensure that test standards are calibrated as prescribed in section 56 of the Weights and Measures Regulations:

  1. have a valid certificate of designation issued by Measurement Canada; and
  2. are verified by Measurement Canada at the prescribed intervals or more frequently where verification is necessary to maintain the accuracy of the test standard.

Standards such as thermometers, pressure measuring instruments, test weights and other standards used by recognized technicians to inspect devices used in trade shall be monitored for accuracy at the frequency determined by Measurement Canada (i.e. ice point test performed on electronic thermometers) and quality records of results shall be maintained.

The accredited organization shall provide clear instructions to its recognized technicians to verify the condition (dents, leaks, rust, etc.) of borrowed or rented test standards and to ensure that applicable Measurement Canada certificates of designation are valid. A copy of the certificates of designation for those borrowed or rented test standards shall be maintained by the accredited organization.

Measurement Canada Requirements Applicable to Electricity and Gas

For the purposes of obtaining accreditation pursuant to the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and Regulations, the organization shall ensure that newly acquired and existing measuring apparatus and test standards are calibrated in accordance with section 7 of the Electricity and Gas Inspection Regulations and certified prior to use.

Additional information in the guide for section 7.6

8.0 Measurement, Analysis and Improvement

8.1 General

ISO 9001:2008
8.1

8.2 Monitoring and Measurement

8.2.1 Customer Satisfaction

This standard does not include customer satisfaction. This ISO subclause is included to align the clause numbering to ISO 9001:2008.

Additional information in the guide for section 8.2.1

8.2.2 Internal Audit

ISO 9001:2008
8.2.2

Additional information in the guide for section 8.2.2

Measurement Canada Requirements

The organization shall select and assign qualified auditors for each activity being audited.

Measurement Canada Requirements Applicable to Weights and Measures

Accredited organization shall conduct internal audits of all its sites on an annual basis.

8.2.3 Monitoring and Measurement Processes

ISO 9001:2008
8.2.3

Measurement Canada Requirements Applicable to Weights and Measures

In order to be certified for use in trade, current requirements are that each weighing and measuring device shall be inspected individually; sampling is not permitted. The entire evaluation and inspection procedure shall be performed prior to the issuance of a certificate showing the device meets the requirements of the Weights and Measures Act and Regulations. The inspection of mass devices at the factory or any location other than the intended point of use is subject to the requirements found in the latest version of Measurement Canada Bulletin —23, Inspection of scales that are affected by differences in acceleration due to gravity.

Additional information in the guide for section 8.2.3

8.2.4 Monitoring and Measurement of Product

ISO 9001:2008
8.2.4

Measurement Canada Requirements

The organization shall establish, document, implement and maintain procedures.

For the purpose of obtaining and maintaining Measurement Canada accreditation, the organization shall ensure that, for the purpose of final inspection, only Measurement Canada approved devices and components are tested, verified or certified.

Measurement Canada Requirements Applicable to Weights and Measures

The organization shall maintain records which identify the names and addresses of the initial point of shipment of devices that are sold, leased or otherwise disposed of for use in trade. These records shall also indicate the devices' serial numbers. Measurement Canada shall have access to these records in order to plan product audits of devices inspected by accredited companies.

The quality management system documentation shall include device evaluation and inspection procedures that assess the overall compliance of devices to the weights and measures requirements including device configuration or setting, installation and performance.

Measurement Canada Requirements Applicable to Electricity and Gas

Prior to verifying or reverifying electricity and natural gas devices, the accredited organization shall:

  1. confirm that the contractor is registered; and
  2. include the contractor's registration number on the inspection certificate.

The organization shall send copies of inspection certificates to Measurement Canada upon request.

Should the contractor not be registered, the accredited organization shall direct the contractor to Measurement Canada for registration prior to providing inspection services.

Additional information in the guide for section 8.2.4

8.3 Control of Nonconforming Product

ISO 9001:2008
8.3

8.4 Analysis of Data

ISO 9001:2008
8.4

  1. customer satisfaction (see 8.2.1) is excluded from S-A-01:2010.

8.5 Improvement

8.5.1 Continual Improvement

ISO 9001:2008
8.5.1

Additional information in the guide for section 8.5.1

8.5.2 Corrective Action

ISO 9001:2008
8.5.2

8.5.3 Preventive Action

ISO 9001:2008
8.5.3

9.0 Accreditation Process

9.1 General

The following sections describe the accreditation process in general terms.

Measurement Canada personnel are available to assist the organization in determining the feasibility of gaining accreditation by supplying all of the relevant documentation and providing an in depth description and explanation of the accreditation program and processes. An Application for Authorization of Service Providers is to be used for the initial application for accreditation. All requests for subsequent expansions of scope must be submitted to Measurement Canada in writing (in a letter, electronically or with an Application for Authorization of Service Providers).

9.1.1 Application for Accreditation

Any organization that is willing to comply with the requirements stipulated in this standard and that meet the eligibility requirements may apply for accreditation. In making such an application, the organization agrees to abide by the policies and procedures established by Measurement Canada. The application being submitted must be signed by the organization's top manager as defined in section 2.1 of this standard.

Following the application, the organization shall submit copies of the quality management system documentation developed to meet the requirements of S-A-01:2010 - Criteria for the Accreditation of Organizations to Perform Inspections Pursuant to the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and the Weights and Measures Act to the specified Measurement Canada Office(s) for evaluation.

The designated Measurement Canada regional auditor will determine how many copies of the quality documents are required. The designated Measurement Canada regional auditor is responsible for maintaining the official copy of quality management system documentation from the accredited organization.

To be eligible for the accreditation program and to maintain accreditation, the organization interested in performing inspections under the Weights and Measures Act, shall have at least one recognized technician as its employee or undertake the steps required to have one of its technicians recognized. The accredited organization cannot issue inspection certificates on behalf of Measurement Canada through recognized technicians who are not its employee(s), over whom it has no authority or with whom there is no employer-employee relationship.

9.1.2 Evaluation of Applicant's Documentation

The applicant's documentation shall be evaluated by Measurement Canada personnel for adequacy. A report summarizing how the applicant has successfully or unsuccessfully met all applicable criteria and requirements shall be provided.

When the applicant's documentation meets all applicable criteria and requirements, Measurement Canada shall issue a letter accepting the quality management system documentation.

The applicant shall implement the quality management system for an adequate period prior to a Measurement Canada audit taking place. This implementation phase may vary from one client to another depending on the scope of the application and is to be determined by Measurement Canada. Measurement Canada may perform a pre-assessment prior to an accreditation audit to ensure that the applicant is prepared for the audit.

9.1.3 Witness Inspection Process

Measurement Canada personnel may provide guidance to the organization and to the technician during the witness inspection process. Usual fees for the issuance of certificates by Measurement Canada are applicable. No additional fees are assessed for the witness inspection process.

9.1.3.1 Responsibilities - Measurement Canada

It is the responsibility of the applicable Measurement Canada managers to provide qualified inspection staff, in the context of an agreed-to schedule, for the purposes of the witness inspection process.

Measurement Canada regional technical specialists, in consultation with the organization, the designated Measurement Canada regional auditor and the Measurement Canada regional coordinator, may aid in the determination of which devices or device types are to be inspected using this process.

It is the responsibility of the Measurement Canada inspector to report to the designated Measurement Canada regional auditor and the Measurement Canada regional coordinator on the progress achieved by organization's staff as an outcome of the witnessed inspections.

A written report of the observations and findings arising from the witness inspection process will be issued. This report will include a summary conclusion indicating the Measurement Canada inspector's recommendations concerning further witness inspections.

9.1.3.2 Responsibilities - Applicant

It is the responsibility of the applicant to:

  1. have documented and implemented a quality management system, acceptable to Measurement Canada;
  2. have personnel available, in the context of an agreed-to schedule;
  3. have required documentation (such as certificates) accepted by Measurement Canada, available for use; and
  4. have appropriate and sufficient measuring and test equipment and product (devices) available to conduct the witness inspections.

All inspections and certifications conducted under this process are to be performed in accordance with the requirements and specifications of the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and the Weights and Measures Act, as appropriate.

9.1.3.3 Procedures

An applicant will be eligible to participate in the witness inspection process only upon Measurement Canada acceptance of the quality management system documentation. Organizations seeking accreditation to perform inspections pursuant to the Weights and Measures Act must also have completed the mandatory training.

Witness inspections must be scheduled with the applicable Measurement Canada managers. The duration of the witness inspection process shall be determined by the Measurement Canada managers, and not exceed a maximum of 4 weeks per organization.

Each person identified by the applicant as capable of performing inspections (hereafter referred to as technician) must participate in the witness inspection process for all relevant devices or device types.

Each technician shall perform, record and evaluate the appropriate tests relevant to the device or device type under test and document the results.

Each technician must use the appropriate documentation for the purpose, and complete and sign all applicable test results and inspection statements in the manner specified in the organization's quality documentation.

The technician must demonstrate to the Measurement Canada inspector, the sealing procedure and seals used.

The Measurement Canada inspector will review with the technician, the inspection findings and resultant decision, the seals and markings used, the completion of the documentation and any other associated procedures for which the technician is responsible.

The Measurement Canada inspector will then complete the appropriate Measurement Canada documentation such as a certificate and seal or mark the device to communicate its acceptability (or lack thereof) for use in trade. Measurement Canada seals and inspection certificates are to be used.

Where circumstances warrant, after documenting observations, the Measurement Canada inspector may request the performance of necessary or supplementary tests, in order to complete the inspection. Where necessary or supplementary tests are requested in order to confirm the acceptability of the device, the particular witness inspection will be identified as "not acceptable in all respects" and documented as such.

All documentation associated with the witness inspection process must be retained as quality records and may be used in the records of qualification of staff to perform inspections.

The inspection fees identified in the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and Regulations and the Weights and Measures Act and Regulations, as appropriate, apply.

9.1.4 Accreditation Audits

Measurement Canada shall perform a complete quality management system audit to ensure that the quality management system that has been described in the applicant's quality management system documentation has been implemented successfully. The purpose of the quality management system audit is to gather objective evidence that the applicant is capable of fulfilling all of the relevant criteria and requirements.

A report summarizing how the applicant has successfully or unsuccessfully met all applicable criteria and requirements shall be provided.

9.1.5 Granting of Accreditation

The granting of accreditation by the President of Measurement Canada (Director under the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and Regulations) will be based on the information provided by the applicant as well as the applicant's ability to demonstrate compliance with the requirements. Objective evidence of compliance will be obtained through the documentation review process and the accreditation audit.

For organizations to perform inspections under the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act, the accreditation will be granted by the President of Measurement Canada pursuant to Section 10 of the Act.

For organizations to perform inspections pursuant to the Weights and Measures Act, the organization's top manager, as defined in section 2.1 of this standard, and the President of Measurement Canada, on behalf of the Minister, will enter into an agreement and the organization will be appointed as inspector. Refer to Appendix 2 of S-A-01:2010 for an example of the weights and measures accreditation agreement.

In the event an application for accreditation is not accepted, the applicant will be advised of the reasons for non-acceptance.

9.1.6 Maintenance of Accreditation

As a minimum, Measurement Canada will perform periodic surveillance and product audits of accredited organizations to confirm continuing compliance with the criteria and requirements for accreditation. The scope of the surveillance audits may include any or all of the aspects covered in the initial comprehensive audit.

9.1.6.1 Weights and Measures and Electricity and Gas Product Audits

Product audits are to be planned and conducted in accordance with Measurement Canada's accreditation Bulletin A-1, Measurement Canada Conducted Product Audits.

9.1.6.2 Loss of a Recognized Technician from Accredited Weights and Measures Organizations

When a recognized technician is no longer employed by an accredited organization, the organization must advise Measurement Canada and request that the name of the recognized technician be withdrawn from Schedule A. When there is no longer a recognized technician employed by the organization, the organization must request a voluntary suspension of its accreditation from Measurement Canada.

9.2 Appeal Process

Measurement Canada accepts appeals, complaints and disputes from organizations that are accredited or are seeking accreditation. Measurement Canada regional directors are the first point of contact for appeals, complaints and disputes. The vice president, Innovative Services Directorate, Measurement Canada is the second point of contact, and the president, Measurement Canada, is the third point of contact.

9.3 Suspension of Accreditation

In instances when an accredited organization demonstrates an inability to continue meeting the applicable criteria and requirements, Measurement Canada may suspend all or part of the organization's accreditation program until appropriate corrective action is taken. The suspension may also apply to one or several organization's recognized technicians.

An accredited organization may voluntarily suspend its accreditation. An organization that voluntarily suspends its accreditation shall demonstrate, through appropriate objective evidence, that the program has been fully implemented before Measurement Canada will reinstate the program. An audit by Measurement Canada may be required before reinstatement.

9.4 Revocation of Accreditation

In the case of non-compliance with the conditions on which accreditation was initially granted, the organization concerned will be advised of this fact and withdrawal of any or all of the accreditation may be implemented.

The President of Measurement Canada may revoke accreditation for organizations accredited to perform inspections pursuant to the Weights and Measures Act.

The Minister may revoke accreditation for organizations accredited to perform inspections under the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act in accordance with the provisions of the Act and Regulations.

9.5 Expansions of Scope, Minor Revisions and Expansions to Additional Locations

9.5.1 Expansions of Scope

An expansion of scope shall be accepted by Measurement Canada prior to implementation. A written request for an expansion of scope shall be submitted by the accredited organization to Measurement Canada. The request for expansion must be submitted by the organization's top manager as defined in section 2.1 of this standard or by a person who has been delegated this responsibility by the organization's top manager. Upon acceptance, the Innovative Services Directorate of Measurement Canada will provide the applicant with a written approval of the modification. Requests for expansions of scope may be subject to audit by Measurement Canada.

Expansions of scope under the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act include:

  1. addition of sampling methods or changes to existing sampling methods;
  2. changes that require the use of additional measuring apparatus or testing equipment which are different than those already used by the organization and which may require different operating procedures;
  3. changes to the certification of measuring apparatus or testing equipment such as the addition of test points not included in the existing certificate of calibration;
  4. changes to the accreditation status such as moving from utility to service organization status; and
  5. addition of device types for which verification procedures do not exist, the addition of functions that are not currently verified, and the addition of test locations.

Expansions of scope under the Weights and Measures Act include:

  1. addition of device types;
  2. changes that require the use of test standards which are different than those already used by the organization and which may require different testing methodologies;
  3. changes that require different testing methodologies due to the product type being measured; and
  4. addition of a site.

9.5.2 Minor Revisions Requiring Measurement Canada Regional Acceptance

The following are considered minor revisions that require Measurement Canada regional acceptance only:

  1. addition of models to the accreditation scope which does not require any changes to the quality management system; and
  2. additions of functions to be verified on a meter for which the organization has already been authorized to verify on other meters.

Upon acceptance, the Measurement Canada regional coordinator will issue a written notification to the applicant.

Additional information in the guide for section 9.5.2

9.5.3 Minor Revisions Requiring Notification

The following are minor revisions that require notification but do not require Measurement Canada acceptance:

  1. editorial changes (e.g. grammatical, spelling, wording) to the quality management system documentation;
  2. replacement or up-grade of measuring apparatus or test equipment used for the verification of meters within the organization's existing field of accreditation, provided that these apparatus or equipment have been calibrated and certified by Measurement Canada;
  3. deletion of fields of accreditations; and
  4. addition of staff (excluding weights and measures recognized technicians) involved in the organization's quality management system or revisions to the titles of positions.

A quality management system documentation revision package containing the modification shall be submitted by the accredited organization to the local Measurement Canada regional coordinator.

9.5.4 Expansions to Additional Locations

An organization may expand the scope of its accreditation program to include additional locations, including locations owned by other organizations, under the following conditions:

  1. a written request, which states which specific fields of metrological verification will apply at each location shall be submitted by the applicant to Measurement Canada;
  2. the applicant shall be responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the quality management system at the additional location(s) meet accreditation program requirements;
  3. the applicant shall submit quality management system documentation for each additional location. The documentation shall be approved and authorized by the applicant's senior management and by the senior management from the additional location prior to Measurement Canada acceptance;
  4. the applicant shall demonstrate to Measurement Canada that an acceptable quality management system has been developed and implemented ensuring all requirements from the program elements contained in the accreditation standard are adequately addressed for each additional location;
  5. the applicant shall include, in its internal quality audit program, the activities and functions taking place at each additional location;
  6. the activities and functions taking place at additional locations will be subject to Measurement Canada accreditation, surveillance and product audits; and
  7. the applicant shall ensure nonconformances at the additional locations are adequately addressed. Any necessary enforcement action will be directed to the applicant, as well as the additional location.
9.5.4.1 Expansions to Additional Locations for Accredited Weights and Measures Organizations

An accredited organization applying for an expansion for an additional location or site, under its quality management system umbrella, would not be issued a new accreditation certificate and number for this additional location or site.

Any additional location or site developing its own quality management system, even under the umbrella of an accredited organization, would be considered as applying for accreditation and would be issued its own accreditation certificate and number.

9.5.5 Expansions of Scope / Outstanding Nonconformances

Measurement Canada will not process applications for expansions of scope if the applicant has not adequately addressed or resolved outstanding nonconformances.

9.6 Changes to Accredited Organizations

Once granted, the accreditation is not transferable. In the case of a legal entity name or ownership change of the organization, the accreditation is no longer valid. The organization must notify Measurement Canada and a new application for Authorization of Service Providers must be submitted to and accepted by Measurement Canada before the organization can proceed to perform any inspection activities.

The applicant shall revise its quality management system documentation accordingly and submit the changes to the Measurement Canada regional coordinator for acceptance. Depending on the extent of the changes to the organization's quality management system documentation, an audit may be conducted by Measurement Canada.

Any inspections performed after the sale of an accredited organization are not valid unless Measurement Canada has issued a letter, and signed a new agreement as applicable, for the new organization before inspections occurred. If the inspections are not valid, they will have to be redone by an Authorised Service Provider.

When an accredited organization undergoes other changes such as to the organizational structure or a change of address, they must notify the Measurement Canada regional coordinator who will perform an assessment of the changes being made and determine what steps must be taken by the organization to maintain its accreditation.

Additional information in the guide for section 9.6