1. Definitions

1.1 Certification/Certified. A system whereby a certification organization determines that a manufacturer has demonstrated the ability to produce a product that complies with the requirements of a specific standard, authorizes the manufacturer to use a label on listed products that comply with the requirements of this standard, and establishes a follow up program conducted by the certification organization as a check on the methods the manufacturer uses to determine compliance with the requirements of this standard.

1.2 Certification Organization. An independent, third party organization that determines products compliance with the requirements of this standard with a labeling/listing/follow up program.

2. Certification Program

2.1 The certification organization shall not be owned or controlled by manufacturers or vendors of the products being certified. The certification organization shall be primarily engaged in certification work and shall not have a monetary interest in the product’s ultimate profitability.

2.2 The certification organization shall refuse to certify products to this standard that do not comply with all requirements of this standard.

2.3 The contractual provisions between the certification organization and the manufacturer shall specify that certification is contingent on compliance with all applicable requirements of this standard. There shall be no conditional, temporary, or partial certifications. Manufacturers shall not be authorized to use any label or reference to the certification organization on products that are not manufactured in compliance with all applicable requirements of this standard.

2.4 For certification, laboratory facilities and equipment for conducting proper tests shall be available, a program for calibration of all instruments shall be in place and operating, and procedures shall be in use to ensure proper control of all testing. Good practice shall be followed regarding the use of laboratory manuals, form data sheets, documented calibration and calibration routines, performance verification, proficiency testing, and staff qualification and training programs.

2.5 Manufacturers shall be required to establish and maintain a program of production inspection and testing.

2.6 The manufacturers and the certification organization shall evaluate any changes affecting the form, fit, or function of the certified product to determine its continual certification to this standard.

2.7 Product certifications shall include a follow-up inspection program, with at least 2 random and unannounced visits per 12-month period.

2.8 The certification organization shall have a program for investigating field reports alleging malperformance of failure of listed products.

2.9 The operating procedures of the certification organization shall provide a mechanism for the manufacturer to appeal decisions. The procedures shall include the presentation of information from both sides of a controversy to a designated appeals panel.

2.10 The certification organization shall be in a position to use legal means to protect the integrity of its name and label. The name and label shall be registered and legally defended.