Context
The nature of the certification determines at which location and with which batch (supplier, producer, contractor) the inspections are carried out.
In the context of product certification, the inspections usually take place at the producer or supplier that applied for the certificate, but they can also take place at a client or on site.
In the context of execution certification, the inspections usually take place on site.
Scope
COPRO carries out inspections on a full range of products and finishes.
COPRO performs inspections for other certification bodies on:
- prefabricated concrete products for infrastructure works (pipes, sewerage system elements, curbs, paving stones, etc.)
- prefabricated concrete products for structural elements (masonry blocks, retaining wall elements, etc.)
- ready-mixed concrete
- aggregates
- Armour stone
Marks
Belgian quality marks:
COPRO-mark
COPRO.EXE-mark
BENOR-mark
ATG technical approval
Dutch quality marks:
the Dutch KOMO-mark
the Dutch Soil Quality Decree (BBK)
Procedure
Inspections follow strictly defined procedures.
The main lines of these procedures are determined by the ISO/IEC 17020 standard (“requirements for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection”) and are included in a General Certification Regulations. The content and frequency of the inspections are described in greater detail in an Application Regulation (during product certification) or in a Special Certification Regulation (during implementation certification).
Various issues can be dealt with during an inspection, first and foremost examining the self-monitoring performed by the certificate holder itself. In addition, samples can be taken for testing in external accredited inspection laboratories, or the certificate holder can perform certain tests under the supervision of the inspector working for the inspection body.
The inspector will make objective findings based on the established working method. His inspection report is then assessed by the certification body.
Role of COPRO
COPRO is active as an inspection body in the construction sector and has BELAC accreditation according to the ISO/IEC 17020 standard. COPRO is accredited by BELAC under certificate number 107 INSP.
A team of more than 35 inspectors perform more than 4000 inspections each year for COPRO and other certification bodies, not only in Belgium but also far beyond, from Brazil to Belarus, from Dubai to China.
Inspections are carried out in the context of various Belgian and foreign quality marks.
