Shop Inspection at Manufacturers
Why arrange a shop inspection before delivery
Major construction projects in the oil and gas sector and industry involve purchasing materials from different manufacturers, such as plates, pipes, valves, boilers and motors.
On arrival, these materials may not meet the expected quality level set out in procedures, purchase orders and specifications. This can pose a significant risk to projects where quality and safety are priorities.
Materials that do not meet the quality requirements can put people’s safety, process functionality and the service life of installations at risk. It is therefore important to check each individual item before it is approved, released and shipped to the project site.
Checks carried out during a shop inspection
A shop inspection takes place at the manufacturer after purchase but before delivery. Examples of checks include:
- dimensional inspection
- review of material certificates
- visual inspection
- supervision of non-destructive testing (NDT)
- supervision or performance of mechanical and functional tests
A qualified local inspector carries out the inspection, distributes the report and, if necessary, provides the customer with a Release Note. This states that the items can be released for shipment. Inspection at the manufacturer is a practical and cost-effective way to determine whether materials meet the customer’s specifications and procedures.
Worldwide second- and third-party shop inspections
Bureau Veritas can carry out shop inspections worldwide on request. In most countries, a Bureau Veritas office is available to coordinate the request directly.
When we work on behalf of the purchaser, we provide a Second Party Service. ISO 17000 for conformity assessment considers the manufacturer to be the first party and the purchaser to be the second party. We examine, inspect and carry out audits in accordance with the purchaser’s requirements. We act as the customer’s eyes and ears during manufacturing at the supplier. Bureau Veritas records findings only and does not decide which deviations are acceptable.
Bureau Veritas can also carry out inspections independently of both the manufacturer and the purchaser to confirm that materials meet the order and applicable standards. This Third Party Service often results in the issue of a declaration or certificate. In that case, Bureau Veritas assesses compliance with international, national or privately published codes or standards.