The standard of the NDT operations observed across the various projects audited has been consistently high. Involvement of the NDT contractor’s client – typically the pipeline contractor – has been another positive aspect. With the agreement of the NDT contractor, the client has been invited to hear first-hand the audit findings and thereby gain assurance that the work is being performed to the required standard.

NATA wishes to thank all those clients of NDT laboratories who have already assisted the NATA surveillance program by permitting visits at their site. NATA places paramount importance on abiding by the various site requirements and this aspect is addressed during the planning phase and throughout the site visit.

NATA is Australia’s government endorsed accreditor of laboratories and NDT is an area of testing with which NATA has always been closely associated. There are nearly 2,800 laboratories and inspection services accredited by NATA in Australia. These cover all testing disciplines, and include more than 100 accredited NDT laboratories.

Pipeline NDT clients can check the current scope of accreditation for any NATA accredited laboratory using the web-based directory at www.nata.asn.au. NATA would also be happy to answer any queries from clients of NDT laboratories on any issue pertaining to accreditation.