NATA has committed itself to auditing the testing organisation on every major new Australian pipeline, in its early construction phase, when that testing is undertaken by NATA-accredited laboratories. Each audit is undertaken using an independent, unbiased, technically-based process conducted in accordance with an international accreditation standard – ISO/IEC 17025 – “General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories”.
Non-destructive testing (NDT) of pipelines is a demanding and highly skilled activity. The output of this testing – test results – is crucial, in both technical and economic terms, to the construction process. As the technical competence of the NDT service provider is essential, assurance of competence becomes a necessary undertaking in any pipeline construction project. NATA accredited testing organisations have a long history of service to the Australian pipeline industry through the provision of accurate and reliable test results.
Importantly for all concerned, NATA ensures that its audit teams undertake their activities in accordance with all pipeline site safety requirements. Also, wherever possible and with the agreement of all parties, NATA involves the client in the close-out meeting with the testing facility. In this way, the client gets immediate advice of the outcome and the opportunity to make any comments.
Pipeline clients can check the current scope of accreditation for all NATA accredited laboratories using the web-based directory (www.nata.asn.au).
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Specifying NATA-endorsed test reports for NDT of pipelines provides independent assurances that the work performed is accredited by a system for maintaining the validity of all testing. This results in minimisation of adverse consequences for constructors, operators and owners and is therefore part of a comprehensive plant risk management strategy for major projects.
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