Section 2 Prerequisites for certification
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Clasifications Register Guidance Information - Guidance Notes for Certification through Technology Qualification, January 2022 - Chapter 2 Principles and Prerequisites for Certification - Section 2 Prerequisites for certification

Section 2 Prerequisites for certification

Parent topic: Chapter 2 Principles and Prerequisites for Certification

2.1 Timing for certification

2.1.1 As the certification of a product or technology is based upon an assessment of detailed design documentation and objective testing, at the very minimum, a design prototype of the technology is expected to be completed before the commencement of the certification process (see Figure 2.2.1 Timing for Certification through Technology Qualification). This usually refers to a technology readiness level of three and above on the universally accepted nine-level TRL scale (see Ch 5, 1 Technology assessment scale).

Figure 2.2.1 Timing for Certification through Technology Qualification

2.2 Application for certification

2.2.1 Prior to applying for certification though technology qualification, LR encourages the technology developer to consider the long-term goals in terms of the intended lifecycle of the technology, and not just the scope for the certification itself. As part of this process, LR is open to discussing these with the developer to ensure any assessment activity will not need to be repeated, should they wish to pursue further certifications (see Ch 4 Further Certifications following Technology Qualification.

2.2.2 A formal application for certification through technology qualification must be made using the standard ‘Certification for Technology Qualification’ application form which LR will make available to a technology developer upon request. The technology developer must complete all sections of the form, providing full details of the technology, as requested on the form. This will enable LR to determine the complete scope of the certification service, as well as to identify the most competent discipline engineers to participate in the assessment process.

2.2.3 As the application will be reviewed by multiple technical disciplines, LR will only consider the information supplied on the completed form (along with any supporting documents) to determine if a certification for the technology is possible. Details requested on the form should be accurate and complete as these will be introduced into the LR Approvals database and will be reflected on the certificate and invoicing. Any previous informal discussions or e-mail correspondence will not be considered during the application review process.

2.2.4 The operational environment and limits of the technology must be precise and clearly defined on the application form as they will become the terms of reference for the final stage of the certification process. As part of the application process, LR can assist the technology developer refine these details to ensure that the certificate issued at the end of the process reflects the technology assessed, is unambiguous and not open to misinterpretation.

2.2.5 If LR considers that the process of certification through technology qualification is unsuitable, the reasons for the application being declined (or the possibility of applying for an alternate certification process) will be communicated to the technology developer.

2.3 Certification of modified mature technologies

2.3.1 The process of certification through technology qualification applies to novel as well as mature technologies that have been modified by having an element of innovation introduced. Any form of innovation often invalidates existing certificates, making it impossible for a reassessment through conventional certification schemes.

2.3.2 When applying for certification through technology qualification, the technology developer must highlight the scope and details of modifications made to a mature technology. Additionally, full details of the modified designs along with any supporting documentation, must be submitted as part of the application process.

2.3.3 The requirement to submit full design details of any modification also applies to modified methods for deploying existing technologies, e.g. if part of the installation or commissioning process, is modified by introducing an element of innovation. This also applies to non-conformance against existing codes or standards, or the extension of an operational limit beyond its current certification.

2.4 Certification based upon previous assessment by other certification bodies

2.4.1 LR has significant experience of technology developers seeking certification for assessment work previously completed by other accredited and non-accredited certification bodies. LR considers an accredited certification body as one that holds an ISO 17065 accreditation, with a scope for the respective technology.

2.4.2 For the purpose of certification through technology qualification, LR does not recognise assessments undertaken by non-accredited certification bodies.

2.4.3 In relation to the above, if a technology developer wishes to enter the LR certification process having completed a portion of the assessment by an accredited body, prior to a contract being agreed for this certification process, LR will need to undertake its own pre-assessment for work previously completed. This pre-assessment is outside the scope of the certification through technology qualification process and should be negotiated under a separate contract.

2.4.4 Following a pre-assessment, if it is agreed that the technology can follow the LR technology qualification certification process, prior to its commencement, LR will provide the technology developer with a formal statement indicating which aspects of the technology assessment have been accepted for which credit can be claimed.

2.5 Certification on behalf of other bodies

2.5.1 As a recognised certification body, LR is often requested to issue certificates on behalf of other bodies (e.g. the IECRE, MCA, etc.). In such cases, LR acts as an independent assessor on their behalf and hence the technology will be assessed in accordance with the rules, standards, and procedures of that respective body. The deliverables from the process will also be in accordance with the requirements of that certification body.

2.5.2 In relation to the above, if a technology developer seeks certification from that assessment body, LR will advise the technology developer of the process and its requirements, before any contract is signed.

2.5.3 Whether the outcome of certification processes are LR deliverables or in accordance with the requirements of other bodies, the same principles for certification will apply (see Ch 2, 1 Principles for certification ).

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