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AS 3920:2015

Pressure equipment—Conformity assessment

AS

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This Australian Standard® was prepared by Committee ME-001, Pressure Equipment. It was

approved on behalf of the Council of Standards Australia on 9 December 2014.

This Standard was published on 16 February 2015.

The following are represented on Committee ME-001:

• Australasian Corrosion Association

• Australasian Institute of Engineer Surveyors

• Australasian Institute of Engineering Inspectors

• Australian Aluminium Council

• Australian Building Codes Board

• Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

• Australian Industry Group

• Australian Institute for the Certification of Inspection Personnel

• Australian Institute of Energy

• Australian Institute of Petroleum

• Bureau of Steel Manufacturers of Australia

• Department of Justice and Attorney General, Qld

• Energy Networks Association

• Engineers Australia

• Materials Australia

• National Association of Testing Authorities Australia

• Welding Technology Institute of Australia

• WorkCover New South Wales

• WorkSafe Victoria

• WorkSafe Division, Department of Commerce, WA

This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR AS 3920.

Standards Australia wishes to acknowledge the participation of the expert individuals that

contributed to the development of this Standard through their representation on the

Committee and through the public comment period.

Keeping Standards up-to-date Australian Standards® are living documents that reflect progress in science, technology and

systems. To maintain their currency, all Standards are periodically reviewed, and new editions

are published. Between editions, amendments may be issued.

Standards may also be withdrawn. It is important that readers assure themselves they are

using a current Standard, which should include any amendments that may have been

published since the Standard was published.

Detailed information about Australian Standards, drafts, amendments and new projects can

be found by visiting www.standards.org.au

Standards Australia welcomes suggestions for improvements, and encourages readers to

notify us immediately of any apparent inaccuracies or ambiguities. Contact us via email at

[email protected], or write to Standards Australia, GPO Box 476, Sydney, NSW 2001.

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AS 3920:2015

Australian Standard®


Originated as AS 3920.1—1993. Revised and redesignated as AS 3920:2015.

COPYRIGHT

© Standards Australia Limited

All rights are reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or copied in any form or by

any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without the written

permission of the publisher, unless otherwise permitted under the Copyright Act 1968.

Published by SAI Global Limited under licence from Standards Australia Limited, GPO Box

476, Sydney, NSW 2001, Australia

ISBN 978 1 74342 984 6

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AS 3920:2015 2

PREFACE

This Standard was prepared by the Australian members of Joint Standards Australia/

Standards New Zealand Committee ME-001, Pressure Equipment, to supersede

AS 3920.1—1993, Assurance of product quality, Part 1: Pressure equipment manufacture.

With this revision, the Standard will now be known as AS 3920, Pressure equipment—

Conformity assessment.

After consultation with stakeholders in both countries, Standards Australia and Standards

New Zealand decided to develop this Standard as an Australian Standard rather than an

Australia/New Zealand Standard.

When first issued, this Standard was a most advanced Standard which responded to the

increasing recognition of quality systems as alternatives to, or supplements for, inspection,

and the potential to reduce conformity assessment (CA) effort as the level of hazard is

reduced.

The changing laws and industry needs, including the increased prevalence of imported

pressure equipment, have now made it essential to revise the Standard to address

conformity assessment.

This Standard is expected to become a significant document used by industry in Australia to

provide guidance in ensuring that all pressure equipment used in Australia, including

imported pressure equipment, is safe and conforms with an accepted Standard. Conformity

assessment requirements have been included to provide reasonable compatibility with

overseas pressure equipment practices, such as those required by the ASME Boiler and

Pressure Vessels Code and the EU-PED European Union—Pressure Equipment Directive.

The amount of conformity assessment follows the same basic principles as international

codes but an over-riding principle remains in applying more stringent requirements as the

consequences of pressure equipment failure (i.e. hazard level) increases.

Changes since the 1993 edition now include the following:

(a) Removal of Appendix B, ‘Hazard levels of pressure equipment’ to a separate

Standard, AS 4343—2005, Pressure equipment—Hazard levels.

(b) Incorporation of AS 3920.1—1993, Amendment 1:1995 and Amendment 2:1999.

(c) Changes to align with the new work health and safety (WHS) laws recognizing the

need for prescriptive requirements for self-regulation by industry.

(d) Requirements for whole of life conformity assessment, with reference to

AS/NZS 3788 for conformity assessment at the vital commissioning and in-service

stages.

(e) Modification to Table 2.1 to improve flexibility and understanding of requirements,

to ensure Australian practices with design verification are clarified, and to provide

alignment and guidance on leading overseas practices in recognition of increased use

of overseas-designed pressure equipment in Australia.

(f) Recognition and use of the latest international quality Standards,

e.g. AS/NZS ISO 9001 and AS/NZS ISO 3834 (the latter being appropriate for

welded manufacture), and specifying the requirements for the practices and

independence of inspection and design verifying bodies, using

AS/NZS ISO/IEC 17020 in place of outdated requirements.

(g) Normative Appendix F included on competent bodies and persons, design verification

and manufacture inspection.

(h) Updating of terms, references and some details.

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3 AS 3920:2015

The above changes are expected to improve safety and economy for all pressure equipment

from any source used in Australia at a reasonable cost appropriate to the hazard presented

by the equipment.

Statements expressed in mandatory terms in notes to tables and figures are deemed to be

requirements of this Standard.

The terms ‘normative’ and ‘informative’ have been used in this Standard to define the

application of the appendix to which they apply. A ‘normative’ appendix is an integral part

of a Standard, whereas an ‘informative’ appendix is only for information and guidance.

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AS 3920:2015 4

CONTENTS

Page

SECTION 1 SCOPE AND GENERAL

1.1 SCOPE ......................................................................................................................... 6

1.2 OBJECTIVE ................................................................................................................ 6

1.3 APPLICATION ........................................................................................................... 7

1.4 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS ................................................................................... 8

1.5 DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................. 8

1.6 STATUS OF STANDARD ........................................................................................ 10

1.7 ABBREVIATIONS ................................................................................................... 11

SECTION 2 BASIC REQUIREMENTS

2.1 CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT ............................................................................... 12

2.2 ALTERATIONS ........................................................................................................ 14

2.3 TYPES OF INSPECTION AND VERIFICATION BODIES ..................................... 15

2.4 SUB-CONTRACTORS ............................................................................................. 15

2.5 DOCUMENT LANGUAGE ...................................................................................... 15

2.6 ASSESSMENT OF PRESSURE EQUIPMENT WITH LIMITED DATA ................. 15

2.7 DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE VALIDATION .................................................... 16

SECTION 3 QUALITY SYSTEMS—DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE

3.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................. 17

3.2 QUALITY SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 17

3.3 OPERATION OF QUALITY SYSTEM .................................................................... 18

3.4 QUALITY SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION .............................................................. 18

SECTION 4 DESIGN VERIFICATION

4.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................. 19

4.2 PURPOSE .................................................................................................................. 19

4.3 BASIS OF DESIGN CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT .............................................. 19

4.4 STAGE OF DESIGN VERIFICATION ..................................................................... 19

4.5 INFORMATION FOR DESIGN VERIFICATION .................................................... 20

4.6 AMOUNT OF DESIGN VERIFICATION ................................................................ 20

4.7 DESIGN STANDARD AND SPECIFICATION ....................................................... 20

4.8 DESIGN VERIFYING BODIES AND DESIGN VERIFIERS .................................. 20

4.9 ELEMENTS AND METHOD OF DESIGN VERIFICATION .................................. 21

4.10 COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN VERIFICATION ..................................................... 23

4.11 DESIGN VERIFICATION CERTIFICATE ............................................................... 23

4.12 DESIGN REGISTRATION ....................................................................................... 23

4.13 DESIGN VERIFICATION WITH LIMITED DATA ................................................. 23

4.14 DESIGN VERIFICATION TO CHANGED STANDARD ........................................ 24

4.15 CONFIDENTIALITY ................................................................................................ 24

SECTION 5 TYPE TESTING

5.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................. 25

5.2 REQUEST FOR VERIFICATION OF TYPE TESTING ........................................... 25

5.3 WITNESS AND ASSESSMENT ............................................................................... 25

5.4 TYPE TESTING METHOD ...................................................................................... 26

5.5 TYPE TESTING CERTIFICATE .............................................................................. 26

5.6 MANUFACTURE INSPECTION .............................................................................. 26

5.7 ALTERATIONS ........................................................................................................ 26

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5 AS 3920:2015

Page

SECTION 6 MANUFACTURE INSPECTION

6.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................. 27

6.2 INFORMATION FOR MANUFACTURE INSPECTION ......................................... 27

6.3 AMOUNT OF MANUFACTURE INSPECTION ...................................................... 27

6.4 MANUFACTURING INSPECTION METHOD ........................................................ 27

6.5 FACILITIES FOR INSPECTION .............................................................................. 27

6.6 MANUFACTURE INSPECTION BODY .................................................................. 28

6.7 INSPECTION REPORT ............................................................................................ 28

6.8 CONFIDENTIALITY ................................................................................................ 28

SECTION 7 CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT MARKING AND REPORTS

7.1 MARKING ................................................................................................................ 29

7.2 DESIGN VERIFICATION CERTIFICATE ............................................................... 29

7.3 MANUFACTURER’S DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY .................................. 29

7.4 IN-SERVICE INSPECTION REPORT ...................................................................... 29

SECTION 8 REGISTRATION ............................................................................................... 30

APPENDICES

A REFERENCED DOCUMENTS ................................................................................. 31

B DESIGN VERIFICATION PROCESS ....................................................................... 33

C DESIGN VERIFICATION CERTIFICATE ............................................................... 35

D MANUFACTURE INSPECTION .............................................................................. 36

E DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY FOR THE DESIGN

AND MANUFACTURE OF PRESSURE EQUIPMENT .......................................... 38

F REQUIREMENTS FOR CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT BODIES

AND PERSONNEL ................................................................................................... 39

G CONCEPT OF CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT INFRASTRUCTURE .................... 42

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AS 3920:2015 6

© Standards Australia www.standards.org.au

STANDARDS AUSTRALIA

Australian Standard


S E C T I O N 1 S C O P E A N D G E N E R A L

1.1 SCOPE

This Standard specifies the minimum requirements for the assessment for conformity of

boilers, pressure vessels and pressure piping, including pressure-retaining accessories, to a

nominated, recognized pressure equipment Standard or Code.

This Standard details specific requirements for conformity assessment of design and

manufacture; however, it can equally be used more generally over the whole life cycle of

pressure equipment, including repairs. For conformity assessment associated with

commissioning and other in-service inspection, refer to AS/NZS 3788.

NOTE: Failure to consider conformity assessment at the early stages of the life cycle of pressure

equipment can add significantly to the time and costs of the project. In the worst case

inappropriate conformity assessment may force the rejection of prior work.

Optional methods for conformity assessment (CA) are provided through various

combinations of—

(a) design and manufacture quality systems; and

(b) design verification, type testing and manufacture inspection.

The selection of the appropriate method of conformity assessment depends on the hazard

levels determined by AS 4343.

NOTE: Figure 1.1 provides information on the main elements of the conformity assessment

process covered by this Standard.

Additional requirements may be specified provided these are not lower than the level of

conformity in this Standard and are negotiated by the relevant parties, e.g. purchaser,

designer, manufacturer, repairer, design verifying body, manufacture inspection body and

accreditation or certification bodies.

1.2 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this Standard is to—

(a) specify clear, safe, minimum requirements for conformity assessment of pressure

equipment;

(b) assist all parties involved in the provision and use of safe pressure equipment;

(c) provide alternative conformity assessment methods that are appropriate to the hazard

level of the equipment and acceptable to the parties concerned; and

(d) help ensure that the pressure equipment conforms to relevant requirements during its

lifetime.

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7 AS 3920:2015

www.standards.org.au © Standards Australia

STAGE METHOD BY

Tender/Contract

MUTUAL REVIEW AND AGREEMENT

DesignDESIGN VERIFICATION• Calculat ion and/or • Type test ing

• Design Ver i f ie r (See Table 2.1);• Design Ver i f icat ion Cer t i f icate; • Regulatory Registrat ion (once only)• Designer Qual i ty System

Manufacture MANUFACTURE INSPECTION

Commissioning(before Use)

COMMISSIONING INSPECTION( includes insta l lat ion) (Note)

• In-service Inspect ion Body;• Inspect ion Cer t i f icate; and • Regulatory Registrat ion

Use(and Disposal )

IN-SERVICE INSPECTION (Note)• Per iodic• Specia l• Risk based inspect ion (RBI )

• In-service Inspect ion Body;• Inspect ion Cer t i f icate; and• Registrat ion renewal

INDUSTRY NEEDWHS REGUL ATION

REQUIREMENT

CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT

• Suppl ier (designer, manufacturer ) & Purchaser (owner, user)

• Contract

• Manufacture Inspect ion Body: - independent of manufacturer, or- manufacturer Qual i ty System or

Inspect ion sect ion • Declarat ion of Conformity (or MDR)

and Marks

NOTE: Details are given in AS/NZS 3788.

FIGURE 1.1 PRESSURE EQUIPMENT CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT—

MAIN ELEMENTS

1.3 APPLICATION

This Standard is written for use by those involved with the supply, procurement, use and

associated aspects of pressure equipment, including repairs, i.e. purchasers, importers,

suppliers, manufacturers, repairers, designers, material and component suppliers, test

laboratories, design verifying bodies, owners, users, inspection bodies and regulators.

This Standard specifically applies to—

(a) pressure equipment and pressure-retaining accessories of the type covered in

AS/NZS 1200;

(b) pressure equipment for use in Australia and provided from any source or provided

using any pressure equipment Standard. It is strongly recommended for use with

exported equipment; and

NOTE: For application in Australia of pressure equipment designed complying with overseas

design Standards, refer to AS/NZS 1200.

(c) design verification and manufacture inspection of alterations, modifications and

repairs.

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AS 3920:2015 8


Unless specified by the parties concerned, this Standard does not specifically apply to—

(i) installation of boilers, pressure vessels and pressure piping covered by AS 3892;

(ii) operation, servicing and maintenance of boilers, pressure vessels and piping covered

by AS 3873;

(iii) in-service inspection of pressure equipment covered by AS/NZS 3788, except where

such inspections identify a need for a fitness for service assessment, an alteration,

modification or repair as indicated in Item (c) above; or

(iv) miniature boilers complying with the AMBSC Code.

It may be applied to similar equipment where agreed by parties concerned.

1.4 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

The documents referred to in this Standard are listed in Appendix A.

1.5 DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of this Standard, the definitions in AS 4942 and those below apply.

1.5.1 Alteration

A change to pressure equipment where the change may impair health or safety, but does not

include safe routine maintenance, repair or replacement where the equipment is returned to

a state that matches the original design.

1.5.2 Accreditation body

A body that conducts and administers an accreditation system and grants accreditation.

1.5.3 Audit

A full or partial formal review performed by an accredited or approved auditing

organization in which compliance or non-compliance with all the system elements

prescribed in the quality management Standard is ascertained.

1.5.4 Certification body

A body accredited or approved for the purpose of certifying quality systems, design

verifying bodies, manufacture inspection bodies, in-service inspection bodies or personnel.

1.5.5 Certified

Certified by a certification body.

1.5.6 Competent person

A person who has acquired, through education, training, qualification or experience or a

combination of these, the knowledge and skill enabling that person to perform the task

required.

1.5.7 Conformity

Fulfilment of a requirement.

NOTE: The term ‘conformance’ is synonymous. Compare with ‘compliance’, which is taken to

mean ‘to act in accordance with’.

1.5.8 Conformity assessment (CA)

Any activity concerned with determining directly or indirectly that relevant requirements

are fulfilled.

NOTE: Typical examples of conformity assessment activities are sampling, testing and

inspection, evaluation, verification and assurance of conformity (supplier’s declaration,

certification), registration, accreditation and approval, as well as other combinations.

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9 AS 3920:2015


1.5.9 Declaration of conformity

A certificate issued by the manufacturer or the manufacturer’s authorized representative in

which the manufacturer declares that the pressure equipment being supplied complies with

specified requirements.

1.5.10 Design review

Activity to determine the suitability, adequacy and effectiveness of the design.

NOTE: This is normally completed prior to approval of a design.

1.5.11 Design validation

Confirmation through the provision of objective evidence that the specified requirements

have been fulfilled.

1.5.12 Design verification

Documented comprehensive examination and review of a design to evaluate its

conformance with specified requirements, and identify any perceived deficiencies.

1.5.13 Design verifier

A suitably experienced and qualified person in the employ or control of a ‘design verifying

body’.

1.5.14 Design verifying body

A body corporate, firm or person responsible for design verification.

1.5.15 Designer

A body corporate, firm or person responsible for the design of the pressure equipment.

1.5.16 Equivalent

Having the same, better or acceptable outcome.

NOTE: An acceptable outcome is agreed to be equivalent by the parties concerned.

1.5.17 Inspection

Examination of a product design, product, process or installation and determination of its

conformity with specific requirements, or on the basis of professional judgement, with

general requirements.

NOTE: Inspection of a process may include inspection of persons, facilities, technology and

methodology.

1.5.18 Manufacturer

A body corporate, firm or person responsible for the manufacture of pressure equipment.

1.5.19 Manufacture inspection body

A body corporate, firm, or person responsible for the inspection of the manufacture of

pressure equipment.

1.5.20 Manufacturer’s data report (MDR)

A one or two page report giving main pressure equipment data with declaration of

conformity by the manufacturer and inspection body. The MDR and added related

documents become a manufacture dossier or package.

1.5.21 Nationally recognized

A document or organization that is recognized in its country of origin.

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AS 3920:2015 10


1.5.22 Owner or user inspection body

An inspection body that inspects pressure equipment and forms a separate and identifiable

part of the owner or user organization involved in the design, manufacture, supply,

installation, use or maintenance of the owner organization’s pressure equipment. For

example, Type B inspection body to AS/NZS ISO/IEC 17020.

1.5.23 Parties concerned

The purchaser, designer, manufacturer, design verifying and manufacture inspection bodies,

supplier, importer, installer, owner, user and other persons, as appropriate.

NOTE: It is expected that the minimum number of parties will be the purchaser and manufacturer;

others may be the importer, supplier, manufacture inspector and the user.

1.5.24 Pressure equipment (PE)

Boilers, pressure vessels and pressure piping.

1.5.25 Purchaser (owner or user)

The person or body for whom the pressure equipment is manufactured and who purchased it

for use.

NOTE: This term is intended to be equivalent to the ‘person conducting a business or undertaking

activities involving management or control of an item of plant’.

1.5.26 Regulator

An authority which is legally charged with the enforcement of the requirements of

legislation relating to the pressure equipment in the jurisdiction in which the equipment is

to be used.

1.5.27 Quality system

Organizational structure, procedures, processes and resources needed to implement quality

management.

1.5.28 Type testing

A design and manufacture evaluation procedure on representative samples of prototype and

production units to verify the design and manufacture of pressure equipment built to a

Standard that permits product acceptance by testing, e.g. AS 2030, AS 2971, AS/NZS 3509.

1.6 STATUS OF STANDARD

This Standard is a voluntary industry Standard prepared by Standards Australia and

nominated industry representatives to provide minimum conformity assessment criteria

necessary to comply with safety requirements in AS/NZS 1200. For Australia, this Standard

is equivalent (see Clause 1.5.16) to essential conformity assessment requirements contained

in the following:

(a) ISO 16528-1, Boilers and pressure vessels, Part 1: Performance requirements.

(b) EU-PED, European Union—Pressure equipment directive.

(c) ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.

NOTE: Conformance with the documents in Items (a), (b) or (c) above does not necessarily imply

that there is conformance with AS 3920. For example, ISO 16528-1 only provides essential safety

requirements and is not a Standard that is suitable for design and manufacture. Also the ASME

Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code does not specify suitable requirements for design verification,

commissioning or in-service inspection.

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11 AS 3920:2015


1.7 ABBREVIATIONS

The following abbreviations are used in this Standard:

AINDT Australian Institute for Non-Destructive Testing

ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers

EU-PED European Union—Pressure Equipment Directive

FEA Finite Element Analysis

IIW International Institute of Welding

JAS-ANZ Joint Accreditation System of Australian and New Zealand

MDR Manufacturer’s Data Report

NATA National Association of Testing Authorities

NDT Non-Destructive Testing

PWHT Post Weld Heat Treatment

WTIA Welding Technology Institute of Australia

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AS 3920:2015 12


S E C T I O N 2 B A S I C R E Q U I R E M E N T S

2.1 CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT

Each item of new, altered or repaired pressure equipment shall be subjected to conformity

assessment which—

(a) applies to pressure retaining and associated parts of pressure equipment, as defined in

Clause 1.5.24 and covered in AS/NZS 1200 (also see Note 1 of Table 2.1); or

(b) applies to pressure equipment to Australian Standards (AS 1210, AS 1228, AS 2971,

AS 4041, and AS/NZS 3509) or to any other available nationally, internationally

recognized pressure equipment Standard; or

(c) applies to the pressure and vacuum retaining parts of the equipment specified in the

design, including supports, welded attachments and where applicable, pressure relief

capacity [see Clause 4.9 Item (m)] but excluding attached valves, fittings, controls

and ancillary equipment, unless otherwise agreed by the parties concerned;

(d) increases in degree as the hazard level increases;

(e) demonstrates that the design, materials, manufacture, repair, alterations, testing and

documentation conform to applicable Standards and specified additional purchaser

requirements;

(f) uses a combination of—

(i) quality system certification or accreditation (see Section 3);

(ii) design verification (see Section 4);

(iii) type testing (see Section 5); and

(iv) manufacture inspection (see Section 6);

(g) is performed by competent persons; and

(h) is in accordance with Table 2.1 and this Standard.

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13 AS 3920:2015


TABLE 2.1

DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT (see Notes 1–5)

Hazard

level to

AS 4343

Design

Hazard

level to

AS 4343

Manufacture

Designer QS Design verifying

body Manufacturer QS

Manufacture

inspection body

(see Note 6

and Clause 3.2)

(see Notes 8 and 9

and Clause 3.2)

(see Note 7

and Clause 3.2) (see Clause 3.2)

A Certified Certified—Type A A Certified to

AS/NZS ISO 9001 and

AS/NZS ISO 3834.2

Certified—Type A

B Certified Certified—Type B B Certified to

AS/NZS ISO 9001 or

AS/NZS ISO 3834.2

Not certified

(see Note 10)

OR OR

Not certified

(see Note 10)

Certified—Type A Not certified

(see Note 10)

Certified—Type B

C Certified Certified—Type B C Certified to

AS/NZS ISO 9001 or

AS/NZS ISO 3834.2

Not certified

(see Note 10)

OR OR

Not certified

(see Note 10)

Certified—Type A Not certified

(see Note 10)

Certified—Type B

D Certified Not certified

(see Note 10)

D

Not certified

(see Note 10)

Not certified

(see Note 10) OR

Not certified

(see Note 10)

Certified—Type B

E Not certified

(see Note 10)

Not certified

(see Note 10)

E Not certified

(see Note 10)

Not certified

(see Note 10)

NOTES:

1 This table applies specifically to boilers and pressure vessels. It only applies to pressure piping and

pressure-retaining accessories when specified in a regulation, or when specified by the purchaser.

2 If pressure safety devices are provided by the purchasers, then they do not require checking by a design

verifying body or manufacture inspection body. Where the pressure equipment manufacturer designs,

manufactures and supplies a pressure safety system, the manufacturer shall supply all design and

manufacture details to allow the design verifier to verify the safety devices unless specifically excluded

by both the manufacturer and the purchaser. The design verifier shall state on the verification certificate

if safety devices are included in the verification.

3 QS = quality system for pressure equipment.

4 Higher conformity assessment methods may be used in place of lower methods (highest level is Hazard

Level A).

5 Types A and B inspection bodies are described in Clause 2.3.

6 For ASME-stamped pressure equipment with hazard levels A to D, the designer shall operate under the

manufacturer’s ASME certified quality system.

7 For ASME-stamped pressure equipment with hazard levels A to D, the manufacturer shall be certified by

ASME for the ASME Section or Division appropriate for the pressure equipment.

8 Design verifying bodies and design verifiers shall comply with the requirements of Clause 4.8.

9 For transportable pressure equipment as defined in AS 1210 with Hazard level A, B or C, design

verification shall be carried out by a Type A inspection body.

10 Where ‘not certified’ is specified in this Table, refer to Clause 3.2.3.

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AS 3920:2015 14


2.2 ALTERATIONS

2.2.1 Alterations requiring design verification

Where an alteration is made to pressure equipment before or after pressure equipment

completion, alterations of the type listed below shall be treated as a new design and, where

required by Table 2.1 for the relevant hazard level, the altered design shall be verified in

accordance with Section 4.

Alterations requiring design verification include, but are not limited, to the following:

(a) An increase in the design pressure (internal or external) or an increase in design

temperature sufficient to affect component strength regardless of whether or not a

physical change was made to the pressure equipment.

(b) A decrease in the minimum operating temperature such that other material type or

additional mechanical tests are required.

(c) The addition of new nozzles, openings or attachments in a boiler or pressure vessel,

which require new design calculations, e.g. where the nozzles or openings are larger

in diameter than openings already in the equipment, or are located in positions which

require redesign.

(d) A change in the dimensions or contour of pressure equipment which affects stress

calculations.

(e) A change of more than 2% in any heating surface area of a boiler.

(f) The addition of a pressurized or vacuum jacket to pressure equipment which affects

stress calculations.

(g) Replacement of a pressure retaining part in a pressure vessel or boiler with a material

of lower nominal tensile strength or a different nominal composition from that used in

the original design.

(h) A change in materials or manufacturing methods, such as forming, welding

consumables and heat treatment including re-heat treatment, which could reduce the

safety and serviceability of the equipment.

(i) A change in pressure equipment Standard or to a specification which may reduce the

safety, performance or serviceability of the equipment.

(j) A change that would impair internal access for inspection or maintenance.

(k) Other alterations that may harm the health and safety of personnel or pressure

equipment performance.

2.2.2 Alterations not requiring design verification

When an alteration does not require design verification (see Clause 2.2.1), the alteration

shall conform with the original pressure equipment, design and manufacturing Standard and

be suitably communicated and documented by the designer, manufacturer and purchaser as

appropriate.

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15 AS 3920:2015


2.3 TYPES OF INSPECTION AND VERIFICATION BODIES

Types A and B inspection bodies for design verification or Types A and B inspection bodies

for manufacturing inspection activities are specified in AS/NZS ISO/IEC 17020, which

recognizes that the credibility of inspection findings depends on the independence of

inspectors and other factors. It identifies three independent types, A, B and C, and the

structural and operational parameters that support proper inspections:

(a) Type A is a ‘third party’ body, independent of manufacturer (first party) and

purchaser (second party) with ownership and management formally separated from an

interest in the items inspected. A Type A design verification body shall not be the

same body as that of the designer irrespective of the designer body having a quality

system that permits design work and verification work.

(b) Type B is an inspection body which is a part of an organization having an interest in

the item inspected, possibly as purchaser, owner, user or manufacturer but has

internal structural safeguards promoting confidence in its inspections and maintaining

the independence of the inspector or verifier from the original design or manufacture

process. A Type B design verification body can be part of the designer body provided

that its quality system has that provision and the design verifier has had no input into

the design.

(c) Type C is an inspection body providing first party inspections, second party

inspections, or both, which forms an identifiable but not necessarily a separate part of

an organization involved in the design, manufacture, supply, installation, use or

maintenance of the items it inspects and which supplies inspection services to its

parent organization or to other parties, or to both.

2.4 SUB-CONTRACTORS

Where a sub-contractor is used to support design verification or manufacture inspection the

design verifying body or manufacture inspection body, as appropriate, shall ensure that the

sub-contractor complies with the applicable requirements of this Standard. The information

provided to the sub-contractor shall be sufficient to ensure that the sub-contractor can

comply with the requirements of the contract and the applicable Standards.

2.5 DOCUMENT LANGUAGE

For pressure equipment to be made in or used in Australia, essential documents required by

this Standard for conformity assessment shall be in the English language.

2.6 ASSESSMENT OF PRESSURE EQUIPMENT WITH LIMITED DATA

Where pressure equipment with Hazard level A, B, C or D is imported, supplied or installed

without sufficient evidence of conformity assessment to a recognized pressure equipment

Standard and this Standard, the pressure equipment shall, where appropriate—

(a) be thoroughly inspected by a competent person;

(b) have material suitability confirmed by one of the following:

(i) Remove and test a sample of the material for chemical composition and

mechanical properties to confirm compliance with a recognized material(s) of

construction Standard to allow design strengths to be determined per the

selected design and manufacturing code.

OR

(ii) Assessment of the material composition and mechanical properties by

competent persons using non-destructive metallurgical/mechanical testing

methods as agreed by the parties concerned.

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AS 3920:2015 16


(c) have sufficient calculations undertaken by a competent person(s) other than the

verifier, examinations and tests to give sufficient evidence that the pressure

equipment as far as reasonably practicable conforms to an acceptable Australian

Standard or equivalent;

(d) have tests which include, as necessary—

(i) destructive tests on samples of serially produced or multiple-duplicate pressure

equipment (in accordance with Section 5); or

(ii) sample non-destructive tests such as radiography, ultrasonic examination,

magnetic particle examination, penetrant examination, positive material

identification (PMI), hardness, replica, and/or pressure tests.

(e) be suitably marked; and

(f) be covered by an equivalent MDR signed by a competent person, and a design verifier

as required in Table 2.1 and acceptable to the purchaser.

2.7 DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE VALIDATION

For hazard levels A and B, it is recommended that the design and manufacture be validated

as far as practicable to the satisfaction of the parties involved by successful—

(a) passing of the hydrostatic test;

(b) transport, installation and site inspection;

(c) site testing if required;

(d) commissioning and start-up; and

(e) completion of a guarantee service period.

Such validation does not necessarily ensure performance against time-dependent failure

modes (material degradation or damage mechanism), i.e. resistance to fatigue, creep,

corrosion or collision, or other rare random but credible events.

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17 AS 3920:2015


S E C T I O N 3 Q U A L I T Y S Y S T E M S — D E S I G N

A N D M A N U F A C T U R E

3.1 GENERAL

This Section applies to quality systems for the design and manufacture of pressure

equipment. Sections 4 and 6 provide additional requirements for design verifying bodies

and manufacture inspection bodies.

3.2 QUALITY SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

3.2.1 Certified quality system

Where a certified quality system for design, design verification, manufacture, or

manufacture inspection is required in Table 2.1, certification or accreditation shall be to the

following Standards as appropriate:

(a) For design—AS/NZS ISO 9001.

(b) For design verification—AS/NZS ISO 9001 or AS/NZS ISO/IEC 17020 or complying

with, but not certified to, one of these Standards but using a design verifier

(individual) listed by an alternative nationally recognized body/organization that is

acceptable to the purchaser.

(c) For manufacture—

(i) AS/NZS ISO 9001; or

(ii) AS/NZS ISO 3834.2; or

(iii) systems for manufacture considered ‘equivalent’ by the parties concerned. For

example:

(A) ASME Quality Control System with Authorized or National Board

Inspectors and ASME Certification (e.g. ‘U’ stamp).

(B) EU-PED with Notified Bodies and ‘CE’ mark.

(d) For manufacture inspection—AS/NZS ISO/IEC 17020 or a system for manufacture

inspection considered ‘equivalent’ by the parties concerned. For example:

(i) ASME Quality Control System with Authorized or National Board Inspectors.

(ii) EU-PED with Notified Bodies and ‘CE’ mark.

The above requirements shall also apply to the design and manufacture aspects of type

testing (Section 5).

3.2.2 Certification and accreditation

Certification and accreditation of the above quality systems shall—

(a) for design, be carried out by an accredited certification body or by an alternative

nationally recognized body/organization that is acceptable to the purchaser;

(b) for design verification, be carried out by accredited certification bodies acceptable to

the purchaser;

(c) for manufacture, be carried out by accredited certification body or by the

International Institute of Welding (IIW), or an equivalent recognized national

organization for the codes of manufacture that the manufacturer is competent in; and

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AS 3920:2015 18


(d) for manufacture inspection, be carried out by accredited inspection body or be carried

out by an equivalent recognized organization.

NOTE: JAS-ANZ accredits certification bodies in Australia and New Zealand. NATA accredits

facilities to perform specific types of testing, inspection, calibration and other related activities.

Certification and accreditation programs shall be conducted in accordance with the rules of

the certifying body; however, certification programs shall include at least the following

features:

(i) Full audits initially and at 3 to 5 year intervals, with interim partial audits

approximately once per year.

(ii) Audits carried out by an auditing team that includes at least one person having at least

five years’ experience in the design, manufacture, maintenance or inspection of

pressure equipment as appropriate.

(iii) Assessment of the quality systems and their direct application in practice to the

design or manufacture, and representative personnel involved.

NOTE: Equivalent certification and accreditation to the above may apply when international

mutual recognition or trade agreements exist.

3.2.3 Non-certified quality system

Where a certified quality system is not required by Table 2.1 documents shall be prepared

for the critical operations affecting quality. These shall include—

(a) procedures for design verification and personnel competence;

(b) procedures for material and component purchase, identification and traceability;

(c) procedures for forming, welding and personnel qualification;

(d) inspection and test plans (ITPs); and

(e) a declaration of conformity or manufacturer’s data report (MDR) for the pressure

equipment.

3.3 OPERATION OF QUALITY SYSTEM

Bodies operating a quality system required by Table 2.1 shall include at least the following:

(a) Operation in accordance with the quality system and the rules of the certifying body.

(b) Designs verified and manufacture inspected to comply with Sections 4 and 6

respectively.

(c) Provision of a design verification certificate.

(d) Provision of a declaration of conformity or MDR for the pressure equipment.

(e) Provision of reports and keep records in accordance with Section 7.

(f) Provision of evidence that certification or accreditation of the quality system is

current and applicable to the pressure equipment.

3.4 QUALITY SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION

Quality system documentation, (e.g. quality manual, documented procedures, work

instructions and standardized forms and quality records required in the quality system) shall

relate to, and identify applicable requirements of the pressure equipment Standard or

Standards used.

Manufacturers shall plan and provide evidence of inspection and tests utilizing an

inspection test plan (ITP). A manufacturer’s quality system shall state in the inspection

procedures the names or titles of those personnel with authority to review an ITP. An ITP

shall be established prior to the start of manufacture or repair.

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19 AS 3920:2015


S E C T I O N 4 D E S I G N V E R I F I C A T I O N

4.1 GENERAL

Design of new and altered pressure equipment for use in Australia, or claiming to be in

accordance with this Standard, shall be verified as required by Table 2.1 and this Section 4.

The purpose of the design verification is to identify any omissions and inadequacy of the

design and data submitted. Any identified omissions or inadequacies shall be provided to

the body or person submitting the design.

Unless otherwise specified by the design verifier more than one item of equipment may be

manufactured to a verified design.

The design verification requirements of this Standard are optional for pressure piping if

piping is designed in accordance with AS 4041, ASME B31.1, ASME B31.3 or any other

recognized International Standard.

4.2 PURPOSE

Design verification is to provide suitable and sufficient checking of the design drawings

and other nominated documents to—

(a) identify any significant errors or omissions;

(b) confirm that the design conforms with good engineering principles; and

(c) give a high degree of confidence that the design of pressure equipment is safe and

complies with the design Standard, applicable laws and the stated purchaser

requirements.

4.3 BASIS OF DESIGN CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT

The overall risk largely depends on suitable design of the particular pressure equipment.

This in turn depends primarily on the designer. As almost all failures are due to human

deficiency, it is necessary to have design checks and independent design verification.

To limit overall risk to an acceptable very low level and to align with good global practice

the amount, level and competence of design verification is to increase as the hazard level

increases.

4.4 STAGE OF DESIGN VERIFICATION

The design shall be verified before commencement of manufacture, except where the

manufacturer—

(a) accepts the risk of possible future rejection or rework or extra inspection and test;

(b) ensures that all tests and inspections are carried out in accordance with the relevant

Standard and purchaser specification; and

(c) makes all necessary documentation, including drawings, available to the manufacture

inspection body as well as the design verifier.

The design shall be verified before being placed in service. Lice

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AS 3920:2015 20


4.5 INFORMATION FOR DESIGN VERIFICATION

The request for design verification shall contain the following:

(a) Fully identified drawings showing the basic design conditions, hazard level, design

Standard, class of construction, contents, operating conditions of the pressure

equipment, essential dimensions, material specifications of component parts, weld

details, location and purpose of connections and openings, supports, non-destructive

testing (NDT), post weld heat treatment (PWHT), test position and test pressure,

corrosion allowance and other details considered essential for proper verification,

e.g. site conditions (seismic, wind, snow, flood and the like), lifting facilities, and

transport and installation requirements, e.g. the applicable items of AS 1210.

(b) Information on design inputs and design service conditions, where possible, or by

specific request of the design verifier, a copy of the design calculations.

(c) A report adequately explaining any finite element analysis (FEA) or similar analysis

and showing the model, basic assumptions, results and conclusions.

NOTE: Verification of FEA based designs is a difficult process and flexibility is required.

The provision of a report may not in itself be sufficient, and the design verifier may need to

reproduce the work completely or undertake an audit of the FEA at the designer’s office.

(d) Parts of the purchase or design specification essential for design verification.

(e) Any other data necessary to assist verification of the design.

4.6 AMOUNT OF DESIGN VERIFICATION

The amount of verification—

(a) shall be sufficient to satisfy, as far as reasonably practicable, the design verifier and

purchaser that the design and drawings represent a safe design and conform to the

Standard used in the design, and will be suitable for manufacture and designed use;

(b) shall depend on the verifier’s competence and experience and knowledge relative to

the design, design standard, the designer and previously accepted or proven designs;

NOTE: Most pressure equipment supports do not require another full and complex calculation

or finite element analysis by the design verification.

(c) shall increase as the complexity of the design and pressure equipment hazard level

increases; and

(d) shall cover the elements and methods in Clause 4.9.

Design of elements of the pressure equipment other than mentioned above shall be suitably

assessed to the satisfaction of the designer, manufacturer and purchaser.

4.7 DESIGN STANDARD AND SPECIFICATION

The design verification shall be made for conformance of the design with the nominated

Standard and purchaser or design specification.

4.8 DESIGN VERIFYING BODIES AND DESIGN VERIFIERS

A design verifying body shall—

(a) operate under a documented system in accordance with Table 2.1;

(b) use competent design verifiers who are covered by their certification;

(c) comply with the certifying authorities rules or restrictions, which can be on the types

of pressure equipment;

(d) be a legal entity;

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21 AS 3920:2015


(e) have adequate provision, e.g. insurance or reserves to cover liabilities arising from its

operations;

(f) verify whether the design complies with the requirements of the applicable pressure

equipment Standard as specified by the purchaser or designer;

(g) conform with this Standard including—

(i) have quality system certification and Type A or Type B independence from the

production of the original design in accordance with Table 2.1;

(ii) comply with Clause 3.2.1(b);

(iii) comply with Appendix F; and

(h) for finite element analysis (FEA) and similar computer analyses, be competent and

experienced in the proper use of FEA or equivalent for pressure equipment and satisfy

FEA requirements equivalent to AS 1210.

See AS/NZS 4481 and SAA/SNZ MP 76 for guidance.

4.9 ELEMENTS AND METHOD OF DESIGN VERIFICATION

The following elements and methods shall be used to verify the mechanical design and

drawings of hazard levels A to D pressure equipment with the specified design Standard

and any agreed additional requirements of the purchaser:

NOTE: The sequence may differ from that shown.

(a) Design dossier Verify by visual examination that the documents provided are

sufficient and adequate for design verification, and are signed by the designer.

(b) Design input Verify by visual examination that design input equals calculations and

drawing, i.e. Standard and Class, design pressure, diameter, minimum temperature,

maximum temperature, volume, contents type and mass, hazard level, material,

corrosion allowance, nozzles, flanges, bolting, supports, attachments, access, design

loads (piping, seismic, wind, etc.), life (hours, years, cycles), post weld heat treatment

(PWHT), non-destructive testing (NDT), test pressure and position, and the principal

dimensions essential for design.

(c) Material Verify by visual examination that material is permitted in the design

Standard or is an acceptable equivalent, and properties used agree with the design

Standard, and are suitable for manufacture and the design service temperatures and

conditions and for allowable stresses and strains.

(d) Thickness and adequacy of parts Verify by calculation, visual examination,

experience, and/or tests that the following conform to the nominated design Standard:

(i) Pressure and vacuum retaining parts including shells(s), ends, jackets, nozzles,

manways, openings, flanges, gaskets, bolts, stays, covers, reinforcing plates,

etc. up to the first point of connection to attached piping and other pressure

equipment.

(ii) Non-pressure parts such as supports and attachments where applicable loads

applied to the pressure envelope are significant.

(iii) Design values and all necessary load cases.

(e) Welded joints Verify by visual examination and/or calculation that drawing details

of size, type, location and shape are specified and conform to the nominated or

equivalent Standard.

(f) Manufacture and welding requirements Verify by visual examination for a reference

to a suitable Standard.

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AS 3920:2015 22


(g) Post weld heat treatment (PWHT) Verify by visual examination that PWHT is

specified and appropriate when required by the design and Standard.

(h) Non-destructive testing (NDT) Verify by visual examination that NDT is adequately

referenced and is as required.

(i) Pressure test Verify by visual examination and/or calculation.

(j) Type testing Use successful suitable test results, as appropriate, to verify that the

above Items (e) to (i) result in acceptable levels of stress and strain, acceptable

resistance to high and low temperatures, acceptable fatigue or impact performance,

and provide sufficient performance against other degradation mechanisms such as

corrosion or erosion.

(k) Fracture mechanics Verify the suitability of designs or modifications incorporating

fracture mechanics analysis as provided for in AS/NZS 1200, AS 4458 and

AS/NZS 3788 or to verify special features that require such analysis.

(l) Designs using finite element analysis (FEA) For FEA and similar computer analyses,

verify that—

(i) the FEA described in the report from the designer [see Clause 4.6(c)] is

consistent with Clause 4.10;

(ii) the analysis complies with AS 1210 or equivalent;

(iii) reported high stresses, strains or intensities are satisfactory;

(iv) by at least one calculation, the thickness of a main pressure part is adequate and

confirms the FEA output;

(v) if required by the purchaser, a repeat full or partial equivalent FEA confirms

the design output; and

(vi) if requested by the verifier and approved by the purchaser, verification may be

undertaken by an audit process at the designer’s office.

(m) Pressure relief devices Verify by visual examination specifications and capacity of

these devices where such components are required by the designer or purchaser to be

verified.

(n) Other elements Verify, on the above basis, other elements of the mechanical design

which are essential for proper design verification as specified by the designer or

determined by the design verifier.

At least one calculation of the thickness of the main cylindrical shell, end and nozzle of

each pressure equipment section under different pressure shall have been made.

See Clause 4.10 for computer-aided design verification.

The above verification shall be based on experience, by recalculation by spreadsheet, hand

or computer, by direct check of supplied calculations, or by comparison with proven

designs, type test results.

In the event of non-conformance or doubt, the verifier shall discuss these with the designer

giving reasons, and if practical, aid in resolving the issue. If this is not practicable, a check

with a competent pressure equipment design specialist is recommended before final

determination.

NOTE: For guidance, see Appendix B. Lice

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23 AS 3920:2015


4.10 COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN VERIFICATION

Design verification using computers shall be in accordance with Clause 4.9 and the

following:

(a) Software shall be—

(i) suitably identified with origin, title and version;

(ii) suitable for the applicable calculations and type and scope of the assessment;

(iii) kept up-to-date and preferably in metric units (for calculations, loads, material

properties, etc.);

(iv) supported by an up-to-date application manual;

(v) suitably secure to prevent unauthorized access; and

(vi) supported with data files, which are suitably backed up.

(b) Commercial vendor-supplied software shall have been verified and approved by

recognized organizations and shall be supplied with a test file to check its use.

(c) Software validation is required by actual use and direct comparison of results of at

least three cases of varying complexity with other acceptable design methods, design

formulae, design analyses, results of tests (e.g. strain, deflection, stress or pressure)

or comparison with other proven software.

(d) Combination—the combination of computer hardware/software/verifier and

application must have been proven successful by adequate documented checks and

comparison with known results or hand calculations or equivalent means.

(e) FEA—see Clause 4.9(l).

(f) Re-verification of the combination of computer hardware/software/verifier and

application shall be performed when moving software between computers or

installing the software on a different computer, and regularly where user-entered data

can impact formulas and calculation processes.

4.11 DESIGN VERIFICATION CERTIFICATE

Where the design satisfies requirements, the design verifier shall—

(a) issue and retain a copy of the certificate complying with Appendix C, or equivalent;

and

(b) record the method and basis of verification used and retain sufficient documents to

justify the verification certificate.

4.12 DESIGN REGISTRATION

Designs of boilers and pressure vessels of hazard levels A to D for use in Australia may

need to be registered with an Australian regulator and such registration may require a copy

of the design verification certificate.

Any allocated design registration number shall be retained in a readily accessible position

in the vicinity of the pressure equipment in use, and shall be added to the pressure

equipment name plates (refer to AS 1210).

4.13 DESIGN VERIFICATION WITH LIMITED DATA

See Clause 2.6.

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AS 3920:2015 24


4.14 DESIGN VERIFICATION TO CHANGED STANDARD

Where a verified design is to be used for pressure equipment required to comply with a

revised or an amended Standard, it is recommended that a gap analysis be completed and if

necessary the design calculations be suitably amended. The drawing shall be suitably

amended.

Where the amendments to the design are considered to be alterations (see Clause 2.2), the

designs shall be re-verified.

4.15 CONFIDENTIALITY

The design verifying body and design verifier shall ensure that the details of the design in

their possession are disclosed only to those authorized by the designer or owner of the

design or as required by the regulator.

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25 AS 3920:2015


S E C T I O N 5 T Y P E T E S T I N G

5.1 GENERAL

Type testing may be used for serially produced unfired pressure vessels (sometimes known

as ‘multiple duplicates’) or other pressure equipment as an alternative or supplement for

conformity assessment of designs and manufacture.

NOTE: It is expected that any unchanged original type testing would be acceptable to another

design verifying body.

5.2 REQUEST FOR VERIFICATION OF TYPE TESTING

A request by the designer, manufacturer, or others for verification type testing shall—

(a) be lodged with a design verifying body or manufacture inspection body complying

with Clauses 4.8 and 6.6 respectively;

(b) place at the disposal of the design verifying body a representative example of the

pressure equipment;

(c) include—

(i) name and address of the manufacturer;

(ii) location of production and testing facilities;

(iii) technical documentation; and

(d) provide—

(i) general description of the ‘type’;

(ii) conceptual design and manufacturing drawings of components and

sub-assemblies;

(iii) description of manufacture and test procedures;

(iv) any design calculations;

(v) results of any tests and examinations carried out;

(vi) the type tests required; and

(vii) applicable Standards used, and any additional information required by the

design verifying body.

5.3 WITNESS AND ASSESSMENT

The design verifying body and/or manufacture inspection body shall—

(a) witness the type tests and examinations;

(b) establish that the tests and any supporting conformity assessment will adequately

support the design and manufacture and are commensurate with the manufacturer’s

quality system and the hazard level of the pressure equipment;

(c) assess results and issue a type testing certificate and/or report, as appropriate;

(d) retain the relevant design, manufacture and testing documentation of the type testing;

and

(e) ensure the type test samples are suitably identified and retained for future reference,

e.g. 10 years or as long as the pressure equipment continues to be manufactured.

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AS 3920:2015 26


5.4 TYPE TESTING METHOD

The method of testing shall conform to the particular Standard and be acceptable to the

designer, design verifying body, manufacturer and manufacturing inspection body as

appropriate.

5.5 TYPE TESTING CERTIFICATE

Where the design, materials, manufacture, marking and the manufacturer’s declaration of

conformity meet the requirements of AS 2971, or equivalent, and this Standard, the design

verifying body shall issue a design verification certificate to the manufacturer referring to

the type testing certificate or report.

The design verification certificate shall remain valid for the duration of the manufacturing

life of the pressure equipment.

5.6 MANUFACTURE INSPECTION

Manufacture inspection shall be in accordance with Section 6 and AS 2971 or equivalent.

Pressure equipment with hazard levels A, B or C shall be subject to an annual audit to

ensure the original type and its manufacturing methods and quality are continuing to be

complied with.

5.7 ALTERATIONS

Alterations to the design, materials or manufacturing methods, which are of a type in

accordance with Clause 2.2.1 shall require re-examination, testing and new design

verification certificate (see also Clause 4.14).

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27 AS 3920:2015


S E C T I O N 6 M A N U F A C T U R E I N S P E C T I O N

6.1 GENERAL

The pressure equipment shall be subjected to manufacture inspection as required by

Table 2.1. The purpose of this inspection is to identify any omissions and inadequacies in

the manufacture, and the manufacture inspection body shall provide such information on

any identified omissions or inadequacies identified to the manufacturer.

6.2 INFORMATION FOR MANUFACTURE INSPECTION

Documentation provided to the manufacture inspection body shall include the following:

(a) A copy of all relevant manufacture drawings including the latest amendments.

(b) A copy of the design verification certificate.

(c) A copy of the design registration if it was required (refer to Clause 4.12).

(d) All other documentation agreed to in the manufacturing contract.

Other documentation, such as welding procedure and welder qualifications, material

certification, examination reports, etc. shall be made available when necessary for viewing

by manufacture inspection personnel in the manufacturer’s works.

6.3 AMOUNT OF MANUFACTURE INSPECTION

The amount of manufacture inspection—

(a) shall be sufficient to satisfy the manufacture inspection body that the manufactured

pressure equipment is in accordance with the stated Standards and purchaser specified

requirements;

(b) shall depend on the knowledge, skill and experience of the manufacture inspection

body, on previously accepted or proven manufacture, and particularly on the

manufacturer’s present and past performance, reputation, reliability of personnel and

effectiveness of the quality control system; and

(c) shall involve the applicable type of inspections listed in Appendix D for some part of

the manufacture. It is not necessary to closely inspect every material certificate,

surface, joint set-up, or witness all welding and welder qualification tests, welds

being performed, or review all test results, or witness all heat treatment, other tests or

hydro-tests of multiple duplicate or serially-produced production or multiple

produced equipment fabricated by the same materials, processes and procedures

within a one-year period. Collectively the amount shall be sufficient to satisfy (a)

above, include 100% visual examination of accessible parts during witnessing of

pressure tests, and be carried out at least once per year.

6.4 MANUFACTURING INSPECTION METHOD

Inspection methods shall be in accordance with Appendix D or equivalent.

6.5 FACILITIES FOR INSPECTION

Facilities for inspection shall be provided as follows:

(a) Access The manufacture inspection personnel shall be given free access, within

reason, to those parts of the manufacturer’s or supplier’s works engaged in the

manufacture of the equipment, and to the site of field-erected equipment, and shall be

permitted to inspect the manufacture at any reasonable stage.

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AS 3920:2015 28


(b) Preparation for inspection The material components and pressure equipment shall

be in suitable condition and accessible at the time selected for inspection.

(c) Notice A reasonable notice period shall be provided for the manufacture inspector

prior to any stage of inspection specified in this Standard.

6.6 MANUFACTURE INSPECTION BODY

The manufacture inspection body shall—

(a) operate under a documented system in accordance with Table 2.1;

(b) be a legal entity;

(c) have adequate provision (e.g. insurance or reserves) to cover liabilities arising from

its operations;

(d) verify whether the equipment has been manufactured, tested and inspected to and

conforms with the requirements of the applicable pressure equipment Standard and

the verified design; and

(e) comply with this Standard.

Where Table 2.1 requires the manufacture inspection body to be certified, the manufacture

inspection body shall—

(i) hold certification covering inspection to AS/NZS 9001 or AS/NZS ISO 3834.2, and

comply with AS/NZS ISO/IEC 17020; and

(ii) for pressure equipment with hazard level C, the manufacture inspection body shall

comply with (i) or use inspectors certified and complying with ISO/IEC 17020,

(see Table G1 for more information).

For the use of type testing to verify manufacture, refer to Section 5.

6.7 INSPECTION REPORT

After the manufacture has been inspected and verified as conforming with this Standard and

the requirements of the Standard nominated on the design verification certificate, the

manufacture inspection body shall issue an appropriate statement indicating that the

manufacture meets the requirements of both Standards. This may be achieved by signing the

manufacturer’s declaration of conformity in Appendix E or the manufacturer’s data report.

6.8 CONFIDENTIALITY

The manufacture inspection body shall ensure that the details of the pressure equipment are

disclosed only to those authorized by the manufacturer or as required by the regulator.

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29 AS 3920:2015


S E C T I O N 7 C O N F O R M I T Y A S S E S S M E N T

M A R K I N G A N D R E P O R T S

7.1 MARKING

To identify that conformity assessment has been completed, boilers and pressure vessels

shall be conspicuously and permanently marked with—

(a) the manufacturer’s identification mark; and

(b) the manufacture inspection body’s identification mark and/or the manufacturer’s

quality system certification identification, indicating compliance with Table 2.1 of

this Standard.

For all pressure equipment the marking on the equipment in conformity with the relevant

Standard is regarded as a statement that the equipment conforms to the Standard. Similarly,

a certificate or mark of a manufacture inspection body is regarded as a statement of

conformity with the relevant Standard.

7.2 DESIGN VERIFICATION CERTIFICATE

The design verifying body shall issue a design verification certificate as per Appendix C

and, if necessary, a type testing certificate to the manufacturer or designer.

7.3 MANUFACTURER’S DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

A declaration of conformity (also known as Certificate of Conformity) or manufacturer’s

data report (MDR) shall—

(a) be issued by the manufacturer to the purchaser for boilers and pressure vessels with

hazard levels A to D;

(b) conform to Appendix E or AS 4458;

(c) be signed by the manufacturer and the manufacture inspection body (or equivalent) as

complying with the applicable pressure equipment Standard;

(d) be retained by the manufacturer for at least seven years; and

(e) be retained by the owner for the life of the equipment, and be made available as

necessary for in-service inspection and be transferred to any subsequent owner.

7.4 IN-SERVICE INSPECTION REPORT

Conformity assessment marking and inspection reports for commissioning and other

in-service inspection are addressed in AS/NZS 3788.

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AS 3920:2015 30


S E C T I O N 8 R E G I S T R A T I O N

Under legislation in Australia, boilers and pressure vessels identified in AS 4343 with

hazard levels A, B, C and D may require registration of design and some also require

registration of the equipment item prior to use. Refer to the applicable regulator for

requirements.

In addition to the above regulatory requirements, imported pressure equipment may also be

subject to random inspection by customs regulators for freedom from prohibited materials,

e.g. asbestos products, radioactive or bug-infested material.

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31 AS 3920:2015


APPENDIX A

REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

(Normative)

AS

1210 Pressure vessels

1228 Pressure equipment—Boilers

1796 Certification of welders and welding supervisors

2030 Gas cylinders (series)

2337 Gas cylinder test stations

2337.1 Part 1: General requirements, inspection and tests—Gas cylinders

2971 Serially produced pressure vessels

3873 Pressure equipment—Operation and maintenance

3892 Pressure equipment—Installation

3998 Non-destructive testing—Qualification and certification of personnel

4037 Pressure equipment—Examination and testing

4041 Pressure piping

4343 Pressure equipment—Hazard levels

4458 Pressure equipment—Manufacture

4942 Pressure equipment—Glossary of terms

AS ISO/IEC

17025 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration

laboratories

AS/NZS

1200 Pressure equipment

3509 LP Gas fuel vessels for automotive use

3788 Pressure equipment—In-service inspection

3992 Pressure equipment—Welding and brazing qualification

4481 Pressure equipment—Competencies of inspectors

AS/NZS ISO

3834 Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials

3834.2 Part 2: Comprehensive quality requirements

3834.3 Part 3: Standard quality requirements

9001 Quality management systems—Requirements

AS/NZS ISO/IEC

17020 Conformity assessment—Requirements for the operation of various types of

bodies performing inspection

17021 Conformity assessment—Requirements for bodies providing audit and

certification of management systems

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AS 3920:2015 32


AS/NZS ISO/IEC

17024 Conformity assessment—General requirements for bodies operating

certification of persons

17065 Conformity assessment—Requirements for bodies certifying products

processes and services

SAA/SNZ

MP 76 Pressure equipment—Inspection bodies and personnel

ISO

9712 Non-destructive testing—Qualification and certification of NDT personnel

16528 Boilers and pressure vessels

16528-1 Part 1: Performance requirements

ISO/IEC

Guide 65 General requirements for bodies operating product certification systems

AMBSC

Code

Australian Miniature Boiler Safety Committee

Part 1: Copper boilers

Part 2: Steel boilers

Part 3: Sub-miniature boilers

Part 4: Duplex steel boilers

EU-PED European Union—Pressure equipment directive

ASME

BPV Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code

BPV-IX: Section IX Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Qualification Standard

for Welding and Brazing Procedure, Welders, Brazers and Welding

Brazing operators

B31.1 Power Piping

B31.3 Process Piping Code

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33 AS 3920:2015


APPENDIX B

DESIGN VERIFICATION PROCESS

(Informative)

B1 GENERAL

The following examples in Table B1 aim to provide consensus guidance for all parties to—

(a) facilitate harmonized, effective, efficient and economic verification;

(b) overcome current problems and widely different opinions;

(c) improve productivity; and

(d) give flexibility to suit different hazard levels, types of PE, verification methods and

purchaser needs.

TABLE B1

EXAMPLE FOR SIMPLE PRESSURE VESSEL (Note 1)

Elements for verification AS 1210

reference

Verification

(by visual review, check, calculation

or comparison to ensure conformance

of the design with the Standard used for design)

1 Verification contract Clear and agreed including scope, Standard and

extras

2 Designer Clearly identified—Competent person

3 Design drawings

(suitable numbers)

Provided, signed, dated, identified, sufficiently

clear with critical data in English

4 Design specifications and

calculations

As for 3 (not always supplied)

5 Design features: Appendix E As for 3 and include vessel contents. May be on

drawing. Those assumed in the design, be

identified in design specifications or equivalent,

e.g. P, T, Test P, class, PWHT, dimensions, hazard

level, hydro-test position, life (cycles, etc.)

(a) Design input data

(b) Main vessel details

6 Material (specification and grade) Section 2 Be listed in AS 1210 or accepted equivalent and

suitable for P, T, welding, corrosion, etc.

7 Shell thickness:

(a) Design strength ‘f’ Cl 3.3.1 In accordance with Appendix A of AS 1210 for

design temperature

(b) Weld joint efficiency ‘η ‘ Cl 3.5.1.7 Suitable for weld, location, class, material and t

(c) Corrosion allowance ‘c’ Cl 3.4 Suitable for intended service

(d) tmin Cl 3.4.3 Complies with drawing

8 End thickness Cl 3.8–3.12 Similar to 7 but minimum thickness after forming

and shape be identified

9 Nozzles, branches and

compensation

Cl 3.18–3.19 Similar to 7 but weld types and sizes to comply

with Standard and where in doubt re-determined

10 Openings (access) Cl 3.20 Adequate access for maintenance and inspection

(continued)

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AS 3920:2015 34


Elements for verification AS 1210

reference

Verification

(by visual review, check, calculation

or comparison to ensure conformance

of the design with the Standard used for design)

11 Connections (covers, flanges,

bolting, gaskets, quick actuating

doors)

Cl 3.21

and 3.27

For quick actuating doors, interlock design and

operation be clear and complying

12 Supports and attachments Cl 3.24

and

3.25

Check by calculation unless experience allows a

check by visual examination. If experience is used

as the basis, then ensure that environmental and

external design loads are the same or lower and

document the basis of such acceptance. Check by

calculation for transportable vessels or where

transportable criteria are used

13 Fatigue analysis Appendix M Where required by AS 1210, e.g. Class 1H or 2H

where lifetime cycles > 1 000 full pressure range

14 Manufacture Section 4 Check capable of manufacture. All to AS 4458

15 Welding Section 3

and Cl 4.2

Suitability weld type, size and location, PWHT

(for thickness or service). All to AS/NZS 4458

16 Testing and qualification Section 5 Ensure design is suitable for NDT and hydrotest

position. All to AS 4037

17 Design for transport, installation,

operation (Note 2)

Cl 3.26 Review design for these operations including

lifting, maintenance, inspection and cleaning

18 Safety devices (e.g. SV), drains,

vents, etc. (Note 2)

Section 8 Size, type, location, Standard (capacity and nozzle

size) where appropriate

19 Instructions (Note 2) Review for transport, installation, commissioning,

and inspection, operation and maintenance

(Note 3)

20 Risk management (Note 2) Appendix C Supplied as evidence of compliance

21 Declaration of design compliance Drawing signed by designer or equivalent

22 Type testing—Drawing, test results,

manufacturer’s details and

sample(s) (Note 2)

Justify design and manufacture. May require

manufacture inspector to assess and accept

manufacture process for consistent product

23 Design verification certification Issue to client with stamped drawings; retain

copies (see Appendix C)

NOTES:

1 Shown for AS 1210 but minor changes may be needed for ASME, EN, ISO or other Standards. Only

required for hazard levels A, B, C and D to AS 4343.

2 Only required when applicable or specially agreed. Similarly with insulation and surface treatment.

3 Commissioning inspection has been included very briefly in this Standard to add checks on the design

and its verification and on manufacture inspection and detect errors particularly from unknown overseas

suppliers.

TABLE B1 (continued)

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35 AS 3920:2015


APPENDIX C

DESIGN VERIFICATION CERTIFICATE

(Normative)

DESIGN VERIFYING BODY (Name ABN, address, phone, fax, email and logo)

.............................................................................................................................. ..............

.............................................................................................................................. ..............

CERTIFICATE No.: ..............................................................................................................

FOR: ................................................................................................................................

DESIGNED BY: ...................................................................................................................

(Name)

I, .........................................................................................................................................

am a design verifier for the above Design Verifying Body.

............................................................................................................................................

I have verified the design described below and as presented in the documents listed in

accordance with AS 3920 and the pressure equipment Standard:

PE Description: .......................................................................................................

AS 4343 hazard level: .......................................................................................................

Design pressure: ............................................. Design temperature: .......................

Test pressure: ............................................. Corrosion allowance: ......................

Fluid description: .......................................................................................................

Drawings (numbers): .......................................................................................................

Calculations (document numbers): ......................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

Other relevant documents: ................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................

I certify that the design meets the requirements of the following:

Standards:

............................................................................................................................................

Additional purchaser’s requirements as specified in (documents numbers):

............................................................................................................................................

subject to the following conditions:

............................................................................................................................................

Signature: ................................................................................. Date: .............................

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AS 3920:2015 36


APPENDIX D

MANUFACTURE INSPECTION

(Normative)

D1 GENERAL

Where manufacture inspection is required for pressure equipment by Table 2.1, the

inspection shall include, as applicable and necessary, examinations, test checks,

measurements, related documents or verifications as set out in this Appendix.

D2 VERIFICATION PROCEDURES

D2.1 Preliminary

The preliminary procedures shall include the following:

(a) Assurance that the manufacturer has acceptable inspection and test techniques and

procedures that are being adhered to, documented and completed as required.

(b) Verification that the manufacturer has an appropriate and valid quality system,

including where necessary an inspection and test plan.

(c) Verification that design drawings are available and have been verified, where

required by Table 2.1, at least prior to completion of the manufacturer’s data report.

D2.2 Material

Verification of materials shall include the following:

(a) Verification that materials used in manufacture comply with the design documents

and are covered by the required mill test reports or material certification, which

correlates with the material used, and have been checked for compliance with the

material specification, where required by the relevant pressure equipment Standard.

(b) Verification that forgings and castings have been examined at such stages and

frequency as to ensure that they comply with the relevant material specifications and

pressure equipment Standard.

D2.3 Preparation for welding

Verification of welding preparation shall include the following:

(a) Verification that the weld preparation, shape, fit-up and cleanliness of parts comply

with the design documents and the relevant pressure equipment Standard

(see Note 1).

(b) Verification that the welding and brazing procedures used are qualified in accordance

with suitable Standards, e.g. AS/NZS 3992, ASME IX (see Note 2).

(c) Verification that the welders and brazers engaged in manufacturing are certificated or

qualified in accordance with AS/NZS 3992 (see Note 2). Where there is a specific

reason to question the welder’s ability to make the required welds, the manufacture

inspector may require requalification as a requirement for the welder to continue

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37 AS 3920:2015


D2.4 During welding

Verification of welding procedures shall include the following:

(a) Verification that the specified welding and brazing procedures are being used.

(b) Verification that required heat treatment has been properly performed.

(c) Verification that the required production test welds are carried out and the results are

acceptable (see Note 2).

(d) Verification that material, weld and other imperfections repaired by welding have

been acceptably repaired.

(e) Verification that the required non-destructive examinations and other tests have been

performed as per the relevant manufacturing Standard, and the results are acceptable

to that Standard and/or the relevant acceptance Standard, e.g. AS 4037.

(f) Visually inspecting the pressure equipment internally and externally to ensure that

material marks have been properly transferred and that thicknesses, surfaces and

shapes are acceptable.

(g) Witnessing hydrostatic or pneumatic tests for compliance with the relevant pressure

equipment Standard.

(h) Performing internal and external dimensional checks to ensure compliance with

tolerances specified in the relevant pressure equipment Standard and design

documents.

D2.5 Completion

Verification of the completion processes shall include the following:

(a) Verification that equipment stamping and nameplate markings comply with the

relevant pressure equipment Standard.

(b) Reviewing and signing the completed MDR and inspection and test plan on

completion of manufacture.

(c) Visually inspecting the type and installation of protective fittings, where fitted, for

compliance with the relevant pressure equipment Standard.

(d) Any other aspects which are essential for verification in accordance with this

Standard.

NOTES:

1 Verification in accordance with Item (a) in Paragraph D2.3 is deemed to have been performed

where one of the following applies:

(a) The equipment is subjected to full or spot radiographic or ultrasonic examination and is

acceptable in accordance with Item (e) in Paragraph D2.4.

(b) Selected representative joints sufficient to satisfy the manufacture inspector are

visually inspected and are acceptable.

(c) The manufacturer’s certified quality system specifically identifies the inspection as a

manufacturer’s inspection which is listed on the inspection and test plan and is

recorded by the manufacturer on completion of the inspection.

2 Verification in accordance with Items (b) and (c), of Paragraph D2.3 and Item (c) of

Paragraph D2.4 and (k) are deemed to have been performed where—

(a) the manufacture inspector witnesses the making of the test plates and reviews and

accepts the test results; or

(b) satisfactory documentary evidence exists to show that the procedure, welder, brazer or

production tests, as appropriate, have previously been accepted by another manufacture

inspector to this Standard.

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AS 3920:2015 38


APPENDIX E

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY FOR THE DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE OF PRESSURE EQUIPMENT

(Normative)

Purchase Order No.: ...........................................................

Purchaser: .......................................................................

Equipment Serial No: ...........................................................

Manufacturer: .......................................................................

Manufacture Inspection Body: .............................................

Pressure Equipment Standard: .............................................

I, the undersigned, certify that the above pressure equipment conforms with the stated

Pressure Equipment Standard.

Special Notes:

.............................................................................................................................. ..............

.............................................................................................................................. ..............

.............................................................................................................................. ..............

Title and responsibility: .....................................................................................................

Signature: .....................................................................................................

Date: (Day-Month-Year): ........................................................

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39 AS 3920:2015


APPENDIX F

REQUIREMENTS FOR CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT BODIES AND PERSONNEL

(Normative)

F1 GENERAL

This Appendix applies to bodies and personnel who are required to perform various tasks in

accordance with this Standard to ensure that pressure equipment conforms with stated

requirements and is able to perform satisfactorily and safely in credible service.

NOTE: Appendix G shows the conformity assessment infrastructure within Australia.

F2 ASSESSMENT BODIES AND PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

Assessment bodies and/or personnel shall meet the requirements of Table F1.

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AS 3920:2015 40


TABLE F1

EVIDENCE OF COMPETENCY (see Note 1)

(a) Inspection body (for pressure equipment design verification, manufacture inspection or in-service

inspection)

(i) Has satisfactory knowledge and experience in the particular type of inspection and pressure equipment

(ii) Complies with AS/NZS ISO/IEC 17020 or equivalent, and is accredited where required by Table 2.1 or

certified by a nationally recognized organization, or

(A) For design verification, has a verifier as in (c) below or as in Clause 3.2

(B) For manufacture, modification and repair inspection, has inspectors as in (e) below

(C) For in-service inspection, has an inspector as in (f) below

See Notes 2 and 4.

(b) Designer (organization or individual for new PE design, modification, or rerating)

(i) Has satisfactory knowledge and experience in the design of the particular type of pressure equipment

or equivalent

(ii) Where required by Table 2.1, has a design quality system certified or accredited by a nationally

recognized approval organization, e.g. to AS/NZS ISO 9001, EU Pressure Equipment Directive

(or equivalent), which is directed to pressure equipment and the relevant construction Standard

(iii) Has suitably qualified personnel for design review

(c) Design verifier (individual person for verification of new pressure equipment design, modification or

rerating)

(i) Has satisfactory knowledge, training and experience in design or verification of design of the

particular or similar pressure equipment

(ii) Where required by Table 2.1, or as in Clause 3.2 holds an appropriate qualification or certificate as a

design verifier from a nationally or internationally recognized body or association. See Notes 3 and 4.

NOTE: Engineers Australia or other nationally/internationally recognized body may provide such

certificate.

(d) Manufacturer or repair organization

(i) Has satisfactory knowledge and experience in the particular or similar type of work, pressure

equipment, Standard, materials, size and thickness, proven by suitable evidence and satisfied clients or

others

(ii) Has equipment and facilities needed to manufacture or repair the pressure equipment

(iii) Has a reputation for delivery of pressure equipment or repair service with the right quality, on time, at

a fair price, acceptable to the pressure equipment purchaser

(iv) Has a suitable management system, documented for essential elements, covering quality

(v) Where required by Table 2.1, has a manufacturer’s quality system certified or accredited by a

nationally recognized organization to AS/NZS ISO 9001, AS/NZS ISO 3834, EU Pressure Equipment

Directive, ASME BPV Code or equivalent

(vi) Has suitably qualified personnel for quality control and examination equivalent to manufacture,

e.g. (e) below

(e) Manufacture, modification, or repair inspector (individual person for conformity assessment)

(i) Has satisfactory knowledge, training and experience in inspection of the particular pressure equipment

manufacture or repair, and the processes used including special processes, such as welding

(ii) Where required by Table 2.1, holds an appropriate qualification or a certificate as a manufacture or

welding inspector from nationally or internationally recognized body or association (see Table G1 for

more information)

NOTE: International Institute of Welding (IIW), Welding Technology Institute of Australia (WTIA) or

other nationally/internationally recognized body may provide certificate.

(continued)

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41 AS 3920:2015


(f) Inspector (i.e. in-service inspector)

(i) Has satisfactory knowledge, training and experience in the particular type of inspection and pressure

equipment

(ii) Has competency in the areas and elements in AS/NZS 3788

(iii) Has a certificate as an in-service inspector

(iv) While AS/NZS ISO/IEC 17020 does not apply directly to personnel, it does include requirements for

the expertise, training and qualifications of inspectors employed by an inspection body, and for their

training and development system. These requirements are considered as part of the accreditation of

inspection bodies by national bodies (see Item (a)(ii) above), and thus may provide suitable evidence

for the competence of inspectors and approved signatories

(v) Typically persons performing fitness for service assessment and risk based inspection (RBI) analysis

will have formal engineering qualifications

NOTE: Australian Institute for Certification of Inspection Personnel (AICIP), National Board BPVI

(in USA), American Petroleum Institute (API) or other nationally/internationally recognized

organization may provide in-service inspection certificates.

(g) Test body and personnel

(i) Have satisfactory knowledge, training and experience in the particular test method

(ii) For radiographic testing (or examination) and Ultrasonic testing (or examination), a test body

registered by a nationally or internationally recognized accreditation organization, e.g. NATA or

equivalent, with personnel having a certificate to AS 3998 or ISO 9712 issued by Australian Institute

for Non-Destructive Testing (AINDT), or equivalent

(iii) For other NDT or destructive tests, certificated or accredited similar to [Item (g)(ii)] above

(h) All personnel

(i) Are adjudged competent by their employer for the work undertaken

(ii) Are physically and mentally able to perform the required work

(iii) Only undertaken work for which they consider themselves competent

(iv) Where required, have permission and certificate for work in confined space or hazardous location

(v) Have suitable insurance cover, either individually or through their employer

NOTES:

1 A body or person may perform the functions of a number of bodies or persons, provided they are competent

in the functions undertaken. A body may be a single person.

2 For guidance on competency of inspection bodies and personnel see AS/NZS 4481 and SA/SNZ MP76.

3 A design verifier shall—

(a) have a degree or equivalent in an appropriate engineering discipline plus at least three years relevant

experience in the design or design review of pressure equipment; or

(b) hold a certificate or equivalent in an appropriate engineering discipline plus at least four years relevant

experience in the design or design review of pressure equipment; or

(c) have other qualifications or experience acceptable to a certifying body or the purchaser; and

(d) comply with the requirements equivalent to the requirements for the acceptance of inspection bodies in

AS/NZS ISO/IEC 17020; and

(e) have no involvement in the particular design other than verification.

4 Certification of a manufacture inspection or design verifying body shall include the review and acceptance of

all personnel employed in addition to the Quality System in place.

5 Registration of bodies and personnel:

(a) In Australia there is no central register providing evidence of competency of those concerned with

conformity assessment for PE.

(b) However, bodies providing accreditation or certification have their own registration systems.

TABLE F1 (continued)

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AS 3920:2015 42


APPENDIX G

CONCEPT OF CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT INFRASTRUCTURE

(Informative)

Figure G1 and Table G1 show the concept of conformity assessment infrastructure within

Australia. It is an example only and identifies a range of bodies and their functions and the

instruments or Standards that govern their operations.

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Sta

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43

A

S 3

92

0:2

01

5

PeopleBy AUSTRALIANGOVERNMENTS BY INDUSTRY and PUBLIC

Accredi tat ionBodies ACCREDITATION BODIES JOINT ACCREDITATION SYSTEM

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEAL AND (JAS-ANZ)OTHER INDUSTRY &

PUBLIC BODIES

PRODUCT CERTIFICATION

BODIES

QUALIT Y SYSTEM CERTIFICATION

BODIES

PERSONNEL CERTIFICATION

BODIES

QUALIT Y SYSTEM& PERSONNEL

CERTIFICATION BODIES

Cer ti f y to product Mark System& AS 2337.1

Cer ti f y to AS 3998 & ISO 9712

Cer ti f y to AS 3920, AS/NZS 4481 & speci f ic

requi rements

Cer ti f y toAS 3998 & ISO 9712

Cer t i f y toAS/NZS ISO 383 4 & Industr y Standard

ACCREDITED TESTING

AUTHORITIESOR BODIES

INSPECTION BODIESDesign Ver i f i f icat ion Manufacturer InspectionIn-serv ice Inspect ion

Bodies

CERTIFIEDGAS CYLINDER TEST STATIONS

BODIESDesigner

ManufacturerUser In-ser v ice

Inspect ionBodies

CERTIFICATEDINSPECTORS

Design Ver i f ie rManufacturer

InspectorIS Inspector

CERTIFIEDTESTING

PERSONNEL NDT

Personnel

CERTIFIEDManufacturer

EngineerVer i f ie r

Inspector

Testto speci f ic Standards

Inspectto speci f icStandards

Issue resu l ts and recommendat ions as repor ts or cer t i f icates to

Designer Manufacturer User Regulator

(Note)

End User

Act ion Bodies

Funct ionPer form

var ious tasksfor industr y

Per form tests for Test ing Author i t y or User

Per form inspect ions for

Inspect ion Body or User

Per form to speci f ic Standards

Assess & Auditto speci f ic Standards

AccreditAccreditAccredit AccreditAccreditAccredit Accept andRecogniseAccept andRecogniseAccept andRecognise

AcceptAcceptAcceptAuthor izeAuthor izeAuthor ize

To AS ISO/ IEC 17025



To AS/NZS ISO/ IEC 17020



ToAS/NZS ISO/IEC 17065

or ISO/IEC Guide 65


or ISO/IEC Guide 65


or ISO/IEC Guide 65







Type A (3 rd Par ty)Types B & C (1st & 2nd Par ty)

Type A (3 rd Par ty)Types B & C (1st & 2nd Par ty)

Type A (3 rd Par ty)Types B & C (1st & 2nd Par ty) (a lso inc ludes some ver i f icat ion

& Inspect ion Bodies)(a lso inc ludes some ver i f icat ion

& Inspect ion Bodies)(a lso inc ludes some ver i f icat ion

& Inspect ion Bodies)

Over 100 for pressure

equipment


equipment


equipment

NOTE: Industry also recognizes or accepts equivalent systems, bodies and personnel—accredited, certified or not, including interstate and overseas bodies and personnel.

FIGURE G1 AUSTRALIAN SYSTEM OF PRESSURE EQUIPMENT CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT BODIES AND PERSONNEL

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AS 3920:2015 44


TABLE G1

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE FOR MANUFACTURE INSPECTORS

Qualifications

(see Note 1)

Manufacture inspection

training course duration

(minimum)

hours

General engineering

experience

(minimum years)

(see Note 2)

Pressure equipment

experience (minimum)

(see Note 2)

Degree or diploma in

engineering or science

(3 year course minimum)

0 2

1 year minimum,

including 100 hours

practical experience

under the supervision of

a manufacturer inspector

Certificate in engineering

(for relevant discipline)

120 1

Welding supervisor

certificate to AS 1796

0 3

Welding inspector

certificate (see Note 4)

0 3

Trade qualification

(see Note 3)

120 4

NOTES:

1 Other equivalent Australian or overseas qualifications are considered acceptable but have not been

listed.

2 General engineering experience is satisfactory experience in the design, manufacture, maintenance or

inspection of similar fabricated equipment. General experience and pressure equipment experience may

be concurrent. At least 50% of the nominated time is to be spent in manufacture, maintenance or

inspection.

3 Relevant to inspection of pressure equipment manufacture.

4 Welding Technology Institute of Australia (WTIA) provides such certificate.

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Standards Australia

Standards Australia develops Australian Standards® and other documents of public benefit and national interest.

These Standards are developed through an open process of consultation and consensus, in which all interested

parties are invited to participate. Through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Commonwealth Government,

Standards Australia is recognized as Australia’s peak non-government national standards body. Standards Australia

also supports excellence in design and innovation through the Australian Design Awards.

For further information visit www.standards.org.au

Australian Standards®

Committees of experts from industry, governments, consumers and other relevant sectors prepare Australian

Standards. The requirements or recommendations contained in published Standards are a consensus of the views

of representative interests and also take account of comments received from other sources. They reflect the latest

scientific and industry experience. Australian Standards are kept under continuous review after publication and are

updated regularly to take account of changing technology.

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Standards Australia is responsible for ensuring the Australian viewpoint is considered in the formulation of

International Standards and that the latest international experience is incorporated in national Standards. This role is

vital in assisting local industry to compete in international markets. Standards Australia represents Australia at both

the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

Sales and Distribution

Australian Standards®, Handbooks and other documents developed by Standards Australia are printed and

distributed under licence by SAI Global Limited.

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For information regarding the development of Standards contact:

Standards Australia Limited

GPO Box 476

Sydney NSW 2001

Phone: 02 9237 6000

Fax: 02 9237 6010

Email: [email protected]

Internet: www.standards.org.au

For information regarding the sale and distribution of Standards contact:

SAI Global Limited

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Fax: 1300 65 49 49

Email: [email protected]

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as 3920:2015 pressure equipment conformity assessment

Documents