Guide for new ASME applicants

This article gives you key information about how to get an ASME Certificate of Authorisation and Certification Mark for non-nuclear Code Sections. The organisation applying for Certification is the 'Applicant'. After getting the Certificate the Applicant will become a 'Manufacturer'.

At the time you apply, you need to have an inspection contract or agreement in place with an Authorised Inspection Agency (AIA) like LRQA.

Crucially, you'll need to establish and implement a Quality Control System (QCS) to meet all Code requirements if you don't already have one. Included in this QCS should be:

• Procedures for welding, NDE, hydrostatic test, heat treatment, and calibration;
• Demonstration of NDE procedures to the AI;
• Qualification of NDE and welding personnel;
• Material;
• Design;
• Fabrication;
• Examination (by the Manufacturer);
• Inspection (by the Authorised Inspector (AI) of the AIA);
• Pressure testing;
• Stamping and Certification.

The AIA may assist you in developing a written description of the QCS (mostly a manual). The manual is subject to the acceptance by the AIA's Authorised Inspector.

A Guide for ASME Review Teams will be provided by ASME to you to help cross reference the paragraphs in your manual with the applicable control requirements of the Code. You'll have to fill it prior to the Joint Review. It gives an impression what elements to be considered in the QCS.

 Also, you will need the appropriate ASME Code Books for the type of certificate you're applying for. They can be found here. The books may be obtained in both hard and electronic copies from ASME directly or from authorised re-sellers.

ASME's CA Connect website  lists current ASME certificate holders and also allows new applicants to submit their applications. The application should be submitted through CA Connect at least six months prior the scheduled review date. ASME processes the order only after receiving the application forms and fees.

Application Forms and Price Information can be downloaded here.

Or it can be applied online via 'CA Connect'.

An application  has to be submitted for Authorisation to Register (Data Reports) to the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors. Instructions can be found here.

The Joint Review is done with the ASME Designee and the AIA.

The review normally lasts one and a half day and is performed in following phases:

• The manual review will take about a half day and will be conducted separately from the applicant's premises by the ASME Review Team along with the AIA representatives only;
• Opening meeting;
• A brief shop tour;
• Discussion of manual comments;
• Implementation of software;
• Implementation of hardware;
• Private team meeting to find a recommendation regarding issuing or not issuing the Certificate;
• Exit meeting.

The team recommendation goes to the Committee on Boiler & Pressure Vessel Conformity Assessment (CBPVCA) who has the responsibility to issue or nor not issue a Certificate.

Given the importance of the Joint review, a Pre-Joint Review should be performed by your AIA and yourself to verify the implementation of the QCS and the conformity of the demonstration item.

The team recommendation goes to the Committee on Boiler & Pressure Vessel Conformity Assessment (CBPVCA) who has the decision to issue or nor not issue a Certificate.