CSA Group CSA A283:24 Certification of laboratories for concrete

Preface

This is the sixth edition of CSA A283, Certification of laboratories for concrete. It supersedes the previous editions published in 2019, 2006, 2000, 1980, and 1974.

This edition includes the following changes:

a) Clause 3 reverting from supervising professional to supervising engineer to clarify that most authorities having jurisdiction require a person licensed to practice engineering or limited license holder where applicable;

b) Clause 5.1.1.2 recommendation for implementation of quality management systems;

c) Clause 5.2.2.2 removal of responsibilities elsewhere in this Standard and the monthly sign-off;

d) Clause 5.4.3 clarification of requirements for reporting non-compliant test specimens and deviations from test methods and standard practices in accordance with CSA A23.2;

e) Clause 6 categories of certification and listing of additional tests for which laboratories may be certified have been revised to reflect changes in, and to be consistent with, CSA A23.1/A23.2, and to take into account developments in the concrete industry; and

f) Table 1, addition of equipment verification/calibration requirements, for CSA A23.2-14A and CSA A23.2-27C.

This Standard has been referenced by CSA A23.1, Concrete materials and methods of concrete construction, since its sixth edition (1977).

This Standard is considered suitable for use for conformity assessment within the stated scope of the Standard.

CSA Group acknowledges that the development of this Standard was made possible, in part, by the financial support of the Canadian Council of Independent Laboratories.

This Standard was prepared by the Technical Committee on Qualification Code for Concrete Testing Laboratories, under the jurisdiction of the Strategic Steering Committee on Construction and Civil Infrastructure, and has been formally approved by the Technical Committee.

Notes:

1) Use of the singular does not exclude the plural (and vice versa) when the sense allows.

2) Although the intended primary application of this Standard is stated in its Scope, it is important to note that it remains the responsibility of the users of the Standard to judge its suitability for their particular purpose.

3) This Standard was developed by consensus, which is defined by CSA Policy governing standardization — Code of good practice for standardization as “substantial agreement. Consensus implies much more than a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity”. It is consistent with this definition that a member may be included in the Technical Committee list and yet not be in full agreement with all clauses of this Standard.

4) To submit a request for interpretation of this Standard, please send the following information to [email protected] and include “Request for interpretation” in the subject line:

a) define the problem, making reference to the specific clause, and, where appropriate, include a graphical image;

b) provide an explanation of circumstances surrounding the actual field condition; and

c) where possible, phrase the request in such a way that a specific “yes” or “no” answer will address the issue.

Committee interpretations are processed in accordance with CSA Directives and guidelines governing standardization and are available on the Current Standards Activities page at standardsactivities.csagroup.org.

5) This Standard is subject to review within five years from the date of publication. Suggestions for its improvement will be referred to the appropriate committee. To submit a proposal for change, please send the following information to [email protected] and include “Proposal for change” in the subject line:

a) Standard designation (number);

b) relevant clause, table, and/or figure number;

c) wording of the proposed change; and

d) rationale for the change.

1 Scope

1.1 General

This Standard provides a means of determining a concrete laboratory’s capability to test concrete and related materials. It provides for three levels of certification: basic concrete, concrete aggregate, and advanced concrete certification. Its purpose is to ensure the services obtained from a concrete testing laboratory are of acceptable quality and performance. It also provides minimum requirements for the test equipment, qualifications of personnel who test concrete, and their performance in testing; however, this Standard should not be construed as a standard detailing the technical ability and expertise necessary to provide a comprehensive consulting service in concrete technology.

1.2 Laboratory certification

This Standard addresses

a) the requirements for laboratory certification; and

b) the administration of these requirements.

1.3 Terminology

In this Standard, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Standard; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.