Certification Information Availability

IPEC Inspection Ltd. is committed to transparency and fairness in its certification process in accordance with ISO/IEC 17024:2012.

Upon request, IPEC Inspection will provide relevant information to members of the public regarding;

• Certificate validity
• Certification requirements
• Assessment processes and methods
• Fees, policies, and procedures
• Rights, obligations, and appeals mechanisms for applicants and certified persons

Requests for information can be submitted via:

Email: certification@ipec.ie

Phone: +353 21 4305966

Or by using the “Contact Us” Form at https://www.ipec.ie/contact-us/

We ensure timely responses to all inquiries in line with our commitment to impartiality, confidentiality, and compliance with international standards.

Impartiality Statement

IPEC Inspection Ltd. derives its revenue from a diverse array of inspection and certification services, including the approval of welders, all in accordance with a documented and accredited Quality Management System (QMS). The QMS encompasses specific policies and procedures aimed at ensuring impartiality.

The management of IPEC Inspection Ltd. is steadfastly committed to maintaining impartiality in all its inspection & certification activities, which includes the management of any conflicts of interest which may arise.

To this end, all IPEC Inspection Ltd. admin staff, examiners, invigilators and certificate issuers are required to declare any external pecuniary interests and to sign a declaration, affirming that they are free of conflicts of interest and have conducted themselves with impartiality.

IPEC Inspection Ltd. offers its services equally to all applicants, without any financial, technical, or practical bias, and regardless of external pressures. We conduct regular and formal impartiality reviews and audits to identify any new threats to its impartiality and maintains a register of relationships that require regular review and management. These relationships are also reviewed and updated regularly.

Complaints and Appeals

It is mandatory for all accredited conformity assessment bodies to maintain a documented procedure for managing complaints and appeals. This protocol ensures that grievances are addressed systematically and impartially.

All complaints can be made in writing (email, letter, or online form) or verbally (phone and/or in person) to the Technical Manager of IPEC Inspection Ltd. within 60 calendar days of the incident. The complainant should provide sufficient details, including the nature of the complaint, relevant dates when it occurred, and any supporting evidence to verify the complaint.

IPEC Inspection shall acknowledge receipt promptly (e.g., within 3-5 working days) and resolve the complaint within a defined timeframe of 45 days.

You may also email certification@ipec.ie to lodge a complaint or appeal or if you wish to request further information about our Appeals and Complaints procedure.

Appeals against certification decisions must be lodged within 30 working days of receiving the decision. IPEC Inspection Ltd. shall make a decision on the appeal within a defined timeframe of 45 days.

Our Complaints and Appeals procedure serves two critical purposes: firstly, it guarantees the fair and consistent handling of our customer’s grievance, and secondly, it provides our customer with information regarding the higher authority to which the case may be subsequently appealed.

This ensures that the customer is fully informed of their rights and the process available to them for further recourse.

Moreover, the documented procedure underscores our commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in our services. We encourage customers to voice their concerns so that we may uphold the highest standards of integrity and quality in conformity assessment.

Use of Certificates, Logos and Marks

Issuance of Certificates

Certificates shall be issued only to individuals who have successfully met all requirements of the certification scheme. Certificates shall include, at a minimum;

• Name of the certified individual.
• Name of the certification body. (IPEC Inspection Ltd.)
• Title of the certification.
• Unique certificate number.
• Date of issuance and expiration (if applicable).
• Scope of the certification (if applicable).
• Signature or seal of the certification body.
• Certificates shall be issued in a secure format to prevent forgery or tampering.

Use of Certificates

• Certified individuals may use their certificates to demonstrate their certified status to employers, clients, or other stakeholders.
• Certificates shall not be altered, duplicated, or used in a misleading manner.
• Certified individuals must return or destroy their certificates if their certification is suspended, revoked, or expired.

Permitted Use of Logos and Marks

• Certified individuals may use the certification mark/logo on business cards, resumes, email signatures, and other professional materials to indicate their certified status.
• The certification mark/logo must be used in a manner that does not imply endorsement of products, services, or organizations by the certification body.
• The certification mark/logo must not be altered, distorted, or used in a way that could misrepresent the certification status.

Prohibited Use of Certificates, Logos, and Marks

• Certificates, logos, and marks shall not be used by individuals whose certification has expired, been suspended, or withdrawn.
• Certificates, logos, and marks shall not be used in a manner that suggests the certification body endorses a product, service, or organisation.
• Certificates, logos, and marks shall not be used in a way that could mislead or deceive stakeholders about the scope or validity of the certification.

Monitoring and Enforcement

• The certification body shall periodically monitor the use of certificates, logos, and marks by certified individuals and other stakeholders.
• In cases of misuse, the certification body shall take appropriate corrective actions, which may include:

–              Issuing a warning to the individual or organisation.
–              Requiring the immediate cessation of misuse.
–              Suspending or withdrawing certification in cases of repeated or severe misuse.
–              Suspending all further certifications services for the individual and/or organisation.

Requests for further information can be submitted via:

Email: certification@ipec.ie

Phone: +353 21 4305966

Or by using the “Contact Us” Form at https://www.ipec.ie/contact-us/

Integrated Management – Policy Statement

At IPEC Inspection Ltd. we are committed to achieving excellence in quality, environmental sustainability, and occupational health and safety. Our Integrated Management System (IMS) aligns with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 ensuring we deliver high-quality products and services while minimizing our environmental impact and providing a safe and healthy workplace for all.

Our Commitments:

1. Quality Excellence

• • We strive to meet and exceed customer expectations by consistently delivering high-quality services that are fit for purpose and commissioned for the client in accordance with their own unique instructions.
  • We continuously improve our processes, systems, and performance to ensure compliance with applicable legal, regulatory, and customer requirements.
  • We foster a culture of innovation and accountability to enhance customer satisfaction and drive organisational success.
  • This Quality Assurance (Integrated EHSQ) System is designed to ensure that all activities carried out by IPEC are planned, controlled and performed in a manner and to a standard of quality that is predictably acceptable to our clients.
  • In performing their duties, the directors of IPEC Inspection ltd. commit themselves and all of their employees to maintaining and continually improving our quality system; to exercising all reasonable skill and care; and will ensure that regular reviews of the Company’s performance take place and that the operation of the quality assurance system is monitored at regular intervals in order to ensure maximum effectiveness.

2. Environmental Stewardship

• • We are committed to protecting the environment by minimizing our environmental footprint and promoting sustainable practices.
  • We aim to prevent pollution, reduce waste, and optimize the use of resources, including energy and water.
  • Our environment management system assures compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations.
  • We are committed to the continual improvement of our environment programs and strategy to minimise environmental aspects/impacts.
  • Respond immediately and appropriately to incidents that may endanger the Health & Safety of any persons, the surrounding community and the environment.
  • Respond promptly to employee, contractor, client or community concerns regarding environmental issues.
  • Use work / production processes that minimize environment impacts and do not use environment harmful substances.

3. Occupational Health and Safety

• • We prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of our employees, contractors, visitors, and all stakeholders.
  • We are committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace by identifying, assessing, and controlling risks to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses.
  • We actively engage employees in health and safety initiatives and ensure compliance with all relevant occupational health and safety legislation.
  • It is also the policy of IPEC to protect, so far as is reasonably practicable, persons not employed by this company who may be affected by our activities.
  • In pursuance of the general statement of safety policy, the company will provide and maintain a safe place of work, safe equipment and safe systems of work. We shall carry out a detailed hazard identification exercise, risk assessment and implement control measures as required.  Resources shall be made available as necessary.
  • All employees have the responsibility to co-operate with management to achieve a healthy and safe workplace and to take reasonable care of themselves and others.
  • The policy will be kept up to date, particularly as the business changes in nature and size. To ensure this, the policy and the way in which it has operated will be reviewed regularly but at least on a yearly basis.

We shall also comply with all other legislation applicable to our activities e.g.

1. 1. I. No. 2/2020 – Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) (Amendment) Regulations 2020. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 to 2016 and these Regulations may be cited together as the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 to 2020.
   2. Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) (Amendment) Regulations 2020, S.I. No. 102 of 2020. The Principal Regulations 2013, the Regulations of 2019 and these Regulations may be cited together as the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 to 2020.
   3. Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Chemical Agents) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 231/2021)
   4. Code of Practice for Avoiding Danger from Underground Services 2010.
   5. Code of Practice for Avoiding Danger from Overhead Electricity 2019.
   6. Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Reporting of Accidents and Dangerous Occurrences) Regulations 2016 (S.I. No. 370 of 2016).

Our Approach

• Leadership and Accountability: Senior management is committed to providing the necessary resources, training, and support to achieve our objectives.
• Risk-Based Thinking: We identify and address risks and opportunities across quality, environmental, and health and safety aspects to ensure continual improvement.
• Employee Involvement: We empower our employees to contribute to the success of our IMS through training, communication, and active participation.
• Stakeholder Engagement: We work collaboratively with customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to achieve shared goals and foster long-term relationships.
• Continual Improvement: We regularly review our policies, objectives, and performance to identify areas for improvement and ensure the effectiveness of our IMS.

Our Promise

We are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of quality, environmental responsibility, and occupational health and safety. Through our Integrated Management System, we aim to create value for our customers, protect the environment, and ensure the well-being of our people, while driving sustainable growth and operational excellence.

This policy is communicated to all employees and stakeholders and is reviewed annually to ensure ongoing suitability and alignment with our organisational goals.