To assure that the manufacturer has the ability and integrity to build vessels according to the Code, the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code requires each manufacturer of Code power boilers, heating boilers, pressure vessels, and fiberglass-reinforced plastic pressure vessels to have and to demonstrate a quality control system. (For pressure vessels, see Code Pars. U-2 and UG-90 and Code Appendix 10.) This system must include a written description or checklist explaining in detail the quality-controlled manufacturing process. The written description, which for clarification we will call a manual, must explain the company s organized and systematic way of specifying procedures involving each level of design, material, fabrication, testing, and inspection. An effective quality program will find errors before fabrication and will reduce or prevent defects during fabrication. To be effective, this system must have managerial direction and technical support. Proper administration is essential in order to provide the quality control and quality assurance necessary for fabrication of ASME Code pressure vessels.

Before issuance or renewal of an ASME Certificate of Authorization to manufacture Code vessels or piping is granted, the manufacturer s facilities and organization are subject to a joint review by an Inspection Agency and the legal jurisdiction concerned. In areas where a jurisdiction does not review a manufacturer s facility, that function may be carried out by a representative of the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors.

The quality control manual, therefore, will form the basis for understanding the manufacturer s controlled manufacturing system. It will be reviewed...