Overview
CEN ISO/TS 24283-3:2022 - "Geotechnical investigation and testing - Qualification criteria and assessment - Part 3: Qualified enterprise" specifies qualification criteria for enterprises that perform geotechnical sampling, testing, measuring, monitoring and installation of equipment (for example piezometers, borehole heat exchangers, inclinometers and extensometers). This CEN-adopted ISO technical specification defines the organizational, personnel and equipment requirements that a qualified enterprise must document and maintain.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and purpose: Applies to public or private organisations providing geotechnical services within the ISO 24283 series framework (Parts 1 and 2 cover technicians/operators and responsible experts).
- Core qualification criteria:
- Experienced and qualified personnel (responsible expert per project; qualified technicians/operators for field and laboratory tasks).
- Adequate equipment meeting relevant standards, properly maintained and calibrated.
- Implemented quality management system and health, safety and environmental (HSE) system.
- Liability insurance and compliance with applicable bylaws and safety regulations.
- Training records and verification of external personnel and subcontractors.
- Assessment prerequisites (Annex A):
- Identification of responsible expert(s) and qualified technicians with records of education, training and experience.
- List of machines/equipment, QMS and HSE documentation.
- Assessment and re‑assessment:
- On‑site assessment covering techniques listed in the specification (e.g., cone penetration, SPT, sampling categories, geohydraulic and laboratory testing).
- Annual internal monitoring, inspection after ~3.5 years and full re‑assessment every 7 years.
- Proof of conformity: Declaration by contractor (1st party), client (2nd party) or conformity assessment body (3rd party).
Applications and users
- Who uses it: Geotechnical contractors, specialist testing laboratories, engineering consultancies, site investigation teams, clients procuring geotechnical services, and conformity assessment bodies.
- Practical applications:
- Demonstrating organizational competence for bidding and contracting on site investigation projects.
- Ensuring reliable installation and monitoring of instruments (piezometers, extensometers, inclinometers, borehole heat exchangers).
- Supporting procurement, quality assurance and risk management for earthworks, foundations, tunnels and geothermal projects.
Related standards
Part of the ISO 24283 series; references and related standards include:
Keywords: geotechnical investigation, qualified enterprise, ISO/TS 24283-3, sampling, testing, monitoring, piezometers, borehole heat exchangers, inclinometers, extensometers, qualification criteria, assessment, quality management.