Overview
ISO/TS 24283-3:2022 specifies the qualification criteria for enterprises that perform sampling, testing, measuring, monitoring and installation of geotechnical equipment (for example piezometers, borehole heat exchangers, inclinometers and extensometers). It is Part 3 of the ISO 24283 series and defines the organisational, technical and procedural requirements an enterprise must document and demonstrate to be recognised as a qualified enterprise for geotechnical investigation and testing.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope of competence: Documented capability to perform specified sampling, laboratory and field testing, monitoring and installation activities.
- Personnel: Minimum appointment of at least one responsible expert (per ISO/TS 24283‑2) for each project and adequate numbers of qualified technicians/operators (per ISO/TS 24283‑1). The responsible expert must check and sign reports.
- Equipment and calibration: Items of equipment must comply with relevant standards, be correctly maintained, calibrated and used according to manufacturers’ manuals.
- Management systems: A documented quality management system and a health, safety and environmental (HSE) system are required.
- Insurance and liability: Enterprises must hold appropriate public liability and other insurance.
- Training and subcontractors: Regular personnel training with records; external personnel and subcontractors must meet equivalent qualification criteria and be verified by the enterprise.
- Assessment procedures: Prerequisites for initial assessment include lists of responsible experts, technicians, equipment, QMS and HSE documentation. Annual self-monitoring is required; inspection after 3.5 years and full re‑assessment every 7 years (see Annex A).
- Conformity evidence: Fulfilment may be demonstrated by declarations of conformity or third‑party conformity assessment.
Practical applications and users
Who uses ISO/TS 24283-3:2022:
- Geotechnical contractors and field investigation firms seeking to formalise and demonstrate enterprise-level competence.
- Testing laboratories and instrumentation installers (piezometers, borehole heat exchangers, inclinometers, extensometers).
- Project owners, engineering consultancies and clients requiring verified supplier qualification.
- Certification and conformity assessment bodies assessing enterprise competence.
Practical benefits:
- Standardises qualification expectations across sampling, field testing and instrumentation installation.
- Improves project quality by ensuring trained personnel, calibrated equipment and robust QMS/HSE practices.
- Facilitates procurement and compliance checks for infrastructure, construction and geothermal projects.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO/TS 24283-3:2022, geotechnical investigation, qualified enterprise, qualification criteria, sampling, field testing, monitoring, piezometers, borehole heat exchangers, inclinometers, extensometers, quality management, HSE, assessment.