Inspection
Inspection is a critical part of any quality assurance scheme. Having the right systems, processes and procedures ensures consistency that is critical in complying with local and international legislations, relevant codes and standards.
Nortest, being an accredited Inspection Body (ISO 17020) and Testing Laboratory (ISO 17025) ensures accountability and compliance at every step of the process and can assist you through extensive offering of conventional and advanced inspection services such as the following.
Our inspection services include:
Quality Assurance/ Quality Control
Ensuring Quality at every step
In order to make sure quality is maintained, your processes, products, equipment, systems must comply with a number of quality requirements, either that being legislative, statutory or contractual. Nortest can assist you with this through its Quality Control and Quality Assurance services.
Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) are both crucial aspects of quality management, but they serve different purposes:
- Quality Assurance (QA):
- Focus: QA is proactive and process-oriented.
- Objective: It aims to prevent defects by ensuring that the processes used to manage and create deliverables are applied correctly.
- Activities: Includes planning, systematic activities, and process audits to provide confidence that quality requirements will be fulfilled.
- Quality Control (QC):
- Focus: QC is reactive and product-oriented.
- Objective: It aims to identify and correct defects in the final products.
- Activities: Involves inspection, testing, and corrective actions to ensure that the product meets the specified quality standards.
- In summary, QA is about ensuring the right processes are in place to prevent defects, while QC is about identifying and fixing defects in the final product.
Our team of experts consists of Chartered Engineers and Certified experienced inspectors can assist you from the design and procurement phase up until the commissioning and in-service repairs.
Specifically, we can assist in areas such as:
- Documents Review and RfQ Preparation
- Technical audit of contractors and solutions proposed
- Construction / Fabrication Supervision and Inspection
- Certification Qualifications
- Regulatory Requirements
- Witnessing and Inspection Release
- Carrying out the tests required to ensure compliance with specifications
- Factory Acceptance Tests
- Commissioning approval
In-service inspections
Providing Solutions to prolong your asset’s lifetime
In-service inspections are necessary to ensure that your assets deliver the expected return on investment and meet the regulatory and insurance requirements. Assets such as production facilities, refineries, petrochemical plants, wind farms, solar farms and power plants require regular maintenance to run efficiently – and it is critical that any potential defects are recognized early and downtime is minimized
Nortest is a Third Party Accredited boutique inspection, testing, certification and technical advisory firm with a global reach, holding numerous accreditations (ISO 17020/17025/17065) and a proven track record in In-Service inspections. With our expert team of Chartered Engineers, Certified Inspectors, backed up by our accreditations we ensure our clients benefit from the reliability and accuracy of our findings. Our team will examine your assets, recommend various solutions and follow up on the agreed recommendations by monitoring the processes, ensuring the agreed guidelines and standards are followed.
Our in-service inspections include:
- Storage tank inspection and calibration
- Pressure Equipment Inspection and Certification
- Asset Integrity Assessments
- Remnant Life Assessment
- Risk based inspections
- Commissioning and in-service inspections
- Corrosion assessment and monitoring
- Corrosion Under Insulation
- Crane, Lifting Equipment and Machinery inspection
- Thermography Inspections
- Drone inspections
- Industrial rope access
- Safety and Control Valve inspection and maintenance
- Non-destructive testing
- Coating inspections
- Vibration Analysis
- Statutory inspections
Risk Based Inspections
Maintain the integrity of your asset whilst balancing your inspection costs and associated level of risk
Risk-based inspection (RBI) is the procedure in which industrial risks resulting from equipment or structural degradation are identified, assessed and categorized. Through an analysis of the probability and consequences of failure associated with each equipment, component or structure, a proper inspection and maintenance program is then developed.
Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) is a maintenance strategy used to prioritize and manage the inspection of equipment based on the likelihood of failure, consequences of failure and the confidence on the inspection methods used. The key steps of this process are:
- Risk Assessment: RBI evaluates the probability of equipment failure and its potential impact on safety, environment, and business operations.
- Prioritization: Equipment with higher risk levels (high probability and high consequence of failure) is prioritized for more frequent and detailed inspections.
- Optimization: By focusing on high-risk areas, RBI helps allocate inspection resources more effectively, reducing unnecessary inspections and maintenance costs.
- Methodology: RBI can be qualitative, quantitative, or semi-quantitative, depending on the data and analysis methods used.
- Applications: RBI is critical for optimising the operation and maintenance in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and power generation.
Our team of experts consists of Chartered Engineers and Certified experienced inspectors and our approach based on international standards such as API RP 580 and 581, EEMUA 159, ASME PCC-3 and others. Using our experience and guidelines from the standard, our team can assist you to meet your regulatory requirements, while improving your asset’s availability, lifetime and safety.
Offshore Inspections
Safety and integrity always come first
Keeping existing offshore facilities in accordance with standard and regulatory requirements is crucial for the overall safety and integrity of the platform and connecting facilities.
Nortest is a Third Party Accredited boutique inspection, testing, certification and technical advisory firm with a global reach, holding numerous accreditations (ISO 17020/17025/17065) and a proven track record in offshore inspections. With our expert team of Chartered Engineers, Certified Inspectors, backed up by our accreditations we ensure our clients benefit from the reliability and accuracy of our findings. Our team can assist you with the following services:
- Non-Destructive Testing
- Advanced Non Destructive Testing
- Drill Pipe Inspection
- Industrial Rope Access
- Drone Inspections
- Cranes, Lifting Equipment and Machinery
- Welding Inspections
- Welding Engineering Services
- Coating Inspection
- Thermography Inspections
- Vibration Analysis
- Hull Inspections
- Hydrostatic testing
- Asset Integrity
- In Service Inspections
- Calibration Services
Non Destructive Testing
Non-destructive testing (NDT) is an interdisciplinary field which deals with the quality control of components, products and structures and helps QA Engineers identify faulty components.
Various methods of NDT are out there to detect all sorts of defects, and has been used for years by various industries in order to ensure the right quality is achieved. Nortest employs specialized NDT Level III personnel who in co-ordination with our Engineers can advise you in complicated situations, providing you with long term solutions. Furthermore, Nortest runs an R&D program in NDT, developing cutting edge technology and bringing only the best results for its clients.
NDT methods play a critical role in assuring that components, products and structures perform their function with a reliable and cost-effective manner, as they contribute in:
- Identifying and quantifying material defects
- Detecting possible corrosion
- Quality control
- Assuring the welds do not contain unacceptable imperfections
When you Want to be sure
Nortest’s experienced NDT personel, will provide you with the necessary certainty, guiding you through complicated situations. Moreover, our team will assist you in choosing the most
appropriate and efficient NDT method or combination of methods, to identify and quantify any defects; and will take it a step further by recommending you with the appropriate course of action. Our strength lies with our people who are all fulltime employees at our organization with many years of experience in the oil and gas industry, certified as per NDT/NDE international standards ISO 9712 and ASME/ASNT
Accredited NDT and Material Testing Laboratory as per ISO 17025
Nortest, is accredited as per ISO 17025 in Non Destructive Testing which ensures the right procedures are followed, the competency of our personnel and the use of calibrated equipment. Our accreditation protects our clients by proving them with reliable and accurate results.
Nortest offers a complete range of conventional and specialized Non-Destructive Testing methods and inspection services which are summarized below:
Conventional Methods:
- Welding Inspection
- Dimensional Inspection
- Ultrasonic Thickness Scanning
- Ultrasonic Flaw Detection
- Magnetic Particle Inspection
- Liquid Penetrant Inspection
- Fluorescent Inspection
- Radiographic Inspection
- Eddy Current
- Industrial Rope Access
- Load Testing
- Torque Testing
- Advanced Methods (this should be a link to take you to the Advanced Inspection page)
Your benefits would be:
- Ensuring the integrity of your assets through inspection
- One stop shop for your inspection needs
- Reliable results as safeguarded by our ISO 17025 accreditation
- Avoiding failures on your operations related to poor material quality, inappropriate choice of material or manufacturing and welding flaws.
Advanced Non Destructive Testing
Innovative Inspections, Reliable Results
At Nortest, we specialize in cutting-edge Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) inspection services designed to ensure the integrity and reliability of your critical assets. Our advanced NDT technique capabilities allow us to detect even the smallest defects without causing any damage to the components. With a team of highly skilled engineers and technicians and state-of-the-art equipment, we provide accurate, efficient, and cost-effective inspection solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of various industries. Trust us to help you maintain the highest standards of safety and quality in your operations.
Our service offering is ever expanding as technologies keep advancing – a selection of the Advanced inspection services we can provide are:
- AUT-Automatic Ultrasonic Testing
- Phased Array
- TOFD Inspection
- Guided Waves Testing
- EMI-Electromagnetic Inspection
- Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL)
- Scanning and Corrosion mapping
- Tank Floor Scanning
- Corrosion Under Insulation
- Computed and Digital Radiography
- Crawler Radiography
- Acoustic Emission
Drill Pipe Inspection
Drilling Down to Perfection
At Nortest, we offer thorough and reliable drill pipe inspection services to ensure the safety and efficiency of your drilling operations. Our advanced inspection techniques, including electromagnetic inspection (EMI), ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle inspection, and visual examination, are designed to detect any defects or wear that could compromise the integrity of your drill pipes. With our experienced team and state-of-the-art equipment, we provide accurate assessments and detailed reports, helping you maintain optimal performance and prevent costly downtime.
All of our inspection services are carried out in accordance with standards such as API, DS-1, and NS-2.
Welding Inspection Services
Welding Quality, Guaranteed
Our expert welding inspection services ensure the highest standards of quality and safety for your projects. With a team of certified welding and senior welding inspectors, we thoroughly assess every weld for strength, integrity, and compliance with industry regulations. We utilize advanced techniques such as visual inspection, ultrasonic testing, radiographic inspection, and more to identify any potential flaws or defects. Whether for construction, manufacturing, or repairs, our detailed reports provide you with the peace of mind that your welds are reliable and meet the required specifications. Trust our experienced inspectors to safeguard your project’s success and ensure its durability and safety.
Coating Inspection
Protecting Surfaces, Preserving Value
Our coating inspection services enssure the longevity and performance of your protective coatings. Our experienced inspectors use advanced techniques and equipment to assess the quality and adherence of coatings on various surfaces. By identifying issues such as cracks, blisters, or inadequate thickness, we help you prevent corrosion and extend the lifespan of your assets. With our detailed reports and expert recommendations, you can maintain the highest standards of protection and durability.
We employ our own NACE, CSWIP and FROSIO coating inspectors and can assist you in every step of your process – such as:
- Documents Review and RfQ Preparation.
- Technical audit of contractors and solutions proposed.
- Surface Prepration/Coating Supervision and Inspection.
- Certification Qualifications.
- Regulatory Requirements.
- Witnessing and Inspection Release.
- Carrying out the tests required to ensure compliance with specifications.
- Final Acceptance tests.
Cranes, Lifting Equipment & Machinery
Lifting Confidence with Every Inspection!
At Nortest, we provide expert crane, lifting equipment, and machinery inspection services, ensuring the highest standards of safety, reliability, and compliance. The company is Accredited in accordance with ISO 17020, is a full member of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA), we is also approved by the Department of Labour Inspection for conducting these critical inspections. Our certified inspectors perform comprehensive evaluations of cranes, hoists, lifting rigs, and other machinery, focusing on key components such as cables, hooks, hydraulics, and safety systems. Utilizing advanced inspection techniques, we help identify potential hazards or defects, ensuring that your equipment operates efficiently and safely. Whether for routine checks, pre-operational assessments, or regulatory compliance, our thorough inspections help prevent costly downtime and enhance workplace safety, providing you with peace of mind and ensuring your equipment meets all legal and industry requirements.
Nortest can also perform conformity assessments and certifications as per Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.
Playground Inspection
Children’s safety is a top priority for every parent. Playground inspections play a vital role in ensuring that these areas remain safe and enjoyable for their visitors.
Nortest Ltd, as an accredited ISO 17020 Inspection body, with its team of experts, conduct thorough inspections and quarterly and annual playground audits as well as post installation inspections of playgrounds and their equipment in schools, kindergartens, and public or private facilities to ensure that the requirements set by EN1177 and EN 1176 standard series are met. The company can also assist in the correct design and installation of playgrounds and playground equipment to prevent unforeseen risks.
Drone Inspections
Elevating Inspections to New Heights
Elevate your asset management and maintenance strategies with our cutting-edge Drone Inspection Services. Utilizing high-resolution cameras and state-of-the-art drone technology, we provide detailed, real-time inspections of hard-to-reach or hazardous locations such as rooftops, communication towers, industrial plants, wind turbines, bridges, and more. Our drones are equipped with advanced imaging sensors, including thermal and infrared capabilities, allowing us to identify structural weaknesses, leaks, heat anomalies, and other potential issues that may be invisible to the naked eye.
With drone inspections, we offer a safer, faster, and more cost-effective alternative to traditional inspection methods. Drones can access difficult-to-reach or dangerous areas without the need for scaffolding, ladders, or cranes, minimizing risk to personnel and reducing downtime. The captured data is processed quickly and presented in easily interpretable reports, empowering you with the insights you need to make informed decisions regarding maintenance, repairs, and future planning.
Whether you’re overseeing infrastructure, industrial assets, or large-scale projects, our drone inspection services ensure that you can monitor and maintain your assets with precision and efficiency. By reducing the need for manual inspections and offering quicker turnaround times, we help you save time, lower costs, and improve overall safety.
Let us help you streamline your inspection process, enhance the longevity of your assets, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards, all while keeping your operations running smoothly.
Thermography Inspection
Uncovering Hidden Heat, Preventing Hidden Hazards
Unlock the power of preventive maintenance with our state-of-the-art Thermography Inspection Services. Using advanced infrared technology, we provide non-invasive, highly accurate assessments to identify hidden issues that could otherwise go undetected. Thermography detects temperature variations across electrical systems, mechanical components, building structures, and more, offering a detailed view of potential problems such as overloaded circuits, poor insulation, water damage, equipment wear, or energy inefficiencies.
By capturing precise thermal images, our inspections allow us to spot anomalies like overheating electrical panels, loose connections, moisture intrusion, or thermal bridging, which could lead to costly breakdowns or safety hazards if left unaddressed. This early detection helps you prioritize repairs, minimize disruptions, and extend the lifespan of your assets, all while reducing the need for costly and time-consuming invasive inspections.
Whether you’re inspecting a commercial building’s electrical system, industrial machinery, or even the HVAC system of a large facility, thermography inspection provides a clear, actionable overview of your infrastructure’s health. Our experienced technicians deliver thorough reports with visual evidence, enabling you to make informed, data-driven decisions on repairs, upgrades, and preventive actions.
From preventing downtime and minimizing energy waste to enhancing the safety and performance of your equipment, our thermography services offer a comprehensive, cost-effective solution for asset management. With our proactive approach, you can detect issues before they escalate, ensuring the continued efficiency, safety, and reliability of your operations.
Vibration Analysis
Feel the Pulse, Ensure the Performance!
Optimize the performance and longevity of your equipment with our expert Vibration Analysis Services. Vibration analysis is a powerful diagnostic tool that helps identify and assess mechanical issues in machinery, motors, pumps, turbines, and other critical assets. By measuring vibration patterns, we can detect early signs of problems such as misalignment, imbalance, bearing wear, looseness, and structural defects—issues that, if left unnoticed, could lead to costly breakdowns and unplanned downtime.
Our team uses advanced vibration sensors and diagnostic equipment to monitor vibrations in real-time and analyze the data to pinpoint potential faults before they escalate. Early detection allows for timely maintenance, minimizing repair costs and preventing more severe damage. Whether you’re managing industrial machinery, HVAC systems, or rotating equipment, vibration analysis offers a proactive approach to predictive maintenance, helping you increase reliability, reduce operational interruptions, and extend the lifespan of your assets.
With our detailed reports and actionable insights, you can prioritize repairs and optimize your maintenance schedule, ensuring that your operations run smoothly and efficiently. Our vibration analysis services not only help you prevent unexpected failures but also contribute to improved safety, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness across your facility.
ADR Inspections
Compliance on Wheels, Safety in Transit
At Nortest, we offer specialized ADR (Accord Dangereux Routier) and VOC (Vapour Organic Compounds) inspection services to ensure the safe and compliant transportation of dangerous goods. Our certified professionals and approved inspection centre, provide both initial and periodic inspections, helping you maintain adherence to the latest international ADR regulations. Whether you are preparing a new vehicle for service or ensuring ongoing compliance for your fleet, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Our comprehensive inspections cover all critical aspects, including vehicle signage, fire safety equipment, containment measures, and proper labeling. We thoroughly examine vehicles, equipment, and documentation to identify potential issues early and provide practical solutions. With our expertise, you can reduce risks, avoid costly penalties, and ensure the seamless operation of your business.
Choose Nortest for trusted ADR inspection services that prioritize the safety of your cargo, crew, and the environment. Stay compliant, safe, and confident on the road with our reliable support.
Hull Inspections
Hull Inspections: Safeguarding Your Vessel’s Heart!
Ensure the integrity and performance of your vessel with our comprehensive hull inspection services. At Nortest we understand that the hull is the backbone of your vessel, and maintaining its condition is critical for safety, efficiency, and compliance. Our experienced inspectors specialize in detailed assessments for both initial and periodic inspections, utilizing advanced techniques and equipment to identify potential issues before they escalate.
Our hull inspection process includes a thorough evaluation of structural components, corrosion levels, paint coatings, weld integrity, and potential damages caused by wear, impact, or environmental factors. Whether you require inspections for routine maintenance, certification compliance, or pre-purchase evaluations, our team provides detailed reports with actionable recommendations tailored to your needs.
By choosing Nortest you can minimize operational risks, prolong your vessel’s lifespan, and ensure compliance with industry and regulatory standards. Trust us to safeguard your investment and maintain the reliability of your vessel, whether operating in coastal waters or deep-sea environments.
Offshore Containers
Built for Offshore. Certified for Peace of Mind.
Stay compliant and operational with our trusted offshore container inspection and certification services. From DNV 2.7-1 and ISO 10855 compliance to load testing, NDT, and full documentation support, we ensure your containers are ready for the toughest offshore environments. Fast turnaround, expert inspectors, and global standards—everything you need, all in one place.
Hydrostatic Testing
Tested Under Pressure. Trusted in Performance.
Ensure the integrity and safety of your pressure systems with our reliable hydrostatic testing solutions. We provide high-pressure testing for pipelines, pressure vessels, hoses, and components—onshore and offshore. Our calibrated equipment, certified technicians, and detailed test reports guarantee compliance with international codes and client specifications.
Pre and Post Shipment Inspection
Ensuring Quality from Dispatch to Delivery
At Nortest, we offer Pre and Post Shipment Inspection services to verify that goods meet the required specifications, standards, and contractual terms — before they leave the supplier’s premises or upon arrival at their destination. These inspections help reduce risk, prevent costly disputes, and ensure full transparency throughout the supply chain.
As an ISO 17020 accredited inspection body, Nortest provides independent, third-party verification across a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, engineering, construction, and consumer goods. Our experienced inspectors examine product quantity, quality, packaging, labeling, and overall compliance with client or regulatory requirements.
For pre-shipment inspections, we verify that products are correctly manufactured, documented, and packed before they are shipped. For post-shipment inspections, we confirm that received goods are undamaged, complete, and in accordance with purchase orders or import regulations.
These inspections are especially valuable for international trade, helping buyers and sellers establish trust and reduce the risk of non-conformities. Nortest’s impartial reporting ensures that your interests are protected — whether you are the exporter, importer, or end-user.
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