Sparrows achieves UKAS accreditation for global inspection services

 Sparrows Group has got a United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accreditation for its onshore and offshore inspection activities.

The global provider of specialist equipment and integrated engineering services achieved the UKAS certification to the ISO/IEC 17020 standard for its onshore and offshore inspection activities. The award followed a three-day audit at its Aberdeen headquarters.

UKAS is the sole national accreditation body of the United Kingdom appointed by the UK Government. It assesses organisations which provide certification, testing, inspection and calibration services against internationally agreed standards.

After successfully meeting the strict criteria, the business has been accredited for provision of thorough examination of lifting equipment under LOLER 98, inspection of work equipment under PUWER 98 and non-destructive testing. To achieve UKAS accreditation, the company demonstrated that its technical employees can operate to externally verified practices and procedures safely and competently.

The internationally recognised standard will support Sparrows in its efforts to further diversify into new markets, including the defence and nuclear markets, while creating new opportunities for existing operations in oil and gas, renewables and industrial sectors.

Sparrows Group chief executive officer Stewart Mitchell said: “We have been delivering high quality inspection services for more than 30 years and achieving the UKAS accreditation is confirmation of the industry leading standards our team follows across our operations globally.

“Inspection and maintenance of safety critical lifting equipment is essential to safe and efficient onshore and offshore operations. As one of few UK service companies to hold this accreditation for both thorough examination and NDT, this reinforces our reputation for providing high quality operations in the region and beyond.”