Overview
AD 2000-Merkblatt HP 0 (the German AD 2000 code of practice, part HP 0, for the manufacture of pressure equipment) describes the requirements that manufacturers of pressure equipment and pressure-bearing components must meet in order to gain recognition. ADLER CertConsulting reviews the intended scope and supports work on the operational organisation, the welding-related requirements, test planning and the evidence documentation. This also includes clearly defining internal inspection and sign-off procedures. Recognition, and all inspections not delegated to the manufacturer, remain the responsibility of the relevant independent body.
AD 2000 and HP 0
AD 2000 is a body of technical rules for pressure equipment. It sets out detailed requirements for design, materials, manufacture, testing and documentation, and it can be used to meet the essential safety requirements of the Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU. Whether and to what extent AD 2000 applies follows from the intended product, the chosen conformity route and any contractual or customer-specific requirements.
HP 0 deals with the general requirements for manufacturers. For welded pressure equipment and pressure-bearing parts, further code sheets and product specifications have to be taken into account. These can include AD 2000-Merkblatt HP 100 R in particular. HP 0 recognition is therefore not a blanket proof for every conceivable type of fabrication. Product types, materials, welding processes, production sites and the range of activities must be described clearly within the scope applied for.
Fabrication, testing and evidence
The focus is on a suitable manufacturing organisation, responsible specialists, controlled production processes and traceable testing. For welding, this concerns the welding coordination, qualified welders or operators, suitable welding procedures, equipment, parent materials, filler materials and quality records, among other things. Existing structures from ISO 3834 can form an important basis for this, but they do not automatically replace the product- and rules-related assessment.
The manufacturer also needs a robust inspection and sign-off organisation. Inspection characteristics, extent of inspection, timing, responsible persons, acceptance criteria and records are defined within the manufacturing and inspection sequence. Internal inspections may only be carried out and assessed by suitable, named persons within their defined area of responsibility. Which inspections the manufacturer may carry out itself, and when a notified, recognised or other competent body has to be involved, depends on the product, the conformity assessment procedure and the applicable rules.
Support from ADLER CertConsulting
ADLER CertConsulting structures these requirements together with the business. Before the external works audit, the documentation and its implementation in the works are reviewed internally. Open points are recorded in an action plan. The final assessment, recognition and definition of the confirmed scope are carried out by the appointed competent body.
Areas of service
- Classifying the product, the applicable rules and the desired scope of recognition
- Gap analysis against AD 2000-Merkblatt HP 0
- Setting up the organisation, responsibilities and deputising arrangements
- Defining the tasks and competence of the welding coordination
- Review of welder, operator and procedure qualifications
- Manufacturing, welding and inspection documentation
- Inspection plans, internal approvals and sign-off procedures
- Control of parent materials, filler materials, test equipment and records
- Preparation for the initial works audit, surveillance or extension
- Support with findings and corrective actions
- Linking with ISO 3834 and other applicable rules
Frequently asked questions
What is AD 2000-Merkblatt HP 0?
HP 0 describes general requirements for manufacturers working within the scope of the AD 2000 rules. These include a suitable organisation, qualified staff, controlled manufacturing processes, testing and quality evidence.
Does every piping contractor need HP 0 recognition?
No. What matters is the product, the activity, the applicable rules, the conformity route and contractual requirements. The specific need and scope should be clarified before the qualification begins.
Is ISO 3834 certification sufficient?
Not automatically. ISO 3834 provides an important basis for welding quality assurance. HP 0 recognition additionally takes into account the specific application and fabrication scope under AD 2000 and the requirements associated with it.
May the manufacturer carry out inspections and sign-offs internally?
The manufacturer carries out the internal inspections intended for its production control. Which assessments or sign-offs are permitted internally, and what involvement of an independent body is required, depends on the product, the conformity assessment procedure and the applicable rules. HP 0 recognition is not a general authorisation for self-sign-off.
Who grants manufacturer recognition?
The assessment and recognition are carried out by a competent independent body. ADLER CertConsulting supports the build-up of the requirements and the preparation, but does not grant recognition itself.
How does recognition stay valid?
The manufacturer must maintain the confirmed requirements. Changes to the welding coordination, procedures, materials, activities or production sites may be subject to notification or assessment. The agreement and the requirements of the competent body are decisive.