International Organization for Standardization (ISO) issued a standard called “General standards for the competency of testing and calibration labs” (ISO/IEC 17025).
The current edition of the standard, ISO/IEC 17025:2005, is referred to by the umbrella title ISO/IEC 17025. The laboratory’s quality management system and the laboratory’s technical requirements are both addressed in this standard in separate parts.
It also specifies quality management practices, such as document control and remedial action. Accreditation by an accrediting authority is based on this norm.
It’s the worldwide standard for labs that perform calibration and testing operations all over the globe, and it is known as ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (General standards for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories). The production of reliable findings that are generally accepted is at the center of laboratory activity.
During the testing process, labs establish the features of an item that is being evaluated for compliance. You might check to determine if pesticide levels in a cereal sample (the item of interest) are within permissible limits by doing an experiment.
However, calibration facilities compare an unknown accuracy measuring device to one that has been previously calibrated. An airport scale’s (the unknown) accuracy may be checked via calibration by comparing the scale’s readings to verified mass pieces.
There’re a variety of training choices that are advised for different types of individuals. They’re as follows:
Create a culture of procedure, risk-based thinking, and evidence-based decision-making. Other lab personnel should have a basic awareness of the standard, with further training and expertise added over time.
A third-party evaluation of the laboratory’s quality management system and technical competence is required in order to get ISO 17025 certification for the laboratory.
Audits are carried out on a regular basis to ensure that accreditation is maintained. Accrediting in accordance with ISO 17025 may only be provided by an approved accreditation authority.
In order to be accredited, a laboratory must meet both the Management Requirements and the Technical Requirements of ISO17025 and be recognized as technically competent in order to generate calibration and testing results.
Accreditation starts with a copy of ISO 17025:2017 and awareness of it. Engage an ISO 17025 accrediting body and meet its standards. Plan your training, since all workers, particularly those in management and technical roles, and internal auditors, must be trained.
The next stage is to identify and record the laboratory’s operations and quality targets. This helps assess how risky it is to manage hazards and record procedures. Then compare your lab’s practices to the standard’s requirements.
A handbook isn’t essential, but it’s a useful location to describe your lab’s rules and goals. Several processes and records must be connected, retained, and maintained.
Before applying for accreditation, you must fulfill the accrediting body’s standards, document all necessary processes, and keep documents proving implementation. Keep track of all management reviews and method validations.
The accrediting organization will schedule the accreditation audit after remote assessment of the documents and actions. Before proposing accreditation, assessors often want to observe six months of activity and record keeping.
Laboratory competence is defined by ISO 17025, an international standard. The accreditation is suggested for all labs that do testing, sampling, or calibration, in order to build confidence and establish dependability with clients.
We’ve compiled a list of the accreditation’s top benefits to help you see why it’s so valuable to your company.
ISO 17025 is a globally recognized standard. The certification is highly recognized in scientific circles since it’s limited to technical competence in laboratory settings.
The standard gives firms greater credibility and shows that testing, measurement, and calibration are reliable to customers, rivals, and stakeholders. It shows the laboratory’s dedication to a safe and established quality system.
All labs, regardless of size or staff, may get ISO 17025 certification. Getting it’s a great strategy for all businesses to stay compliant with regulations and laws. It clearly demonstrates a commitment to safety rules, which pleases both authorities and consumers.
Obtaining ISO 17025 certification is not a simple undertaking. It should be aspired to and maintained. The consistent standard review ensures lab proficiency and data quality. Clients, stakeholders, and workers may be certain that the data generated in the laboratory is correct and dependable, demonstrating the organization’s competence.
Increase your customer base with a stronger brand image, guaranteed compliance, and rules for improved organizational performance. Clients may be certain that the procedure is dependable and accurate.
Due to its worldwide reputation, ISO 17025 provides you an edge over the competition and access to international procurement possibilities.
While the certification may seem pricey, the rewards in time and money saved far surpass the costs. It eliminates the need to retest items and eliminates the necessity for third-party supplier audits.
Following the standard’s recommendations also improves operational efficiency and productivity. Continuously evaluating staff processes, techniques, and equipment ensures that your laboratory’s process produces the most accurate findings, in the shortest time.
You may provide a more dependable laboratory environment by clearly defining staff responsibilities, increasing responsibility, and rigorously following standard processes.
There’re multiple ISO 17025 certified provides in Bangladesh, but to name a few that stands out among others are:
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