Maintaining ISO 17025 Accreditation

Maintaining certification is essential for laboratories and testing facilities to ensure that they consistently produce accurate and reliable results.

ISO 17025 is an international standard that outlines the general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. Acoustic Research Labs has held continuous accreditation with NATA since February 1999.

Here’s what’s involved in keeping ISO 17025 certification:

1. Management System Documentation: Establish and maintain a quality manual, procedures, and work instructions.

2. Management Commitment: Ensure that top management is committed to the ISO 17025 certification and continually supports its implementation and improvement.

3. Competence of Personnel: Ensure personnel involved are competent, well-trained and have the necessary qualifications whilst also providing ongoing training and professional development.

4. Equipment and Calibration: Maintain and calibrate all testing and calibration equipment regularly to ensure accuracy and traceability.

5. Traceability of Measurements: Ensure that measurements are traceable to national or international standards.

6. Testing and Calibration Methods: Use validated and documented testing and calibration methods.

7. Artefact Handling: Implement proper handling procedures, identification, preservation and storage.

8. Quality Control: Implement a robust quality control system to monitor the performance of testing and calibration methods. This includes regular proficiency testing and inter-laboratory comparisons.

9. Reporting and Records: Maintain comprehensive records of all testing and calibration activities. Documenting test results, observations, interpretations and that reports are accurate.

10. Quality Assurance: Implement a quality assurance program that monitors and assesses the effectiveness of the laboratory’s quality management system. Identify opportunities for improvement and take corrective actions as required.

11. Customer Feedback: Actively seek and respond to customer feedback. Address customer concerns and continually work to enhance customer satisfaction.

12. Internal Audits: Conduct regular internal audits to assess compliance with ISO 17025 requirements and identify areas for improvement. Correct non-conformities and continually improve the management system.

13. Management Review: Hold periodic management reviews to evaluate the performance of the quality management system and make necessary adjustments or improvements.

14. Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of continuous improvement. Encourage employees to suggest improvements, and actively seek ways to enhance laboratory operations.

15. External Assessments: Be prepared for external assessments and audits by accreditation bodies.

Maintaining certification requires ongoing commitment, regular monitoring, and evaluation resulting in reliable testing and calibration activities.