ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation is the most important standard for calibration and testing laboratories worldwide. ISO 17025 accredited laboratory has demonstrated that they are technically proficient and can produce precise and accurate tests and calibration data.
It is a third-party reviewed process that ensures a laboratory’s quality management system is thoroughly evaluated regularly. This guarantees a continuation of technical competence and compliance.
What is an Accredited Calibration Lab?
They deem a calibration lab accredited after a third-party organization evaluates its compliance with the ISO/IEC 17025 standard. ISO 17025 is a recognized global standard of quality and conformity.
A few factors play into a laboratory, having been regarded as competent and compliant with ISO 17025 standards. It is these factors that ensure quality results.
If these components meet the requirements, the laboratory receives recognition as having the highest level of technical competency. Thus, granted accreditation.
It Assesses These Factors
Laboratory accreditation bodies use the ISO 17025 standard. Specifically, to assess factors relevant to a laboratory’s ability to produce precise, accurate test and calibration data, including:
- Traceability of measurements and calibrations to national standards.
- Technical competence of staff.
- Maintenance of test equipment.
- Quality assurance of test and calibration data.
- Validity and appropriateness of test methods.
- Appropriate handling and transportation of test items.
- Quality of testing environment.
The Risks of Using Uncalibrated Equipment
It is vital to note that when calibrations are off, it will affect multiple areas of your lab, including safety, productivity, and quality of work. It can risk people in the lab, produce inaccurate results, process variance, inappropriate testing conditions, and poor documentation.
How Does this Benefit Your Lab?
ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation helps you minimize risk by ensuring that you choose a technically competent lab with a sound quality system in place. This also allows you to avoid expensive retesting. It enhances your confidence in the service by assuring that it has been thoroughly evaluated by an independent, competent testing or calibration laboratory that a third party has assessed.
Working With an Accredited Lab
Think of calibration as regular maintenance. It requires a solid maintenance program, keeping the instruments calibrated, certificates of calibration, and detailed records. However, in doing so, you will avoid costly downtime and disruptions to your laboratory’s work schedule.
When choosing to have an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory calibrate your equipment, you can rest assured. We will take care of your equipment at SRP control systems and do the job to meet your lab’s needs. There will be no surprises, and your instruments and equipment will be accurate and compliant.
