Ashbrooke QA Ltd.
78038 - 3295 Coast Meridian
Port Coquitlam, B.C.
Canada V3B 7H5
Phone 604 - 552 - 0496
Fax 604 - 552 - 0497
Email ashbrooke@ashbrooke.com
What is ISO / IEC 17025?
The ISO / IEC 17025:2005 Standard addresses the aspects of the testing and calibration laboratory activities from general laboratory management and operations to specific testing and calibration development, validation and maintenance of competence of methods.
Who is it for?
Any laboratory that wishes to:
- Demonstrate technical competence in their testing and calibration results
- Accredit specific testing and calibration methods with the view to achieving appropriate industry, national and international recognitions
- Regulatory requirements, when and as required
Does it connect directly with ISO 9001:2000?
Recently, a Joint ISO-ILAC-IAF Communiqué on this subject was issued. Please click here to read the entire communiqué. The essential components are:
-
Fulfilment of the requirements of ISO / IEC 17025 means meeting both technical competence requirements and management system requirements
-
Management system requirements in ISO / IEC 17025 (Section 4) are written such to meet the principles of ISO 9001:2000
The main forces behind ISO / IEC 17025:2005 have been centred around eight technical principles ... science focused. These principles are:
Capacity
Exercise of Responsibility
Scientific Method
Objectivity of Results
Impartiality of Conduct
Traceability of Measurement
Repeatability of Test
Transparency of Process
Whereas, ISO 9001:2008 applies the following eight quality management principles in its formation:
Customer focus
Leadership
Involvement of people
Process approach
System approach to management
Continual improvement
Factual approach to decision making
Mutually beneficial supplier relationships
ISO / IEC 17025:2005 shares common principles with ISO 9001:2008 and most laboratories with ISO 9001 certification will find it serves as an excellent basis for ISO / IEC 17025:2005 accreditation of its methods. Please note that ISO 9001:2000 certification DOES NOT indicate or demonstrate technical competence of testing or calibration results ... certification and accreditation are two completely differing activities with two completely differing objectives!
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) participate together in a joint committees known as the Conformity Assessment Committee of the ISO (CASCO). It is this joint committee which is responsible for the ISO / IEC 17025 Standard and other conformity assessment standards.
For more detailed information, contact us by e-mail or call the Vancouver, B.C., Canada office at: (604) 552-0496.
[ Internal QMS (with ISO / IEC 17025:2005) Auditor ] [ ISO / IEC 17025:2005 Foundation ] [ Other Services ] [ Other Training Courses ] [ Contact Us ]
This page was last updated: November 29, 2008