ISO 17025:2017 Standard covers the General Requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. It is based upon ISO 9001, but designed for the special needs of testing laboratories. ISO 17025 addresses the proficiency of an organization to perform the testing and calibration activities. It provides a framework for quality specifically for organizations that want to control their laboratory processes and are seeking to achieve third party accreditation. ISO 17025 covers all areas of laboratory management, including such items as sample preparation, analytical testing proficiency, record keeping, reports accommodation and environmental conditions, document control and corrective/preventive action.
It is essential for an organization to understand its performance against its requirements; and whenever possible, to identify opportunities for improvement. To achieve these objectives, an organization must set out to conduct internal audits of itself. Internal audits are required in ISO 9001:2000 through the clause 8.2.2 and ISO 17025:2017 - clause 4.14. The intent of this process is to ensure the organization’s knowledge of itself and how it is performing to its requirements.
This process is charged to the Internal Auditor, whether developed from within or hired from outside. Success in the auditing process is characterized by reliance on a number of principles. These principles make the audit experience an efficient and reliable tool in support of management policies and controls, and in providing information on which an organization can act to improve its performance.
This course is designed to increase participants understanding of auditing techniques against the ISO 17025:2017 requirements. Using interactive laboratory based workshops, simulated audits, tutorials and case studies, participants will develop practical audit skills, improve evaluation and communication and effective reporting skills and learn how to implement corrective action programmes. This course will give you an understanding of the steps of an audit, from preparation to follow-up. You will get your feet wet in practical workshops on human interrelations in internal audits. You will have the opportunity to share with experienced auditors and with other participants. You will present your results during a live meeting with the management of audited sectors. The supplemental workshops will help you further understand the steps of an audit, from preparation to follow-up of corrective actions.