This course has been developed with the objective of promoting confidence in the operation of laboratories. It contains requirements for laboratories to enable them to demonstrate they operate competently and are able to generate valid results. Laboratories that conform to this course will also operate generally in accordance with the principles of ISO 9001.
This course requires the laboratory to plan and implement actions to address risks and opportunities. Addressing both risks and opportunities establishes a basis for increasing the effectiveness of the management system, achieving improved results and preventing negative effects.
Further, this course specifies the general requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of laboratories. It is applicable to all organizations performing laboratory activities, regardless of the number of personnel.
This course will also discuss the scope, normative references, terms and definition and structural requirements of ISO 17025:2017; the gap between 2005 and 2017 standards; the general requirements pertaining to impartiality and confidentiality; the resource requirements comprising of personnel, facilities & environmental conditions, equipment, metrological traceability and externally provided products and services; reviewing the requests, tenders and contracts; selecting, verifying and validating methods; and proper sampling and handling of test or calibration items.
During this interactive course, participants will learn the technical records, evaluating measurement uncertainty and ensuring the validity of results; reporting results and identifying the common requirements for reports, specific requirements for calibration certificates and report sampling; reporting the statements for conformity, opinions and interpretation and amending reports; analyzing complaints, nonconforming work and control of data and information management; managing system requirements; applying management system documentation, control of management system documents, control of records and actions to address risks and opportunities; and applying the improvement, corrective actions, internal audits and management reviews.