ISO 17025 standard, accreditation of testing and calibration laboratories
Accredit your laboratory, or tests or controls according to ISO 17025 and demonstrate compliance with the standard of application of your testing and technical competence.
What is the ISO 17025 standard?
The UNE-EN ISO/IEC 17025 is a management system for testing and calibration laboratories, fully integrated with the ISO 9001 quality management system. The UNE-EN ISO/IEC 17025 standard must ensure the reliability and improvement of the quality of the work, as well as the technical competence of the analyses performed in testing and calibration laboratories.
By implementing the management system based on the UNE-EN ISO/IEC 17025 standard, the laboratory demonstrates good accuracy in its calibrations and tests, as well as the improvement of the quality of the work performed. This leads to greater confidence in the laboratory’s performance and thus access to more customers. In addition to increasing productivity and being able to reduce costs by reducing the repetition of tests and calibrations.
The final step once the UNE-EN ISO/IEC 17025 management system has been implemented is the accreditation of the test(s) by the Accreditation Body. In the case of Spain, it is ENAC, the National Accreditation Body, which controls the Accreditation operation based on EC Regulation 765/2008.
Accreditation provides a framework of security and reference to the single laboratory, even allowing the accreditation to be referenced at a legal level in order to demonstrate that due diligence has been carried out.
Who is ISO 17025 aimed at?
ISO 17025 is aimed at testing and calibration laboratories of all types, regardless of their size or geographical location. These laboratories can be either internal, belonging to an organization, or external, providing services to external customers.
Within this standard, a wide variety of disciplines are covered, including physical, chemical, microbiological, environmental, electromagnetic compatibility testing, sensory testing, calibration according to the types of quantities to be calibrated: hardness, dimensional, acoustic, pressure, mass, temperature, and many other areas of expertise.
What is the difference between accrediting and certifying my laboratory with ISO 17025?
When it comes to ISO 17025, it is important to understand the difference between accreditation and certification of a laboratory. Both processes are related to the evaluation of the competence and quality of a laboratory under this specific standard.
Accreditation of a laboratory to ISO 17025 involves a thorough and rigorous assessment by a recognized accreditation body. This assessment focuses on the technical competence of the laboratory to perform specific tests or calibrations. The accreditation body verifies that the laboratory meets all the technical and management requirements set out in the standard, including personnel competence, method validation, traceability of measurements and quality control. Accreditation provides official recognition and confidence in the technical competence of the laboratory.
On the other hand, certification of a laboratory under ISO 17025 refers to the evaluation of the laboratory’s quality management system. This certification is performed by an external and independent certification body. The certification body verifies that the laboratory has implemented and maintains an effective quality management system that meets the requirements of ISO 17025. This includes aspects such as quality management system documentation, risk management, internal audits and continual improvement. Certification demonstrates that the laboratory has a sound and reliable quality management system in place.
In summary, accreditation under ISO 17025 focuses on the assessment of the laboratory’s technical competence, while certification focuses on the assessment of the laboratory’s quality management system. Both processes are important to ensure quality and confidence in the results of the tests and calibrations performed by the laboratory.
I would like to accredit and certify my laboratory according to ISO 17025, where do I start?
ARIOL CONSULTING helps you to obtain ISO 17025 certification.
If you are looking to obtain ISO 17025 certification for your laboratory, at ARIOL CONSULTING we are here to help you every step of the way.
We have a team of expert consultants in quality management systems and extensive experience in the field of ISO 17025. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support to achieve a successful implementation and obtain the desired certification.
Our customized approach begins with a thorough assessment of your laboratory, analyzing the key aspects that must meet the requirements of ISO 17025. We will work hand in hand with you to identify existing gaps and develop a customized action plan to close them.
We will guide you in the design and implementation of a robust quality management system tailored to the specific needs of your laboratory. From documentation of procedures and policies to staff training, we will provide you with the tools you need to establish a robust and reliable quality environment.
In addition, we will assist you in preparing the documentation required for external evaluation. Our consultants will help you review and prepare all necessary records, ensuring that they comply with ISO 17025 standards and are ready for assessment.
Throughout the process, we will provide you with ongoing guidance and support, answering your questions and providing you with practical solutions. Our goal is to make the road to ISO 17025 certification as smooth as possible, minimizing any obstacles you may encounter along the way.
At ARIOL CONSULTING, we understand the importance of ISO 17025 certification for your laboratory. Not only will it allow you to meet international quality standards, but it will also give you a competitive advantage by demonstrating your technical competence and ability to deliver reliable results to your customers.
Don’t wait any longer to get the ISO 17025 certification your laboratory deserves. Contact us today and let us be your reliable partner on your path to excellence and quality.
The UNE-EN ISO/IEC 17025 standard is applicable to all testing and calibration laboratories, regardless of the number of employees or the activity performed by the company.
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With the purpose of identifying improvements, we perform impartial and independent audits that also provide value to organizations and confidence to their customers, shareholders, employees and their social environment.
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