A testing laboratory is well advised not to issue official certificates on the quality of workpieces or materials until it has been certified in accordance with DIN ISO\/IEC 17025.<\/p>\n
This standard specifies the following parameters, among others, according to which a test laboratory must work:<\/p>\n
The use of certified test devices with factory calibration on delivery is a basic prerequisite for the reliable determination of valid measurement results using various measurement methods, such as:<\/p>\n
In order to keep these devices operational, they must be checked for measurement accuracy using test procedures.<\/p>\n
Annual calibration intervals \/ DAkkS calibrations<\/a> by an accredited test center are common.<\/p>\n In the meantime, the laboratory can also repeatedly calibrate its testing equipment itself and maintain the measurement quality. As a rule, only trained materials testers\/measurement<\/a> technicians are permitted to operate the test equipment. <\/p>\n They must operate the devices in accordance with standards in order to prevent incorrect measurements and damage to the measuring machines in our measuring device fleet<\/a>. Depending on the test procedure, this may require not only basic training but also continuous further training for the test personnel. <\/p>\n The ambient conditions for test devices have a considerable influence on their measurement quality. Dust exposure, temperature fluctuations, vibrations or high humidity can affect the quality of the measurement results. <\/p>\n The standard therefore also provides clear instructions for the installation location of the test devices. The standard places a particular focus on the documentation of the test results. <\/p>\n Sustainable documentation, including incorrect measurements or deviating test results, contributes significantly to building trust in the materials laboratory.<\/p>\n The standard is based on ISO 9001, the general standard for quality management. There are many parallels between the two standards, particularly in the area of documentation. <\/p>\n Like any standard, DIN ISO\/IEC 17025 is only a recommendation for action and not a legal obligation. However, certification in accordance with this standard creates a good basis of trust for carrying out measurement series on behalf of customers. <\/p>\n The acceptance of a DIN ISO\/IEC 17025 certified laboratory is significantly higher than that of a testing laboratory that does not have this qualification.<\/p>\n If a testing laboratory wishes to be accredited in accordance with DIN ISO\/IEC 17025, an audit is first carried out with the accreditation body (DAkkS). This audit determines which conditions the testing laboratory must fulfill in order to receive accreditation<\/a>. <\/p>\n This information can only be partially researched in advance using publicly accessible information sources. A large part of the requirements for accreditation only emerge during the on-site visit by the accreditation body. <\/p>\n In addition to testing the existing devices for suitability, the environmental conditions in particular are crucial for successful certification.<\/p>\nRelevance of DIN ISO\/IEC 17025<\/h2>\n
Accreditation according to DIN ISO\/IEC 17025<\/h2>\n