A new version of ISO 17025, relating to competence requirements for testing and calibration laboratories, was published at the end of 2017. In addition to having actively participated in the evolution of this standard, LNE provides industry with its expertise in the field.
LNE, the 17025 standard expert
In 2015, a revision of ISO/CEI 17025 was launched within an international ISO standardization group (ISO/CASCO/WG44). As a recognized expert in standardization, LNE has been heavily involved in this work since the revision was launched. For several years now, LNE has been making its expertise available to standardization working groups to guarantee the traceability of measurements defined in standards and the validation of associated measurement methods.
LNE's participation in international standardization meetings has enabled us to put forward the needs of French laboratories, formulate proposals and influence decisions so that these positions are taken into account by the 70 voting experts on the ISO working group. Thanks to its close involvement in international standardization work, LNE now has a very good knowledge of developments in the new standard and, beyond the text, of the drafters' intentions.
Today, LNE puts all its skills at the service of its customers to provide them with the best possible support. LNE experts continue to put all their 17025 know-how at the service of testing and calibration laboratories, offering training and technical support.
Thomas Grenon, General Manager of LNE: "Through this strong involvement, LNE demonstrates its major commitment to standardization, with nearly a hundred technical experts mobilized in standardization committees at French, European and international level. With its strong position in standardization, LNE is also involved in standards-related research projects, the aim of which is to transfer research results into standardization."
ISO/CEI 17025 is an international standard which defines the competence requirements for testing and calibration laboratories, including not only organizational requirements, but also the technical aptitude of the laboratory (personnel, facilities, testing and calibration methods, method validation, traceability of measurements, sampling, etc.). Laboratories use this standard to develop a quality management system and organize their technical activities to produce valid results.
Changes to the standard
After 3 years of work, the new version of the ISO/CEI 17025 standard applicable to all testing and calibration analysis laboratories (with the exception of medical biology laboratories) was published at the end of 2017.
The new version of the standard is designed to improve the quality of service provided by laboratories to their customers and clients, and to ensure that their needs are taken into account. To this end, the new version of ISO 17025 introduces, in particular, the process approach and the consideration of risks and opportunities. It also clarifies the relationship between the customer and the laboratory, by requiring, for example, the early definition of conformity decision rules and the inclusion of measurement uncertainty.
Learn more: www.lne.fr