TL;DR
ISO/IEC 17025 is an internationally recognised standard for testing laboratories. Laboratories are accredited through audits (via UKAS in the UK) to ensure quality & accuracy of laboratory testing, supported by a Quality Management Systems (QMS) for effective record keeping.
What is ISO17025?
ISO/IEC 17025 is an international standard for testing and calibration laboratories. Accreditation bodies establish a standardised framework for laboratory accreditation, ensuring that laboratories meet international quality management criteria.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) collaborates with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to create guidelines such as ISO/IEC 17025.
Laboratories are accredited through audits via the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS is the accreditation body for the UK) to ensure quality & accuracy of laboratory testing, supported by a Quality Management Systems (QMS) for effective record keeping.
What does that mean for Sigma-HSE?
Through yearly audits, Sigma-HSE will demonstrate its adherence to international standards & guidance for each of our accredited methods.
Our Accredited methods are as follows:
BS EN ISO IEC 80079-20-2
BS EN ISO IEC 80079-20-2 / BS EN 50281-2-1
BS EN ISO IEC 80079-20-2 / BS EN 50281-2-1
BS EN ISO IEC 80079-20-2
BS EN 14034 parts 1 & 2
BS EN 14034 part 4
BS EN 14034 part 3
An ISO 17025 accredited laboratory’s quality management system (QMS) will adhere to strict guidelines on how we test client samples, record results & maintain/calibrate equipment.
Consistent operation is essential for ensuring the competence and impartiality of the laboratory, which enhances the accuracy and reliability of our testing and calibration results.
Every aspect of our lab work will have relevant guidance to ensure high quality work, with regular updates to keep the advice modern. Additionally, Sigma-HSE takes part in proficiency testing, which uses mystery samples to confirm that we can produce the correct result. Proficiency testing is crucial in maintaining effective management systems and technical competence, ensuring the quality and validity of our test results.
ISO 17025 is not only an excellent demonstration of an organisation’s commitment to continuous improvement, but it also demonstrates that the staff handling your materials are deemed technically competent.
The management system requirements outlined in ISO/IEC 17025:2017 include specific obligations related to documentation, risk management, and internal audits to ensure compliance with the overall quality management system.
What does that mean for your results?
When you work with Sigma-HSE you have extra confidence in the accuracy of your data and that we can consistently reproduce your testing results.
Our ISO 17025 laboratory accreditation highlights that your results will satisfy the regulatory authorities, be legally defensible, and able to keep your process safe. This accreditation ensures that we can produce valid testing and calibration results through rigorous produce testing.
Incidents such as fires and explosions can be devastating for people and companies alike, and avoiding explosible atmospheres with accurate data is always the correct path forward.
This confidence doesn’t just apply to our accredited methods, as Sigma-HSE uses the same robust QMS and procedures for all of our testing and calibration results. Our technical competence is essential for maintaining the trust of clients and regulatory authorities.
