Accreditation of small laboratories

Abstract

This paper presents the result of an investigation concerning which areas of EN 45001 are considered as especially problematic by small laboratories ( 10 employees) laboratories were used. The determination of measurement uncertainties within reasonable efforts and the requirements to take part in round robin and proficiency testing were considered problematic by laboratories of all sizes. Training is an area where small laboratories have specific problems and so are the requirements for the identification of all equipment. Other problematic areas for small laboratories are areas were there are needs for personnel, e.g. appointing supervising personnel and expenditure for internal audits. The last area to be considered as problematic is matters concerning documentation. Finally some advice concerning assessment of small laboratories is given.