Conformity Assessment Of Products Research Articles

Risk Assessment for Linear Regression Models in Metrology

The conformity assessment of products or a measured value with the given standards is carried out based on the global risk of producers and consumers’ calculations. A product may conform to specifications but be falsely rejected as non-conforming. This is about the producer’s risk. If a product does not meet the requirements but is falsely accepted as conforming, that poses a risk to the consumer. The conventional approach to risk assessment, which yields only a single numerical value for the global risk of producers and consumers, is naturally extended and utilized for assessing risk in measurement models with linear regression. The outcomes of the two-dimensional extension, along a moderate scale, are the parabolas with upwards openings. Risk surfaces were obtained through three-dimensional extension over the area limited by the moderate scale and guard band axes. Four models with different ranges of tolerance intervals were used to test this innovative method of risk assessment in linear regression. The corresponding standard measurement uncertainties were determined by applying a simplified measurement model with the use of comprehensive data on the measurement performance and by determining measurement uncertainty derived from consideration of the functional relationship obtained by linear regression analysis. Models that utilize information from linear regression analysis to determine measurement uncertainty are biased towards risks at the edges of the moderate scale. Testing the model’s performances with metrics related to the confusion matrix, such as the F1 score, further substantiated this assertion. The diagnostic odds ratio has been proven to be extremely effective in identifying the curve along the guard band axis, along which the global risks of producers and consumers are at their lowest.

ІНТЕГРАЦІЙНИЙ ПОТЕНЦІАЛ ПРОМИСЛОВОГО КОМПЛЕКСУ УКРАЇНИ

The objective of the study is to justify the need to unlock the integration potential of the industrial complex of Ukraine in the context of the implementation of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union. The industry of Ukraine is in a state of crisis. Since its independence the country has neither elaborated, nor implemented the necessary industrial strategy on the national level with the goal of intensifying capital investment in the diversification of production and promoting high-tech exports. During the transformation period a long-term trend of deindustrialization of the national economy has been observed in Ukraine, caused by the degradation of its industrial complex, as a result of which the state fell into the group of Third World countries and, finding itself in a raw material trap, secured for itself the role of a supplier of low-value-added goods. The experience of the post-war recovery of successful countries of the world (e.g. Germany, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, China) demonstrated that one of the main factors of economic growth is the timely introduction of an effective state industrial policy, where a key role is played by the export-oriented processing industry. In the conditions of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, when at the global level more than 80 countries, which account for 90% of the world GDP, are increasing attention to the improvement of state industrial strategies and state industrial policies, in which they recognize the growing need for state intervention and support of industries that are critical for the national economy, Ukraine must confront the problem of increasing the effectiveness of state regulation of industrial development in order to fulfill its integration potential. A long-term strategy for the development of industry in the form of a normative document with a focus on structural development, activation of the domestic market with stable domestic demand will contribute to reducing dependence on exports and will have a positive impact on the national economy, providing jobs for citizens, additional taxes to the budget, creating added value within the country. In such a strategy, fundamental and sectoral science should occupy a prominent place for the development of Industry 4.0 technologies, which will contribute to both the formation of the national value-added chains and balanced exports thanks to the revival of export-oriented processing industry. The analysis of experts’ research results allowed to come to the conclusion that Ukraine should focus on a wide variety of instruments, e.g. war risk insurance; access to “long and cheap” money; significant simplification of connection to networks; incentives to create recycling, such as offsetting a share of capital investment through taxes or industrial parks; stimulation of domestic demand for local goods through public procurement or through government programs; stimulating the export of finished products through the Export Credit Agency, trade diplomacy, exhibition activities, etc.; modification of the tariff and customs policy to reduce the price of import of raw materials, components and some types of equipment for production with a simultaneous restriction on the export of raw materials. At the same time the share of the processing industry in the structure of the GDP of Ukraine in 2021 was about 10%, which is a critically small indicator, while in neighboring countries, like Poland, Slovakia, Turkey, this indicator is twice as high - about 20%. It should be noted that the share of the processing industry in the structure of GDP is correlated with the level of poverty in the country. Ukraine’s GDP per capita at purchasing power parity is about 14000 USD, while in the neighboring countries, this indicator is about 35000 USD, and they have achieved this level of industrial development precisely as the result of using the stimulating tools: industrial parks, development banks, export credit agencies, institutional incentives for the processing industry. One more key tool for the promotion of Ukrainian exports of more complex technological products is the conclusion of the Agreement on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of Industrial Products (АААА, "industrial visa-free"), which provides for mutual recognition of product conformity assessment between the EU and Ukraine.

The Position of the Polish Centre for Accreditation in the Political System and Its Impact on the Performance Efficiency of Public Tasks in the Field of Accreditation

This paper examines the position of the Polish Centre for Accreditation within the structure of Polish public administration. On the presumption that the PCA is a specialised administrative entity of a legal nature similar to one of an agency, which performs state tasks by accrediting notified bodies within the product conformity assessment scheme, the article assesses the influence of the Centre’s tasks and its position within the political system on the efficiency and quality of public functions it fulfils in the area of accreditation. The study demonstrates that the current structure and position of the Centre in the political system substantially facilitates the efficient implementation of state tasks in respect of accreditation. The research method employed herein in order to achieve the adopted research assumptions is the dogmatic and legal method.

Objectives and principles in the new rules for mandatory conformity assessment of products

The article presents an analysis of the new rules for conformity assessment of products. As a result of the analysis, it was found that the directions of international cooperation are confirmed in the objectives and principles of conformity assessment, which corresponds to the national interests of the country. This is enshrined in the new Food Security Doctrine, which is aimed at the export of goods.

Strength and life estimation for assigning the useful life of wheelpairs of high-speed flat wagons

Aim. The most vital unit of railway rolling stock is a wheelpair, as a broken wheel or axle may have catastrophic consequences. Therefore, before the production of a highspeed flat wagon designed for operation at speeds of up to 140 km/h, which is unique for the 1520 mm gauge space, could commence, it was required to research the applicability of the standard wheelpair for high-speed movement. Ensuring the safe operation of a wheelpair involves compliance with the requirements that are to be confirmed by means of assessment of strength and durability parameters [1]. Product conformity assessment may be based on the requirements of standards, whose voluntary fulfilment ensures compliance with [1], or other documents. Methods. The paper describes the computational and experimental methods used for confirming the strength and estimating the life (durability) of wheelpair elements in the probabilistic setting. As experimental data, the authors used the results of full-scale bench testing of wheelpairs for fatigue using the method of rotational bending as it best approximates the loading conditions in operation. The results confirmed the endurance limits of the axle and wheel as parts of an assembled wheelpair. Using design analysis, the authors examined the stress-strain state of the wheelpair caused by installation and operational loads in various running modes. Results. The conducted studies confirmed the wheelpair’s compliance with the requirements of [1–3] in terms of safety factors of fatigue strength and endurance, which eliminates the possibility of hazardous situations in the course of high-speed flat wagon operation. The time to fatigue crack nucleation in wheelpair components was evaluated using the fatigue resistance figures of the parts and equivalent amplitudes of dynamic stress caused by operational loads. It appears that this assessment allows establishing – with the assumed probability of destruction – the assigned useful life of a wheelpair axle at 32 years, which corresponds to the assigned useful life of the flat wagon according to the combined criterion. Corresponding standards and regulations required for developing the container-carrying flat wagon are being updated and a new State Standard is being developed. Conclusion. The conducted conformity assessment established that the flat wagon wheelpair meets the safety requirements of [1] and ensures the absence of unacceptable risks associated with harm to life and health of people, animals and plants, the environment and property of individuals and companies in the course of flat wagon operation.

Требования к аккредитации (аттестации) лабораторий НК, действующих в атомной энергетике

In the nuclear power industry, there are various requirements for NDT laboratories depending on the type of work performed. The article reviews the following types of appraisal: 1) laboratory appraisal at the head materials science organization; 2) appraisal of NDT laboratories during the construction of nuclear power plants; 3) evaluation of the measurement condition in testing laboratories; accreditation of testing laboratories for product conformity assessment. 
 The study concludes that presence of various requirements for NDT laboratories in the nuclear power industry introduces a certain ambiguity in obtaining the needed certificates

Product performance - a review of construction product conformity assessment

ABSTRACT There is a need to improve the Australian conformance practice for construction products. This paper presents an overview of the current operating environment of Australia and discusses the different ways in which a product may not be fit for its intended use. Issues discussed in this paper include methods for identifying problematic products, multi-level conformity assessment system and how to make the Australian system perform better. Various institutions have made independent proposals to improve different aspects of the system. These efforts will be much more effective if coordinated into a national system.

REQUIREMENTS FOR TESTING EQUIPMENT, TESTING METHODOLOGY AND METROLOGICAL TRACEABILITY: REGULATORY AND NORMATIVE SUPPORT

In order to obtain reliable measurement results during the conformity assessment of products in the testing laboratory, it is important to provide metrological confirmation of the used measuring equipment. When performing measurements according to the appropriate methodology, it is important to comply clearly with the requirements for measuring equipment, conditions, sequence of measurement operations, the qualifications of specialists. Research article considers the general requirements for testing equipment and measurement methodology in accordance with the national standard DSTU ISO / IEC 17025: 2017.Several requirements to the equipment and methodology of confirming their suitability by calibration and verification are analyzed. For accredited laboratories the calibration of measuring equipment, that affects the reliability of obtained results, is mandatory; testing equipment that does not perform measuring functions, must be checked for the compliance with the technical characteristics set out in the testing methods. The requirements for measurement methodology and methods of their suitability confirming through verification and validation are analyzed. The main risks of testing laboratories in the performance of measurements have been identified.

Full Issue Download Vol. 13 No. 1 2021 The Importance of the Measurement Infrastructure in Economic Recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic Richard J. C. Brown , Fiona Auty, Eugenio Renedo, Mike King NCSLI Measure | Vol. 13 No. 1 (2021) | doi.org/10.51843/measure.13.1.1 Publisher NCSL International | Published February 2021 | Pages 18-21 Abstract: This paper describes the many, evidenced-based benefits

Facilitating the uptake of established methodologies for risk-based decision-making in product conformity assessment taking into account measurement uncertainty by providing dedicated software is the aim of the European project EMPIR CASoft(2018–2020), involving the National Measurement Institutes from France, Sweden and the UK, and industrial partner Trescal (FR) as primary supporter. The freely available software helps end-users perform the required risk calculations in accordance with current practice and regulations and extends that current practice to include bivariate cases. The software is also aimed at supporting testing and calibration laboratories in the application of the latest version of the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard, which requires that“…the laboratory shall document the decision rule employed, taking into account the level of risk […] associated with the decision rule and apply the decision rule.” Initial experiences following launch of the new software in Spring 2020 are reported.

МЕТОДИ, ПРОЦЕДУРИ, ПОРЯДОК І ПРАВИЛА ПРОВЕДЕННЯ СЕРТИФІКАЦІЇ У СИСТЕМІ СЕРТИФІКАЦІЇ ПРОДУКЦІЇ ВАГОНОБУДУВАННЯ

After adoption of the Law of Ukraine On Technical Regulations and Conformity Assessment, and, in connection with the transition from mandatory certification in the state system to the sphere of technical regulation, the bodies that carry out activities on product certification were facing the need to create their own certification systems. On the one hand, this is a necessity step, and on the other, it is the acquisition of some freedoms in the choice of the methodology for carrying out certification work; the possibility of improving activities; promoting the development of promising areas within the scope of accreditation; enhanced functionality. In this case, the above-mentioned positive aspects of creating the own certification system, which, by the way, may differ from other systems, provide conditions for the certification body to be very responsible for the decisions made on the conformity of certified products. The purpose of this article is to provide information on methodological approaches to the creation, development and improvement of the Certification System for railcar building products. In general, the creation of a certification system for railcar-building products took place during the period of formation of the UkrSEPRO certification system. But during this period in Ukraine national standards of the 3400 series were put into effect, in which the basic principles, rules, requirements and structure of the UkrSEPRO certification system were specified. The modern approach to product conformity assessment, introduced in the field of technical regulation, did not destroy certification at all, as incompetent representatives of the mass media imagine it, but endowed it with a different status and place in the conformity assessment system. Furthermore, according to the Law of Ukraine “On Technical Regulations and Conformity Assessment”, the term "certification" is interpreted as "confirmation of conformity by a third party in relation to products, processes, services, systems or personnel." At the same time, in accordance with this law, the term “conformity assessment system” is defined as “rules, procedures and management for carrying out conformity assessment”. Key words: certification system, technical regulations, conformity assessment, certification body, principles, rules, certification procedure.

Корпоративная система аккредитации ПАО «Газпром» как инструмент обеспечения единства измерений организации

The relevance of the research is predetermined by factors as the strengthening of the role of chemical analytical (testing) laboratories of gas transmission companies in the implementation of Gazprom’s PJSC strategy in the field of reliable and trouble-free transportation of natural gas and the need of testing laboratories to constantly confirm their impartiality and ability to carry out production tasks at a competent level. Protection of the interests of the consumer and the rights of the supplier is ensured by the accuracy of determining the quantity and quality indicators of the supplied products established in technical regulations, standards and by minimizing risks to life, human health and the environment on the basis of reliable measurements. The issue of the quality of measurement results is acute today. Depending on the direction of measurement processes and applications of the measurement results the shape of laboratories attestation has different requirements. All types of measurements carried out in an organization should be subject to mandatory or voluntary accreditation. Ensuring the competence of chemical analytical laboratories at Gazprom PJSC subsidiaries and companies of in the field of product conformity assessment is facilitated by the corporate accreditation system operating in accordance with Company Standard STO Gazprom 5.8-2020. Uniform requirements adapted to the industry specifics of activities and sufficient for reliable measurement results, encourage subsidiaries to become participants in the updated accreditation system. Gazprom Transgaz Kazan LLC acts as the research base. The object of the study is to ensure the uniformity of measurements through compliance with the accreditation criteria, the subject is the accreditation of a testing laboratory in the corporate system. The article considers the procedure and activities carried out by the testing laboratory during accreditation

New Approach to a Modeling Actions of New Dietary Meals Creation

Abstract Objectives Objective of the research is to provide a reasonable model of new meals designing for hospitals food departments. Methods On summarizing the information presented in a wide spectrum of special scientific literature, after assessing it from the perspective of practical adaptability, the original model for new dietary meals designing was presented. The model was tested in the two biggest clinical hospitals of Lithuania, then a patient survey was conducted and appropriate decisions were made. Results The model consists of the following key components: research and assessment of the patients’ needs (customs, traditions or hobbies), processing survey results (generalization of them in order to identify unified and general trends for the different groups of population and health disorders), selection and adaptation of appropriate resources according to the nature of the patients disease (according requirements of the dietary nutrition), choice of suitable processing procedures correspondingly a sufferings of the patients, calculation of the portion size (amounts of an ingredients), planning of the quality (decoration, components arrangement, equipment selection), technology description and approval by head of the department. The model was tested in Kaunas clinical hospital. Patients aged 60–70 in the pulmonology department were interviewed about nutrition. Patients had to assess quality in 10 points system. Freshness of the salads was only 7,45, although freshness was checked very carefully. By the model we found, crispness of any food always adds to the impression of freshness. So salads (beets, carrots, parsnips, celery, etc.) were supplemented with dried vegetable ingredient after conformity assessment of products’ energy value. Patients evaluated the new created meal very positively. Conclusions Use of the model reduces the failure chance and affect the decisions of new dietary meals creation. Application of the suggested model will allow food production departments in hospitals to be consistent in new dietary meals creation and increase the likelihood of their patients’ success of recovery. Funding Sources Any funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, and in the decision to publish the results.

Ochrona interesów jednostki notyfikowanej w systemie oceny zgodności z zasadniczymi wymaganiami w prawodawstwie polskim i unijnym – wybrane zagadnienia administracyjnoprawne

The category of a notified body is inherently connected with the system of product conformity assessment. Evaluation of a product compliance with essential requirements constituting the European quality assurance mechanism for non-food products placed on the EU single market for goods is aimed at consumers’ health and safety protection. Moreover, it is to ensure a free movement of products. Notified bodies conduct conformity certification against the relevant requirements of the applicable technical harmonisation directive, hence their crucial role in the conformity assessment system. Notified body accreditation requires organisations to obtain a relevant administrative decision, under consideration of the requirements of Community law. The article presents the authorisation process for the provision of conformity assessment services, as well as the legal instruments which safeguard the rights of bodies applying for the appointment.

Wielopostaciowość zadań (form działania) administracji publicznej w gospodarce na przykładzie administracji miar. Wybrane zagadnienia

The article presents selected issues of the multiformity of tasks performed by the public administration based on the example of the administration of measures in the context of diversification of legal forms of activities in the public administration according to two criteria: functions performed by the administration of measures in the economy and the authoritative and non-authoritative forms of activities. The first part of the paper presents the legal forms of activities in the administration of measures according to the following functions: economic police, reglamentation, economic supervision, economic management, planning and support of the economy. Moreover, selected public tasks within the above functions are analyzed. The second part of the article provides an analysis of new tasks of the administration of measures in relation to the privatization of public tasks referring to the field of conformity assessment of products in terms of authoritative and nonauthoritative forms of activities, which are subject to evolution as a result of the economic development and the europeanisation of metrological regulations.

FEATURES OF ASSESSMENT FORMS AND CONFIRMATION OF COMPLIANCE OF MEASURING EQUIPMENT IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

The role of metrology in the system of technical regulation and the scope of the federal law «On ensuring the uniformity of measurements» No. 102-FL in the forms of product conformity assessment forms, forms for confirming the compliance of measuring instruments with mandatory requirements and requirements performed on a voluntary basis are considered. The role of metrology is shown in the most important element of the technical regulation system – conformity assessment, due to the fact that in all its forms, proof of compliance with requirements is provided by objective methods, i.e. with the use of measuring instruments. At the same time, the measuring technique is a specific product, to which, besides technical, and in some cases first of all, metrological requirements are met, i.e. requirements for metrological characteristics of measuring instruments. The problems of unambiguous understanding and application of assessment forms and confirmation of compliance of measuring instruments with metrological and technical requirements, such as: verification, validation, calibration, introduced by international and national regulatory documents are discussed.

MODERNIZATION OF THE TEST METHOD FOR NON-SPARKING MATERIALS INTENDED FOR USE IN EXPLOSIVE AREAS

For assessing the intrinsic safety to mechanical sparks, two dedicated methods are implemented in testing laboratories and further used for the conformity assessment of products with regard to explosive atmospheres ignition, namely: impact test and friction test. The purpose of the article is to present the results obtained by using the first method mentioned, results which shall be applied in further research for comparison with the ones resulting from the friction test. The article presents the process for developing the research facilities used for testing activities in the field of non-electrical equipment intended to be applied in potentially explosive atmospheres. Also, the paper highlights important aspects on non-sparking tools used to carry out the specific maintenance works within technical installations located in hazardous Ex areas, in compliance with the European workplace safety and health principles and practices. Theoretical and practical studies, laboratory research, assessment methods and tests for determining the ignition hazard by mechanical sparks generated by non-electrical equipment are developed in order to improve the performance of the actual testing system for the assessment and testing of non-electrical equipment intended for use in atmospheres with explosion hazard. The development of the test method for non-sparking materials and the test setup ensures the optimal performance of the tests required for carrying out the conformity assessment process for equipment and non-sparking tools intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, taking into consideration the provisions of international regulations in force.

Contemporary Issues of Quality Management: Relationship between Conformity Assessment and Quality Management

Conformity assessment is associated with quality and it can be used to assess the quality if explicit requirements for product quality exist. The aim of the paper is to analyse and evaluate relationship between conformity assessment and quality management. Research is done by studying and evaluating each component of the quality management, meanwhile identifying the actions to be taken in each of them. After evaluating the elements of quality management, the activities carried out within its framework and comparing them with the product conformity assessment activities, it is proved that conformity assessment is closely related to quality management, ensuring that compliant and reliable products are placed on the market, delivered for use and used.

Primary standards and instrument calibration: A national laboratory perspective

In every advanced industrial nation, urgent needs for accurate, impartial measurement capabilities without unnecessary duplication of laboratories have led to the establishment of a national primary metrology and standards laboratory. These laboratories conduct international comparisons of calibrations and measurements intended to demonstrate sufficiently close agreement, or to reveal and to resolve unexpected discrepancies, among results from different nations. Such comparisons must precede, accompany, and continually sustain agreements regarding legal metrology and product conformity assessment, which are essential to the fair and successful conduct of international trade. These laboratories also provide scientific and technical support to the development of international standards, as well as the domestic standards of their respective individual nations. A national laboratory typically meets the critical needs of that nation’s private and public calibration laboratories for state-of-the-art measurement services through an instrument calibration hierarchy comprising direct or implied chains of ‘‘traceability’’ to the national laboratory. Selected, consequential international comparisons of electroacoustical calibrations from national laboratories are discussed. Examples of research in acoustical metrology at NIST and the measurement services provided to its customers are described.

Pressure system legislation with reference to low temperature and cryogenic systems

This paper reviews recent developments in pressure system legislation with reference to health and safety at work. Further developments and changes arising from European Directives are considered in respect of new legislation, the significance of European harmonized technical standards and product conformity assessment procedures in support of the essential requirements of these Directives.