ISO/IEC 17025 : 2017
General Requirements for the Competence of
Testing & Calibration of Laboratories

This PetroKnowledge training course is an introductory look at ISO/IEC 17025 and its requirements for demonstrating the technical competence of testing and calibration laboratories. In this training course, you will be introduced to the accreditation process and you will also gain insight into the interpretation of the requirements of this international laboratory standard.

ISO – International Standards Organization
IEC – International Electro Technical Commission

This comprehensive PetroKnowledge training course will illustrate the ISO17025 requirements for testing laboratories, relevant to the operation of their management system, technical competency, validity of analytical results, and the use of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) as a tool in satisfying the above. In particular, the importance of LIMS implementation in meeting the traceability requirements of ISO 17025 will be addressed.

The training course will also demonstrate the compliance of ISO 17025 with those ISO 9001 and GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) requirements that are relevant to the scope of testing services. In addition, Management and Technical personnel of analytical laboratories will recognize the dire need of implementation of the Standard within their Organization in order to satisfy the needs of their customers and general market needs (e.g. Regulatory Authorities and organizations providing recognition).   

This Petroknowledge training course will feature:

• Management requirements of ISO 17025 Quality manual, Document control, Tenders, Suppliers, Service to the customer, Internal audits
• Technical requirements of ISO 17025 Personnel, Equipment, Traceability, Reference standards, Sampling, Quality assurance of results, Test Certificates, O & I’s
• Definition of Laboratory accreditation: Accreditation Bodies (AB’s) and Multilateral Agreements (MLA, MRA, ILAC) on cross frontier recognition of accreditation
• Basic guidelines on the design of a LIMS
• Implementation of a LIMS, in the context of ISO 17025

By the end of this Petroknowledge training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand and implement Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) in their organizations.
• Comprehend the importance of assuring quality of test and calibration results
• Apply traceability from sample receipt and analysis scheduling until delivery of results, through the implementation of LIMS
• Design LIMS on the basis of ISO 17025 requirements.
• Realize the need for continuous review and improvement of LIMS systems, based on market and regulatory requirements

This training course is suitable for a wide range of professionals involved in Quality Assurance (QA) in analytical laboratories, but will greatly benefit:

• Management and technical personnel of analytical laboratories, in a wide spectrum of activities (e.g. oil refinery, food and utility industries including potable and wastewater treatment plants, and commercial analytical laboratories)
• Technicians, Specialists and other personnel involved in laboratories
• Those laboratories that are in the process of obtaining ISO 17025 accreditation and those planning to implement a LIMS
• Newly recruited laboratory scientific personnel
• Laboratory accreditation consultants

This training course will combine presentations with instructor-guided interactive discussions between participants relating to their individual interests. Practical exercises, video material and case studies aiming at stimulating these discussions and providing maximum benefit to the participants will support the formal presentation sessions. Above all, the course leader will make extensive use of case examples and case studies of issues in which he has been personally involved.

Here are additional benefits per the Standards compliance for your organization: 

• Increase of confidence in Testing/ Calibration data and of personnel performing work.
• Better control of laboratory operations and feedback to laboratories as to whether they have sound Quality Assurance System and are technically competent.
• Potential increase in business due to enhanced customer confidence and satisfaction.
• Customers can search and identify the laboratories accredited by The Accreditation Member Body for their specific requirements from their website or Directory of Accredited Laboratories.
• Users of accredited laboratories will enjoy greater access for their products, in both domestic and international markets, when tested by accredited laboratories.
• Savings in terms of time and money due to reduction or elimination of the need for re-testing of products.
• Improved national and global reputation and image of the laboratory.
• Continually improving data quality and laboratory effectiveness.
• IT Qualified ISO 17025 experts working in your laboratory
• Confidence in continuing compliance with ISO 17025
• More efficient and accurate testing and calibration processes
• Increased stakeholder trust in your quality control

ISO 17025 will help drive individual development of systematic processes that consider the broader context, taking into account the risks, opportunities, legal requirements and more, which will help to embed lab safety and compliance firmly to improve OH&S performance.

Employees will take an active role in 17025 compliance helping to reduce lost time due to accidents or ill health – creating a better working environment for your lab personnel and reducing costs and downtime in the process.