The PJLA Podcast

Measurements Gone Wrong Webinar with PJLA & Henry Zumbrun

In the world of precision engineering and scientific research, accurate measurements are the bedrock upon which progress is built. However, even the most meticulously calibrated instruments can yield erroneous results if not handled and maintained correctly. Join us for an enlightening webinar, "Measurement Risk: Measurements Gone Wrong," where we will delve deep into the critical aspects of measurements, potential pitfalls, and strategies to mitigate measurement risks. Safeguard your measurements against the perils of inaccuracies. Join us for an engaging session filled with practical insights, expert advice, and valuable resources to elevate your organization to new heights. Presented by: Henry Zumbrun, Morehouse Instrument Company Hosted by: Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc.

A Look at ISO/IEC 17025:2017 - Requirements for Corrective Action

This webinar will look at Section 8.7 of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 in regards to corrective action. This will look at the requirements which will include question an organization should ask itself when a nonconformance has occurred and corrective action is needed. The differences between correction vs corrective action will be explored. Cause analysis will be brought to light and how an effective cause analysis can greatly reduce the chances of a nonconformance repeating itself.

An Overview of 17043 Proficiency Testing Provider Accreditation with PJLA

ISO 17043 is an international standard that specifies the general requirements for Proficiency Testing Providers. It outlines the criteria and guidelines that proficiency testing providers should adhere to in order to demonstrate their competence and impartiality in organizing and conducting proficiency testing programs. Join PJLA for this free upcoming webinar that will provide an overview of the key points of ISO 17043. Presented by Doug Berg

A Review of the Revised PJLA Policy PL-4 “Scopes of Accreditation”

PJLA has updated it’s PL-4 policy regarding scopes of accreditation to not only address calibration scopes but now contains requirements for all PJLA programs to include testing, inspection, proficiency testing providers, reference material producers, and medical. The revisions to PL-4 will be highlighted during this webinar. This will include an additional discipline added to calibration scopes along with flexible scopes which can be utilized for testing organizations. These policies will be required elements for scopes of accreditation for organizations accredited by PJLA and consider those requirements specified by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation “ILAC”. Presented By: Tracy Szerszen & Michael Kramer

Understanding the Types of Reference Materials, Their Differences, and Their Uses

ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories often use reference materials, including certified reference materials for a variety uses in the laboratory. These uses may range from method develop to the calibration of instrumentation to analyze samples. This webinar will discuss the differences between reference materials, certified reference materials, quality control materials and their appropriate uses in the laboratory. Attendees will gain an understanding of the production and certification aspects of each type of material, each impacting the uncertainty of the product used and its metrological traceability. Understanding refence materials will assist in maintaining compliance to the traceability requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 in your laboratory. Presented by: Matthew Sica, PJLA Program Manager

I Submitted a Complaint - Why is this Organization Still Accredited?

Complaints on various topics are received by PJLA from any interested party. We must evaluate each to ensure they are valid, then allow CABs (i.e., labs, inspection bodies, etc.) to respond and act as necessary. Some may take the opinion that aggressive approaches should be taken, such as immediate suspension or withdrawal of accreditation, without really understanding what the process is from an accreditation body perspective. This webinar will educate participants on PJLA’s processes for handling complaints including: • Information required when filing a complaint, • the evaluation process by the PJLA investigation team, • timelines for response, • and potential repercussions or actions taken. Presenter Tracy Szerszen, President PJLA

Use of Accreditation Symbols and References to Accreditation

Accreditation provides formal recognition that a conformity assessment body (CAB) is capable of meeting certain standards. Once accredited, a CAB may wish to make reference to its accreditation status in its reports or certificates. Accreditation normally entitles the accredited CAB to endorse the relevant documents in the name of the accreditation body, by using an accreditation symbol and/or by using appropriate words, in accordance with prescribed procedures and rules. This webinar will look at proper use of accreditation symbols and reference to this accreditation. Individual accreditation bodies like PJLA are required as per. ISO/IEC 17011:2017, to have a policy governing the use of its accreditation symbols and claims of accreditation status by its accredited organizations.

A look at ISO/IEC 17025:2017 - Section 7.2 “Selection, Verification, and Validation of Methods”

This webinar will look at what the requirements are for methods as specified in ISO/IEC 17025:2017. This will address the need to verify or validate prior to implementing them and providing results to the customers of the laboratory. Also, these requirements will give assurance that the methods are being performed in a unified manner within your organization. Through accreditation customers of your organization can be assured that appropriate methods are adopted within your organization.

A Look at ISO/IEC 17025:2017 - Review of Section 8.5 “Actions to Address Risks and Opportunities”

A Look at ISO/IEC 17025:2017 - Section 7.6 “Evaluation of Measurement Uncertainty” for Testing Labs

Measurement uncertainty always seems to be a challenging requirement for testing laboratories. This webinar will look at some approaches to evaluating measurement uncertainty in testing laboratories. We will look at the requirements related to measurement uncertainty within ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and the discuss objective evidence which can be produced to demonstrate conformity with this section. Presented by: Matthew Sica, PJLA Testing Program Manager