The PJLA Podcast

Common Findings in Assessments to the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Standard in 2023

We have looked back at assessment done by PJLA during the 2023 calendar year and have compiled data from these assessments. This webinar will look at the area’s which were identified as the top list of nonconformance’s which PJLA assessors wrote during the year. We have identified some reoccurring issues found during PJLA assessments during 2023. This webinar will look at some common findings found within our ISO/IEC 17025:2017 assessments and shed some light on the requirements and how compliance can be achieved. This webinar will break down the top ten areas we have identified as having the most nonconformance’s written. Presented by Michael Kramer, PJLA Calibration/Inspection Program Manager

Adding DOECAP-AP Accreditation to a DoD ELAP Accredited Laboratory

Did you know that almost one-half of the DOE Consolidated Audit Program - Accreditation Program (DOECAP-AP) laboratories perform routine and project specific non-radiological analysis? There are opportunities for non-radiochemistry laboratories to support projects involving routine compliance monitoring, site characterization, process control testing, and remediation for various environmental matrices for the DOE. It is also anticipated PFAS analysis will exceed current non-radiological laboratory capacity in the near future. This webinar will review the anticipated differences between DOECAP-AP and DoD ELAP to the combined DoD/DOE Quality Systems Manual (QSM 6.0). The transition is not as difficult as it seems! We will identify less than twenty clauses of the QSM requiring laboratory consider or update. Our review will give laboratories the necessary Information to evaluate the opportunities to seek accreditation for DOECAP-AP for either the entire, or partial scope of DoD-ELAP accreditation in order to provide non-radiological analysis to the DOE. Presented by Matthew Sica, PJLA Technical Program Manager

A Look at ISO/IEC 17025:2017 - Section 6.6 - Externally Provided Products and Services

When you are selecting a potential vendor, you are selecting a partner in your business which you will trust to work with you in a professional and profitable manner. It is important that you choose a company that can supply your current and future needs. Section 6.6 combines both purchasing and subcontracting. This webinar will take a look at requirements for retaining records and having procedural information in regard to your critical suppliers. This includes the basis for qualifications which are needed along with the expanded requirement of monitoring of the performance and re-evaluation of your critical suppliers. Communicating your needs to your supplier will be reviewed along with informing your customer if you will subcontract their tests or calibrations. Presented by Michael Kramer, PJLA Calibration Program Manager

Understanding the PJLA Flexible Scope Policy for Testing Labs, RMPS, and PTPs

With the new PL-4, PJLA is improving upon how flexible scopes are communicated to the testing labs, RMP and PTP CABs, and their customers. This session explores how these CABs can manage a flexible scope of accreditation. Beginning November 1st, CABs receiving updated scopes during reaccreditation assessments or scope expansions will be able to leverage either a fixed or flexible scope to communicate to their customers. Takeaways: 1. The difference between a fixed scope and a flexible scope of accreditation. 2. The advantages and disadvantages of a flexible scope of accreditation. 3. The flexibility approved for flexible scopes and the changes which cannot be made to scope methods. 4. The requirements and considerations on the CABs for managing flexible scopes. 5. The impact of flexible scopes on the assessment process. Presented by Matthew Sica, PJLA Technical Program Manager

A Look at ISO/IEC 17025:2017 - Overview of the Requirements Specified for Equipment in Section 6.4

This webinar will review the requirements specified in Section 6.4 specific to equipment. It is specified, however, that this also includes, but is not limited to, measuring instruments, software, measurement standards, reference materials, reference data, reagents, consumables, or auxiliary apparatus. These requirements are in place to aid in the assurance that the equipment utilized in laboratory activities will promote the correct performance that can influence the results. We will explore the requirements detailing verification vs calibration of equipment. Also, correction factors and requirements concerning equipment records are detailed in this section. Presented by: Michael Kramer, PJLA Calibration Program Manager

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