ISO 17025 in UAE
What is ISO/IEC 17025?
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 sets out the general requirements for the competence, impartiality, and consistent operation of testing and calibration laboratories. It applies to all laboratories, whatever their size or the volume of work, whether they test or calibrate for external customers or for their own internal use. (Inspection bodies are covered by a different standard, ISO/IEC 17020.)
Purpose of ISO/IEC 17025
The standard exists to build confidence in laboratory work. It requires laboratories to demonstrate that they are technically competent and able to produce valid, reliable results, operating consistently. Laboratories that meet ISO/IEC 17025 also align with the quality management principles of ISO 9001. Because the standard is recognized internationally, accredited results are easier to compare and accept across borders.
Managing risks and opportunities
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requires laboratories to address risks and opportunities - strengthening the management system, improving results, and preventing problems. Each laboratory decides which risks and opportunities are relevant to its work. The standard also supports cooperation and the sharing of information and experience between laboratories.
The structure of ISO/IEC 17025:2017
- General requirements - impartiality and confidentiality.
- Structural requirements - the laboratory's organization and management.
- Resource requirements - competent personnel, facilities, equipment, and externally provided products and services.
- Process requirements - method selection and validation, sampling, handling of items, ensuring valid results, and reporting.
- Management system requirements - documentation, records, actions for risks and opportunities, improvement, corrective action, internal audits, and management reviews.
Clauses 1-3 cover scope, normative references, and terms; the requirements above are clauses 4-8.
Personnel competence
Contrary to one statement in the original, ISO/IEC 17025:2017 does require laboratories to manage the competence of their people (clause 6.2). The laboratory must define the competence requirements for each role, ensure personnel are competent before they carry out their work, and keep records of qualifications, training, and authorization. Testing and calibration must be done by - or under the supervision of - competent personnel, and results should not be released until competence is confirmed. The standard does not prescribe written tests; each laboratory decides how to assess and monitor competence, and documents it.
Contact IACS to learn more about ISO/IEC 17025.
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