What is ISO 17025?
ISO/IEC
17025 is the main standard used by testing and calibration laboratories. it applies directly to
those organisations that produce testing and calibration results.
There
are two main sections in ISO/IEC 17025 - Management Requirements and Technical
Requirements. Management requirements are primarily related to the operation
and effectiveness of the quality management system within the laboratory. Technical requirements
address the competence of staff, methodology and test/calibration equipment.
"Management
system" refers to the organization's structure for managing its processes
- or activities - that transform inputs of resources into a product or service
which meet the organization's objectives, such as satisfying the customer's
quality requirements, complying to regulations, or meeting environmental
objectives.
ISO 9001 is a generic management standard
that can be applied to any business enterprise, public administration, or
government department.
Testing and calibration laboratories that
comply with ISO 17025 will also operate in accordance with ISO 9001.
