The Chemical Laboratory Services Section of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Metallurgical Technology Division (MeTD) gears toward laboratory competence thru the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification for Chemical testing laboratories - ISO 17025:2005 General Requirements for the Competence of testing and Calibration Laboratories.
The ISO 17025 identifies the high technical competence and management system requirements that guarantee the consistent accuracy of the results of laboratory tests and calibrations.
The accreditation will help the laboratory improve its quality standards in the following ways:
- Verification of the quality, capability and expertise of the laboratory;
- Evaluation of the staff, methods, equipment, calibration and reporting to guarantee test results validity;
- Outlining of robust quality controls for choosing and authenticating methods,analyzing statistics and controlling data;
- Increasing staff accountability and clear delineation of individual responsibilities; and
- Meeting regulatory and safety requirements in the operation of laboratories and satisfy the demands of clients and authority bodies.
According to Engr. Juancho Pablo S. Calvez, Chief of MeTD, the plan for the ISO accreditation "demonstrates the commitment of the MGB to operational efficiency and quality management practices". He adds that this will boost the laboratory's reputation and open up tendering opportunities on a global scale.
By: Metallurgical Technology Division