Recognize the Practical Tips while Preparing for ISO/IEC 17025 Certification Using a Checklist

The ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements for each department of the testing and calibration laboratories are covered by audit questions in the ISO 17025 audit checklist. Checklists for ISO 17025 are regarded as a highly useful tool for auditors when creating audit questionnaires for ISO 17025 audits to confirm the efficacy of implemented laboratory management systems. Based on the ISO 17025:2017 standard, more than 200 internal ISO 17025 audit questions have been created.

Even before the organization considers which third-party auditor to hire, there is a lot to do in preparation to be ISO 17025 accredited. Keeping track of everyone and everything can be difficult, and hiring auditors just to learn that have major problems to rectify can be a time and money waste. Before beginning the process of certification, you can go through a thorough review of all the broad principles and specifics of ISO 17025 by using the checklist.

The general requirements, structural requirements, resource requirements, process requirements, and management system requirements are the five categories into which the checklist divides the requirements. Once the organization completed the checklist, it should look more closely at each item marked "Not Compliant" and develop a plan for how it will fully comply with the standard. As we know, a laboratory must qualify for ISO 17025 certification. Implementing an ISO 17025 audit checklist approach regarding preparation is strongly suggested for quality standards. So, here are several 7 practical tips that help in preparing for ISO 17025 certification using a checklist.

Communicate with Team Members: It's essential to win over everyone, especially the management team, to establish a new system. It is important to discuss and reach a consensus on the system and required actions. A successful implementation procedure will be made possible by management personnel's help.

Define the Plan: Professionals should specify the duties and obligations required to obtain a certification. Determine the lab's quality policy and whether particular daily tasks fall within ISO 17025. The accompanying responsibilities should be precisely defined and documented across the organization.

Identify Risks: Planning for certification is an excellent opportunity for a company to assess its everyday operations and discover risks, malfunctions, and potentially harmful variables, as well as opportunities. Using a risk assessment checklist or doing a root cause analysis to identify specific problems at their underlying causes will help you enhance overall performance and properly prepare for ISO 17025 certification.

Define all Processes: Once individuals are aware of the details of ISO 17025 standards and recommendations; it is essential to properly document all appropriate procedures in undergoing key laboratory activities. By explicitly describing the proper procedure, you ensure that all personnel have access to and is aware of the standards required for certification.

Keep track of the Progress: It is extremely necessary to maintain track of the progress and accurate operations at the laboratory after describing the specifics of each technique. While working on a specific operation, an internal audit checklist for each operator might be a beneficial tool.

Offer Help and Training: Once an organization established the proper procedures for each step, individuals should provide assistance and training to the personnel as needed. Offer training experts and ensure that all staff gets the assistance they need to operate properly.

Review the Preparing Action: All steps taken to ensure proper operation and preparation for ISO 17025 certification should be assessed regularly. This supports identifying risks and opportunities, addressing nonconformance, and communicating your organization's success to all parties involved.

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