Laboratory Quality Systems (ISO 17025) Training

Course overview

This course includes a comprehensive series of presentations by a WRc trained specialist in laboratory quality systems. Specifically aligned to the ISO 17025:2107 standard, the course will examine the sub-clauses of the standard and, through worked examples, show how this is translated into practice in a working laboratory.

Emphasis will be placed on: training and competency of staff; record keeping; chain of custody; quality assurance; internal and external quality controls; statistical process control; along with root cause analysis and corrective and preventative actions.

Who can benefit?

This course is specifically aimed at Laboratory staff working in clean water or wastewater testing laboratories looking to gain accreditation to ISO 17025:2017 - those seeking accreditation for the first time, or looking to develop additional training and knowledge ahead of re-accreditation audits.

This applies to those working at the bench, performing the analytical testing, as well as Laboratory Managers, Quality Managers and those involved in sampling programmes with responsibility for the transportation and storage of samples prior to receipt at the laboratory.

Training outline

Broken down in the 5 central pillars of the ISO 17025:2017 standard, the course covers:

• General Requirements: Ensures that staff are able to adhere to impartiality and confidentiality of all laboratory activities.
• Structural Requirements: Concerned with legal responsibilities, such as the ability of laboratory management staff to define and document the range of activities covered.
• Resource Requirements: Covers personnel, facilities, equipment, systems, and support services necessary to manage and perform its laboratory activities.
• Process Requirements: Ensures that staff are equipped with the knowledge to review requests, tenders and contracts and the verification and validation of test methods, and document sampling plans where relevant.
• Management System Requirements: Covers knowledge of staff to be able to establish, document, implement and maintain a management system that is capable of supporting and demonstrating the consistent achievement of the requirements of the ISO standard.