MEASUREMENT CHALLENGES IN TESTING AND
CALIBRATIONS LABORATORIES
DRC CASE
By
ASCOLAB TEAMMichee Mansoj-MUMI Laboratory Manager
Flory Ngindu-OCC Metrology Laboratory Head office
Didier Makonga-SSM Technical Director
Victor Kanama-ASCOLAB Chairperson
1
SAINT GEORGES HOTEL, 01 AUGUST 2017
2
CONTENT
1.BACKGROUND2. INTRODUCTION3. PERFORMANCE OF PROBLEMS4. SUGGESTIONS5. CONCLUSION
SAINT GEORGES HOTEL, 01 AUGUST 2017
3
1. BACKGROUND
SAINT GEORGES HOTEL, 01 AUGUST 2017
What means measurement ?
What are the measurement requirements?
4
1. BACKGROUND
SAINT GEORGES HOTEL, 01 AUGUST 2017
What means measurement ?
Measurement (2.1) - process of experimentally obtaining one or
more quantity values that can reasonably be attributed to a
quantity. Measurement implies comparison of quantities or
counting of entities. Measurement presupposes a description of
the quantity commensurate with the intended use of a
measurement result, a measurement procedure, and a
calibrated measuring system operating according to the specified
measurement procedure, including the measurement conditions
5
1. BACKGROUND
SAINT GEORGES HOTEL, 01 AUGUST 2017
What are the measurement requirements?
Among these requirements, we were interested in metrological
traceability.
Metrological traceability (2.41) - property of a measurement
result whereby the result can be related to a reference through a
documented unbroken chain of calibrations, each contributing to
the measurement uncertainty.
6
1. BACKGROUND
SAINT GEORGES HOTEL, 01 AUGUST 2017
Testing or calibration results requires a measurement
process that contribute to the quality of the result.
This measurement process requires also a metrological
traceability to insure the quality of measurement.
Our laboratories are confronted with the problem of
metrological traceability and in general the problem of
quality assurance of testing or calibration result.
7
1. INTRODUCTION
SAINT GEORGES HOTEL, 01 AUGUST 2017
The quality assurance of the calibration or testing
results passes among others through the metrological
traceability without witch quality assurance results
cannot be achieved.
This problem of metrological traceability is faced in
terms of:
3.1 The existing laboratory does not cover all the
needs of member laboratories in metrological
traceability and high cost of calibrations when
addressing competent laboratories abroad;
8
3. PERFORMANCE OF PROBLEMS
SAINT GEORGES HOTEL, 01 AUGUST 2017
3.2 Lack of the Certified Reference Materials (CRM).
The use of the Certified Reference Materials is
important to control the analysis results.
Unfortunately, many laboratories do not understand
the importance of the CRM and do not use them
most the time.
9
3. PERFORMANCE OF PROBLEMS
SAINT GEORGES HOTEL, 01 AUGUST 2017
3.3 Estimation and use of measurement uncertainty.
Estimation of measurement uncertainty is a
requirement in ISO/IEC standards for accreditation:
- ISO 15189 (clause 5.6.2) and
- ISO/CEI 17025 : 2005 (clauses 5.4.6.1 and 5.4.6.2)
5.10.3.1 to mention the uncertainty on the results
report.
10
3. PERFORMANCE OF PROBLEMS
SAINT GEORGES HOTEL, 01 AUGUST 2017
But many laboratories do not understand what is the
measurement uncertainty, even how or why to
calculate the measurement uncertainty associated to
their analysis results.
Measurement uncertainty and PT?
Measurement uncertainty and conformity declaration?
Identification and analysis of sources of uncertainty?
Quantification of uncertainty elements.
Calculation of uncertainty?
11
3. PERFORMANCE OF PROBLEMS
SAINT GEORGES HOTEL, 01 AUGUST 2017
This problem is compounded by:
(a) Validation of analysis methods
The validation of analysis method is not made before
using an alternative method when the standardized
method is not available. It is a real problem for many
laboratories to understand how to validate an analysis
method.
(b) Participation in Proficiency Testing scheme Program
Many Laboratories participate in PT scheme without
understanding its real importance and are not able to
analyze and to manipulate to one’s advantage of the
PT results.12
3. PERFORMANCE OF PROBLEMS
SAINT GEORGES HOTEL, 01 AUGUST 2017
(c) Maintenance of equipment
Routine and preventive maintenance of equipment is
still a challenge. When an equipment is damaged, it is
a problem to fix it maybe for the lack of spare parts.
Also when the program of maintenance is not
performed, it is a risk for the quality of labs results;
(d) Control chart is still an unknown concept or not
well known by many labs. When it is used by same
to ensure the quality of their results , it is wrongly;
(e) The educational program in secondary and
university doesn’t include quality concept in general
and metrological traceability in particular.
13
3. PERFORMANCE OF PROBLEMS
SAINT GEORGES HOTEL, 01 AUGUST 2017
ASCOLAB suggests the following actions to meet
the measurement challenges in the laboratories:
- To strengthen the capabilities of the national
metrology laboratory so that he can play his role to
provide a wide range of metrological traceability;
- To encourage the establishment of private calibration
laboratories;
- To create opportunities for laboratories to produce
certified reference materials;
- To insert quality concept in the educational program;
- To organize the awareness workshop for our members
in the use of reference materials and analysis of PT
scheme results. 14
4. SUGGESTIONS
SAINT GEORGES HOTEL, 01 AUGUST 2017
ASCOLAB is concerned by its mission to participate in
the promotion of the laboratories of our members for
the good quality of the results of calibration and
testing.
We wish a welcome to all partners interested in this
issue to support our members for the best quality of
life.
15
5. CONCLUSION
SAINT GEORGES HOTEL, 01 AUGUST 2017
16
ASCOLAB
BUILD A QUALITY OF LIFE
SAINT GEORGES HOTEL, 01 AUGUST 2017
Top Related