Revision of ISO/IEC 17025

Jane BeaumontDirector of Accreditation,

UKAS

BackgroundWhy?

– to align fully with ISO 9001:2000

…but…– major revision required so

decided on ‘compatibility’

…consequently…– laboratories can’t claim ISO 9001

Main Changes

• Continuous improvement• Greater focus on customer

satisfaction• ‘clients’ changed to ‘customers’• ‘quality management system

changed to ‘management system’

• ISO 17025 ISO 9001

Main Changes (cont’d)

• Improved communications• Evaluation of effectiveness of

training• QC data to be analysed and

action taken to prevent incorrect results being reported

• Annex A cross refs updated

New/Amended Clauses

• 1.4/1.6 ISO 9001 linkage• 4.7 Improvement• 4.10 Improvement (new)• 5.2.2 effectiveness of training• 5.9.2 QC data review (new)• Annex A

Timescales

• ISO/IEC 17025:2005 published 15.5.05

• ILAC 2 year transition

Assessment Process

• Through scheduled surveillance and reassessments

• Non-conformities identified• New certificate/schedule issued

on clearance• All certificates ISO 17025:2005

by end April 2007

UKAS Actions

• ISO Statement on website (May 05)

• Article for Update (July/Aug 05)• Special rates negotiated with

BSI• Encourage assessment from

July/Aug 05

Summary

• No essential changes to technical requirements

• Emphasis on improvement• ISO statement has more

information• ISO-ILAC-IAF communique to be

agreed• Start assessment July/August 05