Innovation and Science:EUROLAB – “Cook Book”: Practical Tips | |
EUROLAB, the European umbrella organization of testing laboratories, was set up in 1990 with the objective of raising the quality level of inspections and initiating an Europe-wide exchange of experiences.
austrolab, the national association of accredited conformity assessment bodies, represents Austria in EUROLAB.
TÜV AUSTRIA was a founder member of both EUROLAB and austrolab. In order to work on problem areas on an European level, EUROLAB organizes so-called “technical committees” amongst its members which work on focus topics according to a system of working groups.
One of these committees is the Technical Committee for Quality Assurance (TCQA). Following the wish of the members of EUROLAB it was decided to create a standard book for laboratories which could be extended at any time.
Thus the so-called “EUROLAB Cook Book” was developed in the TCQA, following the concept of dealing with the problems under consideration in a simple and uncomplicated manner.
These rules and standards for technical and qualityrelevant questions in testing laboratories are already available in an English and German translation.
Summary of the success story “Cook Book”
The “cook book” for laboratories, developed by EUROLAB, especially by the Technical Committee for Quality Assurance, is a work which gives practical advice for specific questions in the running of a laboratory.
The echo from the laboratory community to what has been produced so far is very great and therefore it is also a motivation to continue working on this project.
EUROLAB Cook Book
The following chapters are published in English language:
Validation of test and calibration methods
Criteria for the selection of a proficiency testing scheme
Handling of untestable samples
Use of interlaboratory comparison data by laboratories
Conflict handling within the accreditation process
How to assess the competence of staff
Management review for laboratories
Determination of conformance with specifications or limit values with
particular reference to measurement uncertainties – possible strategies
