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IMPLEMENTATION OF ISO 17025 IN A MUNICIPAL
ENVIRONMENT
Ms S.N Gwala and Mr N. R Maharaj
City of uMhlathuze Municipality, P. Bag x1004, Richards Bay, 3100; Tel: 035 907 5477;
Fax: 035 907 5508; email: [email protected]
PURPOSE
To outline the process and the benefits of implementing ISO 17025 as well as the
challenges encountered by the City of uMhlathuze Scientific Services during the process.
BACKGROUND
ISO 17205, General Requirements for the Competence of Calibration and Testing
Laboratories, is an international standard applicable to testing and calibration laboratories
and covers the use of standard, non-standard and laboratory-developed methods. The
standard was developed specifically to give guidance to laboratory managers on both
quality management and technical requirements for the proper operation of a laboratory.
An organization that meets the requirements of ISO 17025 automatically is ISO 9001
compliant.
The City Of uMhlathuze has grown its laboratory services to an extent where it is crucial to
attain accreditation for the services offered. This is due to the fact that demand is being
made to provide results that are reliable and credible. The council has therefore decided to
embark on the phased implementation of ISO 17025.
The City of uMhlathuze Scientific Services has set the vision for attaining accreditation and
has a project plan in place to ensure that accreditation is attained.
DISCUSSION
The advantages and disadvantages of the Quality Management System
Table 1: Motivating and Demotivating Factors of the Quality Management System
Motivating Factors
Demotivating Factors
Customer pressure to comply or lose business
Need for improving business efficiency
Enhancing company image
Improving customer satisfaction
Business survival
Competitive advantage
Affordability
Can not predict financial benefits
Maintaining the system
Table 2: Advantages and Disadvantages of the Quality Management System
Advantages
Disadvantages
Better cohesion and coordination of internal
processes
Reduction of customer complaints
Better management
Better relationship with suppliers and customers
Training facilitation
Improves productivity
More paperwork
Time consuming
Expensive
The challenges encountered in the process of implementing ISO 17025
1.
2.
3.
4.
Top management commitment and understanding of the standard
Supply Chain Management
Financial constraints
Involvement of staff
Initial Project Plan in Place for the City of uMhlathuze Municipality Scientific
Services Section
REFERENCES
1. SANS 17025: 2005, General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and
Calibration Laboratories, Edition 2 and ISO/IEC tech corr. 1