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Sl Title Page
Amendment Sheet 1
Abbreviations 2
Contents 3
1. Introduction 4
3. Scope 6
4. Management Requirements 8
5. Technical Requirements 10
7. References 45
1.1 The requirements for accreditation are laid down in the International Standard ISO/IEC
17025: 2005 (General requirements for the competence of calibration and testing
laboratories). These requirements apply to all types of objective testing but in certain
instances additional guidance is necessary to take account of the type of testing and the
technologies involved.
1.2 This document has been prepared by a Technical Committee constituted by NABL as a
supplement for ISO/ IEC 17025: 2005 standard and sets out additional technical
requirements specific to chemical testing discipline.
1.3 Laboratories conducting tests on food/water should also consult NABL Specific Criteria
on Biological testing (NABL – 102).
2.5 Sub-sample
This refers to a portion of the sample obtained by selection or division; an individual unit
of the lot taken as part of the sample or; the final unit of multistage sampling
2.8 Traceability
‘Property of the result of a measurement or the value of a standard whereby it can be
related to stated references, usually national or international standards, through an
unbroken chain of comparisons all having stated uncertainties‟ (VIM 1993 - Ref B6).
3.1 The Scope of accreditation of a laboratory is the formal statement of the range of
activities for which the laboratory has been accredited; the scope is recorded in detail on
a laboratory‟s accreditation certificate. A laboratory‟s scope should be defined as
precisely as possible so that all parties concerned know accurately and unambiguously
the range of tests / Limit of Quantification (LOQ)/Limit of Detection (LOD) and/or
analyses covered by that particular laboratory‟s accreditation.
The guideline for the applicant laboratories to describe group of products, material or
items tested for scope of accreditation is given in section-6. The format to write scope of
accreditation is given in NABL-151 and is presented with few examples for
understanding (Annexure A).
3.2 There are many tests where measurement stage may be covered by a single method.
However, the methods used to prepare the samples for subsequent analysis may vary
considerably according to the nature of the analyte and sample matrix.
In such cases the statement in the column, „Specification, standard (method) or
technique used‟, of format to write scope of accreditation will normally take the form of
“Documented In-House Methods”, which should elaborate on methods used to prepare
samples or both standard method for preparation for sample and for measurement stage
may be written.
3.3 Where a laboratory uses analytical tools such as mass spectrometry, NMR or FTIR, it
may be appropriate to use the terms qualitative and/or quantitative chemical analysis
under the type of test heading. However, the onus will be on the laboratory to
demonstrate to the assessors that in using these techniques, it is meeting all of the
criteria for accreditation. In particular, the experience, expertise and training of the staff
carrying out the tests and those interpreting the data involved will be a major factor in
determining whether or not such analyses can be accredited.
Note: Wherever Sampling is a part of Test method, it shall not be included as test in the
recommended scope.
3.4 Laboratory can apply for addition or amendment in the scope at any time by writing to
NABL of the tests, which it wishes to add to its scope, by providing the following
information to NABL in the formats given in NABL 151:
Scope to be added
List of authorized manpower
List of equipments
List of CRMs
Quality assurance including PT/ILC participation
In addition to the above the laboratory should also provide a layout plan showing the
area where it plans to conduct additional tests as relevant.
4.1 The internal management system documents shall be comprehensively reviewed for
suitability at appropriate frequency to be documented by the lab. The procedure for
document control shall include the control of external documents including standard test
methods. Evidence of ensuring the revision status of the standard test methods shall be
available.
4.2 Laboratory can subcontract testing to another accredited laboratory under unavoidable
circumstances only like instrument breakdown, unavailability of trained staff for a short
period. The subcontracting of any test, for which the laboratory is not accredited, is
done, then the laboratory cannot claim accreditation status while incorporating the
results of these test(s) in their test report, even if the test(s) is/are performed in an
accredited laboratory.
Laboratory shall clearly identify the subcontracted tests in the test reports as described
in NABL 133.
the accredited laboratory takes full responsibility for the subcontracted tests or
calibrations and, unless it is an accredited branch of the same laboratory, has
informed the customer of the proposed subcontracting and has obtained his/her
prior approval;
approval has been obtained from the subcontractor to report excerpts from the
subcontractor‟s report or certificate;
the subcontractor is itself accredited for the specific tests or calibrations
concerned and the results have been included in the subcontractor laboratory‟s
endorsed report or certificate.
4.5 Deficiencies encountered such as poor performance in ILC/PT, non repeatability of test
results while performing quality checks shall be registered as non conforming testing
work and suitable corrective actions taken after conducting root cause analysis.
4.6 Records of personnel including training records shall be kept permanent - i.e. so long as
the person is working in the laboratory. Similarly, history of individual equipments shall
be kept permanent – so long as the equipment is used in the laboratory.
4.7 Internal audit of the laboratory shall be conducted at least once in 12 months and shall
cover all the sections including the testing section(s) and covering all the applicable
requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and NABL 103. The technical audit should be
conducted by a trained auditor who is qualified and conversant with the technical
activities performed. Specific observations about the key requirements of the standard
ISO/IEC 17025:2005, both positive and negative shall be recorded by the auditor to give
evidence of having covered all the elements of the standard. Apart from conducting
horizontal audit covering all applicable elements of ISO/IEC 17025:2005, Vertical audit
should also be conducted. For this purpose different samples or test reports covering the
entire period and commensurate with the number of samples between internal audits
shall be selected and compliance with management and technical requirements shall be
verified.
For meeting requirement of Internal Audit in the Laboratory having different Section must
have sufficient no's of Technical Personnel (apart from Technical Manager & Quality
Manager) having formal training on Internal Audit for avoiding the conflict of Interest.
5.2 Personnel
5.2.1 The Technical Manager of a Chemical testing laboratory shall be a person preferably
having a recognized post graduate degree in science or Bachelor degree in engineering
or specialized course and at least two years experience in analysis/R&D/quality control.
The minimum qualification for the technical staff in a Chemical testing laboratory shall be
Graduate in Science with chemistry as one of the subjects or Diploma in chemical
engineering / technology or equivalent or specialization in relevant fields like Textile,
Polymer, Food etc. The staff shall have sufficient training and exposure in analytical
chemistry and in analysis and testing of appropriate products. All technical staff must
have minimum training in requirements of ISO/IEC 17025. Training record and
evaluation for effectiveness of training for the System must be documented.
Note: The technical personnel who perform chemical testing should be free from colour
blindness, evidence for which is necessary.
Note -
(a) Similar field may be considered when that particular subject / field of testing is
covered in at least one year of the course;
(b) Qualification with specialized field like food, civil, textile, pharma, metallurgy,
plastic, rubber etc. shall be considered eligible for groups falling under multi-
disciplines;
5.2.3 Chemical testing laboratory involved in testing different group of products, material or
items must have a minimum one number of technical staff involved in testing of that
group of products, material or items in addition to authorized signatory. The laboratory
should justify total staff with reference to volume of work handled. The in-charge shall
have adequate relevant experience in addition to the minimum qualification as specified
in 5.2.1.
5.2.4 There shall be a system for imparting periodic, internal and external training to the
laboratory technical staff at different levels wherever required before assigning any
analytical and testing work. Internal trainings must be documented in detail providing
identity of trainer, training contents, duration, methodology, identity of participants.
Internal Training alone may not be considered adequate to make the staff
knowledgeable on the latest status of science and technology. It must be supplemented
if required with external training. The duration of the external training should
commensurate with contents and conducted / organized by Universities, Research
Institutes, Professional Bodies, Industry, Associations / NGOs or other recognized
organizations. The certificate of successful completion of training should be available.
5.2.5 Quality Manager shall have undertaken at least 4-day training course on requirements of
ISO/IEC 17025:2005.
5.2.6 Any testing conducted away from the base laboratory (such as in field laboratories, in a
mobile testing laboratory or in the field) must also be under adequate technical control.
National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories
Doc. No: NABL 103 Specific Guidelines for Chemical Testing Laboratories
Issue No: 04 Issue Date: 25-Apr-2016 Amend No: 01 Amend Date: 09-Mar-2017 Page No: 11/53
This would normally require either the location of Authorized Signatory at each facility or
having an Authorized Signatory visit each facility at appropriate intervals commensurate
with the volume, complexity and range of such tests and the maintenance of a diary
recording the dates and relevant activities of each visit.
5.3.1 Laboratory accommodation and layout should consider provision of areas for -
(a) Sample receipt and customer dealing (b) Sample pre-treatment (c) Sample storage
(d) Storage for chemicals/ consumables (e) Test areas as for wet analysis; heating,
digestion & extraction; instrumentation (f) In-house calibration (g) Maintenance (h)
Stores say for records (i) Waste management (j) Reporting (k) miscellaneous as per the
requirements of the lab. This does not necessarily mean separation by walls and may
vary widely depending upon group of products, material or items tested for which the
laboratory seeks or maintains accreditation.
Floor wise laboratory layout giving dimensions and highlighting the above provisions
should be provided in Quality Manual. Drawings shall show key equipment. Future space
requirements can be shown in shaded.
Laboratory shall maintain, monitor and record environmental conditions (air quality,
ventilation, temperature, humidity, luminance, noise and vibration levels, radiation, and
electromagnetic disturbances) for proper working as per the requirements of the test
specifications. The laboratory environment should be sufficiently uncrowned, clean and
tidy to ensure the quality of the work carried out is not compromised. See 5.3.2 for more
details.
5.3.2 There shall be effective separation between neighbouring areas in which incompatible
activities are being performed in laboratories that cover different products and tests.
Typical Examples are separate areas for handling of test items and sample preparation.
Even though analysis of trace metals/residues may be done on same AAS/GC-MS, but
sample handling, storage and preparation areas for food samples and sewage shall be
5.3.3 It may be necessary to restrict access to particular areas of laboratory because of the
nature of the work carried out there. Restrictions might be made because of security,
safety, or sensitivity to contamination. Typical examples might be work involving
explosives, radioactive materials, carcinogens, toxic materials and trace analysis. Where
such restrictions are in force, staff should be aware of:
i. the intended use of a particular area;
ii. the restrictions imposed on working within such areas;
iii. the reasons for imposing such restrictions
Fire Safety: Laboratory shall follow latest norms as per NBC of India.
A dedicated fume hood is required for extensive usage of perchloric acid greater than
50% of total chemical usage.
Note: A dedicated hood is required because; organic chemicals should not be used
with perchloric acid. Explosion may occur when perchloric acid reacts with
organic materials. Fume hood manufacturer shall be contacted for specific
materials requirements if any for explosion proof electrical fixtures or for
radiological purposes.
5.4.2 The validation of a standard or collaboratively tested methods should not be taken for
granted, no matter how impeccable the method's pedigree - the laboratory should satisfy
itself that the degree of validation of a particular method is adequate for the required
purpose, and that the laboratory is itself able to verify any stated performance criteria.
5.4.3 Methods developed in-house must be adequately validated, documented and authorised
before use. Where they are available, matrix matched reference materials should be
used to determine any bias, or where this is not possible, results should be compared
with other technique(s), preferably based on different principles of measurement.
Measurement of the recovery of gravimetrically added spike analyte, measurement of
blanks and the study of interferences and matrix effects can also be used to check for
bias or imperfect recovery. Estimation of uncertainty must form part of this validation
process and in addition to covering the above factors, should address issues such as
sample homogeneity and sample stability.
5.4.4 Laboratory, whenever using non-standard methods or a standard method beyond the
stated limits of operation is required to validate such test methods. The guidance
document on Validation of Test Methods; Eurachem Guide for Method Validation and
Related Topics (1998) may be referred.
b) Range: For quantitative analysis the working range for a method is determined
by examining samples with different analyte concentrations and determining the
concentration range for which acceptable uncertainty can be achieved. The
working range is generally more extensive than the linear range, which is
determined by the analysis of a number of samples of varying analyte
concentrations and calculating the regression from the results, usually using the
method of least squares. The relationship of analyte response to concentration
does not have to be perfectly linear for a method to be effective. For methods
showing good linearity it is usually sufficient to plot a calibration curve using
measurement standards at 5 different concentration levels (+ blank). More
measurement standards will be required where linearity is poor. In qualitative
analysis, it is common place to examine replicate samples and measurement
standards over a range of concentrations to establish at what concentration a
reliable cut-off point can be drawn between detection and non-detection
Note:
Quantification: The batch of unknown samples for estimation of an analyte
must be analysed in parallel with spiked sample for quantitative estimation
of an analyte. The calculation of an analyte should not be on standard
solutions.
Confirmatory Analysis: The positive detection of an analyte in any matrix
has to be confirmed by using the confirmatory technique of analysis
including the mass spectrometry.
Note : Laboratories are estimating the linearity during validation of method where
the performance of different linear concentration of standards are studied,
however for Pesticide residue analysis along with linearity standard the laboratory
must estimate matrix match standard linearity. For this laboratory must have the
pesticide free matrix at initially least one matrix from the group of products.
Pesticide Residue Testing Laboratories should include in the validation that the
accuracy studies by spiking the matrix or sample at LOQ level, five times of LOQ
and ten or fifty times of LOQ.
5.4.6 When standard methods are used, laboratories should verify their own satisfactory
performance against the documented performance characteristics of the method, before
any samples are analyzed. Records of the verification must be retained. For published
test methods that do not include precision data, the laboratory must determine its own
precision data based on test data. All methods should include criteria for rejecting
suspect results.
5.4.7 When In-house methods (Non Standard methods) validation shall be undertaken. In-
house methods could include but not be restricted to:
(a) Methods developed in the laboratory
(b) Methods developed by a client
(c) Methods developed for an industry group
(d) Modified standard test methods
(e) Methods from scientific publications but which have not been validated
These parameters should be clearly stated in the documented method so that the user
can assess the suitability of the method for their particular needs.
5.4.9 Kits : Commercial test systems (kits) will require further validation if the laboratory is
unable to source the validation data from manufacturers with a recognized quality
assurance system, reputable validation based on collaborative testing e.g. AOAC Official
Methods and/or associated JAOAC publications, or independently reviewed methods
e.g. AOAC Performance Tested Methods.
5.4.10 Test and calibration methods and method validation/verification published by BIS,
ASTM, AOAC, etc may be followed.
5.4.11 Developments in methodology and techniques will require methods to be changed from
time to time. Obsolete methods should be withdrawn but must be retained for archive
purposes and clearly labeled as obsolete. The revised method must be fully
documented, and indicate under whose authority the new method was issued (signed
and dated).
5.4.12 Lab should provide UOM in different individual range in absolute unit terms instead of
percentage. It is important for testing laboratories to understand the concept of
uncertainty of measurement. Laboratory management should be aware of the effect that
their own uncertainty of measurement will have effect on test results produced in their
laboratory.
While the concept and application of measurement uncertainty estimations have been
well established in metrology and calibration laboratories, the same cannot be said for
testing laboratories. The publication of ISO/IEC 17025 has prompted rigorous discussion
Internationally on uncertainty of measurement in chemical testing and a consensus
agreement on the definitive methodology to be used for estimating uncertainty is still to
be finalised.
The following details the current requirements for laboratories accredited by NABL:
Laboratories need to make a formal estimate of measurement uncertainty for all
tests in the scope of accreditation that provide numerical results.
When laboratories use equipment/instruments that make use of computers or have built
in computers or laboratories use Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
for the acquisition, processing, recording, reporting, storage or retrieval of test data, the
laboratory shall ensure that it uses licensed software‟s. The laboratory should be able to
demonstrate if required control of access to computer systems and various functions
including that procedures are established and implemented for protecting the data.
5.5 Equipment
5.5.1 As part of quality system, a laboratory is required to operate a program for the
maintenance and calibration of equipment used in the laboratory. Equipment normally
found in the chemical laboratory can be categorised as:
i) general service equipment not used for making measurements or with minimal
influence on measurements (eg hotplates, stirrers, non-volumetric glassware and
glassware used for rough volume measurements such as measuring cylinders)
and laboratory heating or ventilation systems;
5.5.3.1 The correct use of volumetric equipment is critical to analytical measurements and it
shall be suitably maintained and calibrated as per Appendix B. The correct functioning of
some specialist volumetric (and related) glassware is dependent on particular factors, eg
the performance of pyknometers and U-tube viscometers is dependent on „wetting‟ and
surface tension characteristics, which may be affected by cleaning methods etc. Such
apparatus may therefore require more regular calibration, depending on use. For the
highest accuracy, measurements can often be made by mass depending on properly
calibrated weighing mechanism with traceability to accredited calibration laboratories (in
INDIA or abroad APLAC/EA Member Countries) rather than by volume.
5.5.3.2 Attention should be paid to the possibility of contamination arising from the equipment or
cross-contamination from previous use. The type used (glass, PTFE, etc), cleaning,
storage, and segregation of volumetric equipment is critical, particularly for trace
analyses when leaching and adsorption can be significant.
5.5.4.1 General Guidelines on calibration requirements and intermediate checks for specific
items of equipment are detailed in Appendix B.
Performance checks e.g to check the response, stability and linearity of sources,
sensors and detectors, the separating efficiency of chromatographic systems, the
resolution, alignment and wavelength accuracy are needed for many types of equipment
as spectrometers. The frequency of such performance checks will be determined by
experience and based on need, type and previous performance of the equipment.
Intervals between checks should be shorter than the time the equipment has been found
to take to drift outside acceptable limits.
Where the above criteria cannot be met or the relevant standard methods have specified
more stringent requirements, the same may be adopted.
5.5.4.2 It is often possible to build performance checks – system suitability checks – into test
methods (eg based on the levels of expected detector or sensor response to calibrants,
the resolution of calibrants in separating systems, the spectral characteristics of
calibrants etc). These checks should be satisfactorily completed before the equipment is
used.
5.5.5.1 Wherever physical parameters are critical to the correct performance of a particular test,
the laboratory shall have access to the relevant reference standard, as a means of
calibration.
5.5.5.2 Reference standards and accompanying certificates should be stored and used in a
manner consistent with preserving the calibration status. Particular consideration should
be given to any storage advice given in the documentation supplied with the standard.
5.6.1 The overall program for the calibration of measuring equipment in the chemical
laboratory shall be designed to ensure that, where the concept is applicable, all
measurements are traceable through certificates held by the laboratory, either to a
national or international standard or to a certified reference material. Where no such
reference standard or certified reference material is available, a material with suitable
properties and stability should be selected or prepared by the laboratory and used as a
laboratory reference. The required properties of this material should be characterized by
5.6.2 Analytical tests may be sub-divided into three general classes depending on the type of
calibration required:
5.6.3.2 In case of matrix interferences, a standard should be validated using a matched matrix
reference material certified in a reliable manner. If such a material is not available it may
be acceptable to use a sample spiked with a chemical standard.
5.6.3.3 Reference materials and chemical standards should be clearly labeled so that they are
unambiguously identified and referenced against accompanying certificates or other
documentation. Information should be available indicating shelf-life, storage conditions,
applicability, restrictions of use, etc and records should be maintained.
Laboratory shall uniquely identify and register the sample received in the laboratory to
establish audit trail.
Laboratory shall define Sample retention criteria based on the sample stability and
conditions. Laboratory may appropriately retain the sample to enable retesting wherever
possible. The retention and storage should also be based on applicable regulatory
requirements.
Samples should be stored so that there is no hazard to laboratory staff and the integrity
of the samples is preserved. Storage areas should be kept clean and organized so that
there is no risk of contamination or cross-contamination, nor of packaging and any
related seals being damaged. Adequate environmental conditions should be maintained,
to avoid damage or degradation of the test material. Records of environmental
monitoring to be maintained. An appropriate level of security should be exercised to
restrict unauthorized access to the samples.
All staff concerned with administration of the sample handling system should be properly
trained. The laboratory should have a documented policy for the retention and disposal
of samples. The disposal procedure should take into account the guidelines set out
above.
5.7.6 Reagents
The laboratory should purchase reagents only from reliable and reputed manufacturers.
The laboratory should also ensure that the quality of the reagents used is appropriate for
the tests concerned. The grade of reagent used (including water) should be as stated in
the method together with guidance on any specific precautions which should be
observed in its preparation or use. These precautions include toxicity; flammability;
stability to heat, air and light; reactivity to other chemicals; reactivity to particular
containers; and other hazards.
Labeling of reagents should identify substance, strength, solvent (where not water), any
special precautions or hazards, restrictions of use, and date of preparation and/or expiry.
Reagents used as primary standards for volumetric and gravimetric methods should
have traceability to National and International standards. In cases where primary
standards are not available the reagents should be analytical grade (e.g. AR or GR) and
it should have certificate of analysis from the manufacturer along with it.
Acids and alkalies prepared for volumetric analysis should be periodically checked for
their strength and documented properly.
Laboratory shall have a plan for PT/ILC participation as per NABL 162 / 163. The
requirements of initial accreditation shall be applicable when the laboratory adds
additional scope particularly new group or sub-group.
Laboratory shall submit the PT participation records as per the plan submitted to NABL
during the next accreditation cycle. Refer NABL 163.
The Chemical discipline is described in terms of groups and subgroups of test. Application for
accreditation may be made for one or more groups of tests or for subgroups or specific test
within a single group or subgroup. Where the existing group does not appear to cover the needs
of a laboratory, NABL secretariat welcomes proposals for additional groups or tests to be
included in this discipline. The scope of accreditation may be reviewed and extended on
request, provided that the laboratory complies with conditions for accreditation for the groups of
test or specific tests involved.
6.1 Adhesives
Starch based adhesives
Natural gums
Glues
Polymer based adhesives (Synthetic)
Physical Properties
Other
6.10 Fertilizers
Nitrogenous Fertilizers
Phosphatic Fertlizers
Potassic Fertlizers
Fertiliser Mixtures
Micronutrients
Macrnutrients
Fortified Fertilizers
Bio-Fertilizer
Other
6.14 Glass
Clear glass
Tinted glass
Reflective Glass
Stain Glass
Textured or pattern glass
Laminated Glass
Wired Glass
Other
6.20 Lubricants
Oils & greases
Solid lubricants
Aviation lubricants
Lubricant additives
Microcrystalline wax
Insulation oils
Other
6.40 Water
Surface Water
Ground Water
Drinking Water
Packaged Drinking water
Construction Water
Swimming Pool Water
Industrial Water
Industrial water
Irrigation water
Water from purifiers
Others
ISO/ IEC 17025: 2005 General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and
Calibration Laboratories
ISO Guide 30 Terms and Definitions used in connection with reference materials.
ISO 78-2:1999, Layout for Standards – part 2: Standards for chemical Analysis
Eurachem Guide: The Fitness for Purpose of Analytical Methods – A Laboratory Guide
to Method Validation and Related Topics (1998)
st
Alkalinity as APHA-21 Ed. 5-600mg/L 6 + 0.2 This is correct way of writing. For
HCO3 2005- 2320 B mg/l each specific test if laboratory
IS 3025 uses different methods than it
(P-23) 1986 553.7+ should write each method for
R1998 Amnd.1 8.8 mg/l which it wants accreditation and
st
Residual APHA-21 Ed. >1 mg/l 1.2+ 0.1 describe range of testing/ LOQ
Chlorine 2005- 4500- mg/l and MU for each method if it‟s
Cl:B different. The complete details of
Iodometric 0.1-2 mg/l test methods including
method 0.2+ 0.02 year/edition and amendments
mg/l needs to be written
st
APHA-21 Ed.
2005- 4500-
Cl:G
DPD
Colorimetric
method
Ambient Air / Sulphur IS: 5182 (Pt-2) 5-1050 Clubbing of sub group here is
3
Work Zone / dioxide 2001 µg/m wrong as the test method IS:
Fugitive 5182 are for ambient air and not
Monitoring for work zone and fugitive
monitoring.
Ambient Air PM 2.5 Manufacturer‟s 1-300 This is correct
3
manual and µg/m
Draft CPCB
Guidelines-
(Lab/SOP/ AIR
/06)
Sludge Ni in IS 3025 : Part 0.1 -3 1.1 0.08 This is correct
Leachate 54 : 2003 or mg/kg
st
APHA 21
Ed.2005
(Leachate
preparation by
LATS/9/2008-
09)
- Fibre & Solvent IS:4390-2001, 0.1-10% These are sub groups in 6.28.
Filaments Extractable (RA-07)
- Yarns & Matter If the same test method is
Chords, applicable to different test items,
- Fabrics, these items can be clubbed
Garments together.
and made-
ups
- Auxiliaries
- Technical
textile
(Geo-
Textiles,
Medical
Textiles,
Automotive
Textiles)
3. Agricultural Products
c) Intermediate checks
e) Complete recalibration.
Some items of equipment, such as balances, require rechecking if they are moved and
recalibration if they are repaired.
For in house calibrations, by laboratory staff, the laboratory shall be suitably equipped with
appropriate calibration procedures (along with the applicable measurement of uncertainty) and
the staff shall demonstrate its competence to perform in house calibrations.
Where calibrations are performed by laboratory staff, full records of these measurements must
be maintained, including details of the numerical results, date of calibration and other relevant
observations.
The guidelines detailed below are provided as a reference to benefit laboratories and their users
and the laboratory can demonstrate the reasons for not following the same.
Autoclave, Temp
controlled waterbath,
furnances
4. Thermometers (Liquid Calibration from Once a year Check at ice Ice point. If outside
in glass) accredited point or at points of use. five times the
laboratory. uncertainty of the
calibration, complete
recalibration is
required.
5 rRTD, PRT, Every year,
Thermocouple with across working
indicator range or at points
of use from an
accredited
calibration
laboratory.
6. TIMING DEVICES
Stop watches, clock, Every Year
Note 1: the staff should be trained to handle the lab ware appropriately, to avoid abuse (avoid
overheating and use of corrosive solutions and ensure appropriate cleaning) of the volumetric
labwares, so as to ensure the validity of calibration through its life.
Note 2; For instruments/ equipments not covered above, the following guidance documents
may be followed;
a. ISO/IEC 17025 Field Application Document Chemical Testing, NATA
b. Specific criteria chemical testing-International Accreditation, New Zealand;
c. Technical Notes C&B 002 Quality Assurance of Equipment Commonly Used in
Chemical and Biological Testing Laboratories SAC Accreditation Program
d. Manufacturer‟s instruction manual.
Note 3 ; The calibration history for each instrument must be recorded.
Note 4 ; Calibrations using 2 or 3 points (and zero) must adequately cover the range. One
point must be between 75% and 90% of full scale.
The following general principles apply to the major analytical instruments used in the laboratory
that are calibrated primarily in-house by use of reference materials of known composition.
a) Sufficient and appropriate reference materials* must be used to calibrate instruments over
the full analytical range required to establish the measurement characteristics of the
instrument (linearity, sensitivity, etc).
Note: This annexure may be treated as a guideline and not as NABL requirement.