Transcript Slide 1

National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia
NATA accreditation and criteria for validation and
verification
Mark Worrell – RACI Seminar
27 February 2014
www.nata.com.au
National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia
Today’s presentation
1. What is NATA?
2. NATA’s recognition
3. NATA’s role
4. International recognition
5. Accreditation process and approach
www.nata.com.au
National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia
What is NATA …
• NATA is a not-for-profit company.
• Established in 1947 “to meet the needs of government, industry and
commerce and thus assist in maintaining the products of industry at a
high standard”.
• 180 staff
• Offices in Sydney (head office), Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and
Perth
• >3000 accredited facilities - government and private sector
• ~3000 active voluntary technical assessors
www.nata.com.au
National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia
NATA’s recognition …
• NATA is formally recognised by the Federal Government through a
memorandum of understanding:
- Government obligations include support for international activities
and promotion of NATA’s role in the domestic economy and trade
- NATA’s primary obligation is to facilitate a reliable test,
measurement and inspection infrastructure
www.nata.com.au
National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia
NATA’s Role …
Program
Standard
Facility
Numbers
Laboratory
ISO/IEC 17025
2269
Inspection
ISO/IEC 17020
146
Medical
ISO/IEC 15189
702
Medical Imaging
RANZCR
Standards
59
PTP
ISO/IEC 17043
14
R&D
Relevant
Standards
8
RMP
ISO Guide 34
17
Sleep Disorder Services ASA Standards
2
OECD GLP
22
OECD principles
Total
www.nata.com.au
3239
National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia
NATA’s Role …
• NATA maintains a co-operative relationship with the organisations
that comprise Australia’s Technical Infrastructure Alliance (TIA)
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Joint Accreditation System – Australia & New Zealand (JAS-ANZ)
- accreditation of certification bodies (management system and
product) and inspection bodies
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National Measurement Institute
- maintenance/production of physical, chemical and biological
standards
- regulation of trade measurement
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Standards Australia
- development and publication of documentary standards
www.nata.com.au
National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia
International Mutual Recognition Arrangements …
• NATA is a member of both the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Co-operation
(APLAC)
• MRAs facilitate the acceptance of calibration, test, measurement and
inspection (conformity assessment) reports from an accredited facility in
one economy by industry and regulatory authorities in another economy
• MRAs are based on a process of peer evaluations – accreditation bodies
assessing accreditation bodies
- recognise the equivalence of accreditation processes
- compliance with ISO/IEC 17011 Conformity assessment – General
requirements for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity
assessment bodies
www.nata.com.au
National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia
Accreditation Process …
• Key elements of the NATA accreditation process include:
- Ongoing, on-site assessment of staff and facilities
- Assessment teams consisting of specialists (peers) who have a sound
understanding of all activities for which accreditation is sought/held
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Management systems and technical reviews
A focus on demonstrated and practical competence
A cooperative, constructive approach
A strong foundation for ongoing quality improvement
www.nata.com.au
National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia
Accreditation Process …
• Assessment
 Asking questions of all levels of staff regarding competency and
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experience
Reviewing test methods/validation
Observing practical tests/calibrations/inspections
Checking quality control and proficiency testing results
Ensuring that facility practices are consistent with documented
procedures
Examining records
Report on Assessment
www.nata.com.au
National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia
Further information
– www.nata.com.au
– Email: [email protected]
www.nata.com.au