The
NAB-MALTA is glad to announce that the policy ATG16 “Flexible Scope –
Implementation and Management” will be published on 1st November 2019. Initially this policy will only apply for
testing laboratories that have already completed one accreditation cycle,
although justifiable exceptions will be considered.
This
publication will outline the policy of the NAB-MALTA for laboratories wishing
to implement and maintain a management system capable of controlling a flexible
scope of accreditation. This policy enables an accredited testing laboratory to
assume responsibility for the management of all or part of its scope of
accreditation without the necessity of a preliminary evaluation of the
NAB-MALTA for each new activity.
Flexible
scopes of accreditation will therefore allow accredited testing laboratories to
make changes in methodology and other parameters which fall within their
competence. To achieve this, the accredited laboratory will need to have a
design process in place.
The
NAB-MALTA intends to run a pilot programme for accredited laboratories wishing
to apply for a flexible scope of accreditation. Conceivably, there will
potentially be a varying range of flexible scope applications within the realms
of testing. Thus, applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the
assessment team, and the best way forward agreed upon.
The
NAB-MALTA would like to thank all the interested parties and stakeholders for
their valued input during the drafting of this policy.
To view this policy please click on the following link ATG16r0_Flexible_Scope_Policy.pdf
