Proficiency testing schemes operate by providing participating
laboratories with test samples for analysis. Laboratories analyse
the test samples, preferably as part of their normal routine, and
reports the results to the scheme organisers. They are then
provided with a report showing how closely their results agree with
the accepted values. Regular participation in a proficiency-testing
scheme
-
Provides staff with an insight into their laboratory's
performance
-
Benchmarks performance with that of other participant
laboratories
-
Demonstrates to end users of analytical data, regulatory
bodies and accrediation bodies that there is a commitment to
measurement quality
HSL Proficiency Testing Schemes
HSL currently operates the following four proficiency testing
schemes in support of workplace and environmental air quality
assessments:
Asbestos in
Materials Scheme
Regular Inter-laboratory
Counting Exchange
SEM Fibre Counting
Scheme
Workplace
Analysis Scheme for Proficiency
The schemes are open to both UK and overseas participants.
Summary information can be found on the individual PT
scheme pages and in detail within the participant handbook
available for each scheme.
HSL Proficiency Testing Stock Samples and Laboratory Reference
Materials
Test samples are also available, surplus from previously
completed PT rounds (AIMS Stock Samples) and (WASP Stock Samples) for training of
new analysts or for laboratories to take corrective action prior to
the next official proficiency test round.
Laboratory Reference Materials are also available as set up
samples or identification test samples (Asbestos Reference
Materials) and method recovery test samples (Welding Fume Reference
Materials)
Nitrogen Dioxide in Ambient Air Proficiency Testing
Schemes
As part of their provision of support to UK Local Authorities
for air quality management, Defra and the Devolved Administrations
provide a set of centralised QA/QC
services, to assist Local Authorities using diffusive samplers
for monitoring of nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
concentration in ambient air. These services are managed by Bureau Veritas
UK. HSL assists in this process by providing the WASP
NO2 PT scheme and this scheme is open to both
UK and overseas participants
Further details can be found by clicking on the link in the
green box.
Address & Phone Number
The Proficiency Testing Team
Health and Safety Laboratory
Harpur Hill
Buxton
Derbyshire
SK17 9JN
Tel: 00 44 (0)1298 218553