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 operates the following proficiency testing schemes in
support of workplace and environmental risk assessments:
- Asbestos in Materials Scheme (AIMS): Asbestos fibre identification in different
bulk materials.
- Regular Inter-laboratory Counting Exchange (RICE): Filters for counting asbestos fibres in
air.
- Workplace Analysis Scheme for Proficiency (WASP): Metals, quartz and organic components in
air.
The schemes are open to both UK and overseas participants.
Further details can be found on the individual scheme
pages.
HSL Proficiency Testing Stock Samples and Asbestos Reference
Materials
Test samples are also available, surplus from previously
completed PT rounds (WASP Stock Samples) and (AIMS Stock Samples) for training of
new analysts or for laboratories to take corrective action prior to
the next official proficiency test round. Asbestos reference
materials are also available as set up samples or identification
test samples (Asbestos 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 in the NO2Network page.
For more information on the above schemes or to join please
email proficiency.testing@hsl.gov.uk
or contact:
The Proficiency Testing Team
Health and Safety Laboratory
Harpur Hill
Buxton
Derbyshire
SK17 9JN
Tel: 00 44 (0)1298 218553
Fax: 00 44 (0)1298 218572