Construction Materials Testing (CMT) - GAC

Supplementary accreditation requirements for construction materials testing

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Approved by: Saud Rashed Alaskar

Construction Materials Testing (CMT)

Update History

Table A shows the changes that have been made to each version of this document and who made them:

TABLE A

Version Issued Modified by Comments

Draft 5 13 February 2009

Draft 6 16 April 2009 Bettina Poxleitner Amendments to take into account comments form Kuwait and Bahrain.

Draft 7 17 April 2009 Graeme Drake Editorial changes to take into account new standardised wording across all GAC FADs

Draft 8 21 April 2009 Susan Jones Final editing

Version1 01 August 2013 Brahim Houla Incorporation of new Logo

Version 2 01/01/2015 Brahim Houla updating the Accreditation cycle


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CONTENTS Construction Materials Testing (CMT) .............................................................................. 1

INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 4

1 SCOPE ......................................................................................................................... 5

2 NORMATIVE DOCUMENTS .................................................................................... 5

3 TERMS AND DEFINITIONS ..................................................................................... 7

4. MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS .................................................................... 9

4.1 Organization ........................................................................................................ 9

4.2 Management system ............................................................................................ 9

4.3 Document control ................................................................................................ 9

4.4 Review of requests, tenders and contracts .......................................................... 9

4.5 Subcontracting of tests and calibrations ............................................................. 9

4.6 Purchasing services and supplies ...................................................................... 10

4.7 Service to the customer ..................................................................................... 10

4.8 Complaints ........................................................................................................ 10

4.9 Control of nonconforming testing and/or calibration work .............................. 10

4.10 Improvement ..................................................................................................... 10

4.11 Corrective action ............................................................................................... 10

4.12 Preventive action ............................................................................................... 10

4.13 Control of records ............................................................................................. 10

4.14 Internal audits .................................................................................................... 11

4.15 Management reviews ........................................................................................ 11

5. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................ 12

5.1 General .............................................................................................................. 12

5.2 Personnel ........................................................................................................... 12

5.3 Accommodation and environmental conditions ............................................... 14

5.4 Test and calibration methods and method validation ....................................... 14

5.5 Equipment ......................................................................................................... 15

5.6 Measurement traceability .................................................................................. 16

5.7 Sampling ........................................................................................................... 17

5.8 Handling of test and calibration items .............................................................. 18

5.9 Assuring the quality of test and calibration results ........................................... 19

5.10 Reporting the results ......................................................................................... 19

6 BIBLIOGRAPHY ...................................................................................................... 23

APPENDIX A – INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS AND ACCREDITED FACILITIES

26

A.1 Gulf Accreditation Centre – An introduction ................................................... 26

A.2 Administrative information ............................................................................... 29

A.3 Accreditation requirements ............................................................................... 31


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A.4 The accreditation process .................................................................................. 34

APPENDIX B - EQUIPMENT CALIBRATION INTERVALS ..................................... 41

B.1 Calibration of common test equipment ............................................................. 41

B.2 Checks performed in-house .............................................................................. 42

B.3 Suspending calibration or checks ...................................................................... 43

B.5 Storage of equipment including reference equipment ...................................... 43

B.6 Calibration and check intervals for Construction Materials Testing equipment44 Calibration and check intervals for General items of equipment ............................................ 44 Calibration and check intervals for cement, admixtures and supplementary cementitious materials testing equipment ................................................................................................................... 52 Calibration and check intervals for concrete testing equipment ............................................. 53 Calibration and check intervals for aggregates and soils testing equipment ......................... 55 Calibration intervals for asphalt and bituminous materials testing equipment ....................... 61

APPENDIX C - CLASSES OF TEST .............................................................................. 62


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INTRODUCTION

This document provides information and supplementary accreditation requirements for the accreditation of facilities that fulfil the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2005, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. This document has been prepared and is used by the Accreditation Centre of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GAC) in the delivery of its accreditation services. Information and the supplementary accreditation requirements in this document are intended to assist organisations seeking or holding accreditation with the GAC. Accreditation is formal third-party recognition of the competence of testing facilities (including laboratories). Such recognition offers benefits for many parties interested in the outcomes of accredited testing facilities. Accreditation allows the testing facilities to demonstrate that they meet the requirements of the relevant standard(s), that they systematically manage their practices, and identify and manage their technical competence. Accreditation results in testing facilities being publicly identified as being competent to perform defined scopes of testing that allows customers to readily find organisations able to meet their needs. Accreditation offers users of testing services, stakeholders and the community added assurance regarding the independence and competence of the facility. Sections 1 to 5 of this document follow the content of ISO/IEC 17025:2005, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. The Appendices contain further information and requirements including more general information on the GAC and its accreditation process (see Appendix A).


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1 SCOPE

The general requirements for quality and competence for mechanical testing facilities are provided in ISO/IEC 17025:2005, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, hereafter referred to as 'ISO/IEC 17025'. These requirements are designed to apply to all types of laboratory testing and therefore supplementary accreditation requirements are necessary with respect to specific types of testing, and the techniques involved. The supplementary accreditation requirements contained in this document cover the area of construction materials testing. Construction materials testing includes the testing of:

Aggregates

Asphalts

Bituminous materials

Cement and clay based products

Cements and cementitious materials

Concrete

Construction materials testing equipment

Gypsum and gypsum products

Masonry

Masonry units and segmental pavers

Pedestrian surfaces

Refractories

Road making materials

Road pavement and surfaces

Rocks

Soils

These supplementary accreditation requirements are applicable to all testing facilities irrespective of size, range of testing or number of personnel. It should be noted however that it is not possible to set rigid requirements for all aspects of a facility’s operation. Some flexibility is necessary so that each facility’s unique situation can be considered. The acceptability (or otherwise) of certain practices can therefore only be determined by assessment. Information on the assessment process is contained in Appendix A.

2 NORMATIVE DOCUMENTS


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This document must be read in conjunction with all relevant requirements that comprise the GAC accreditation requirements. Mechanical testing facilities accredited by the GAC must comply with:

a) this document; b) all requirements of ISO/IEC 17025; c) the regulations, standards, codes or guidelines detailed in their scope of

accreditation; d) specific industry application guidance published and identified by GAC; e) the GAC Rules; f) relevant GAC technical notes and any other policies or requirements that may be

issued from time to time; and g) relevant statutory requirements.

Updated and additional information relating to specific areas of testing/calibration or changes or additions to accreditation requirements may be issued from time to time. These shall supersede any previous requirements where indicated and may be either mandatory for accreditation or intended to provide guidance. The GAC website contains the most up to date list of applicable accreditation requirements (see www.GCC-Accreditation.org). Technical Notes are also available to assist facilities in relation to particular technical issues. A number of these are referenced in this document. They are intended to provide guidance and therefore do not contain requirements for accreditation, unless specifically indicated. Copies may be obtained from GAC offices or from the website.


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3 TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

The clause numbers in sections 1 to 5 in this document follow those of ISO/IEC 17025 but as not all clauses require interpretation the numbering may not be continuous. It is recognised that not all construction material testing activities are performed in a laboratory, and hence the term 'facility' is used throughout this document. The words 'shall' and 'must' are used interchangeably throughout this document and describe mandatory criteria for accreditation. The word 'should' is used where guidance is provided but does not preclude other acceptable practices. Notes are used for matters of an explanatory, advisory or informative nature. Any references to the GAC Rules, Fee Schedule, Technical Notes, and other documents etc imply the current version of such documents. Where the words 'policy' and 'procedure' are used in ISO/IEC 17025 it is possible that one document may meet the requirements of the standard. This will be determined at assessment. The word 'sample' and 'specimen' are used interchangeably throughout this document. References to 'him' also imply 'her' where this is the case.

Calibration an operation that, under specified conditions, in a first step, establishes a relation between the quantity values with measurement uncertainties provided by measurement standards and corresponding indications with associated measurement uncertainties and, in a second step, uses this information to establish a relation for obtaining a measurement result from an indication (ISO/IEC Guide 99:2007(VIM), definition 2.39). Check a measurement of at least one point in a range of a measuring instrument or system or material against a known value to confirm that it has not deviated significantly from its original calibrated value. It is also an examination of the condition of an artefact to determine that it has not been adversely affected by constant use. Metrological Traceability


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property of a measurement result whereby the result can be related to a reference through a documented unbroken chain of calibrations, each contributing to the measurement uncertainty (ISO/IEC Guide 99:2007 (VIM), definition 2.39).


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4. MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS

The numbering used in Sections 4 and 5 of this document correspond to the same numbered clauses in ISO/IEC 17025. Where a clause is not listed, it is considered that the wording is sufficiently clear and detailed in ISO/IEC 17025 so as not to warrant further explanation. There are no supplementary accreditation requirements related to those clauses.

4.1 Organization

For laboratory staff who may also have production or marketing-related responsibilities, clear policies must be available to define how impartiality is assured for their testing responsibilities.

4.2 Management system

Quality documentation must: a) include or reference the list of approved signatories for the scopes of accreditation;

and b) a policy on the use of the Gulf Accreditation Centre (GAC) Mark and endorsement.

4.3 Document control

No supplementary requirements apply. Refer to ISO/IEC 17025, Clause 4.3.

4.4 Review of requests, tenders and contracts

4.4.1 Laboratories must obtain a copy of the work contract or detailed customer’s specifications that cover the testing requirements of each project prior to the commencement of testing.

4.4.2 These documents must be kept in the laboratory’s record system and, along with the

records of the review of contracts, must be available for review at an assessment.

4.5 Subcontracting of tests and calibrations

4.5.1 Where possible, subcontractors should be accredited for the services they are providing. All results reported by a subcontractor shall state whether or not those results are within the subcontractor accreditation scope. The accreditation status of accredited subcontractors shall be regularly reviewed to ensure it is keep up to date.


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4.6 Purchasing services and supplies

4.6.1 Reagents/materials/solutions of significance to the testing and calibrations must be appropriately stored. Shelf lives of perishable materials must be set, documented and followed. Each batch of reagent or material must be verified before use and records retained. Solutions prepared in-house must be labelled with appropriate identification, date of preparation, the concentration, the identity of the preparer and, where appropriate, an expiry date.

4.7 Service to the customer

No supplementary requirements apply.

4.8 Complaints


4.9 Control of nonconforming testing and/or calibration work


4.10 Improvement


4.11 Corrective action


4.12 Preventive action

NOTE: Preventive action is a proactive process to identify improvement opportunities, rather than a reaction to the identification of problems or complaints. Total quality management tools such as brainstorming, flowcharting, Pareto charts etc may assist this process. Consideration should also be given to providing staff with a formal mechanism for contributing suggestions for improvement.

4.13 Control of records

4.13.1 General


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4.13.1.1 Unless otherwise prescribed by legislation or contractual obligation, retention times will not be less than six years or, in the case of equipment records, shall be not less than twice the maximum recalibration interval of equipment (whichever is the longer period).

4.13.1.2 All records must include the identity of the person making the record. 4.13.2 Technical records 4.13.2.1 Technical records system must include a copy of each test report or certificate that

contains work covered by the scope of accreditation, or must allow one to be reproduced, including details such as the endorsement (if applicable) and identification of the person who authorised the report.

4.13.2.2 In general, the records system must include the following:

a) the sample (test item) identification; b) the test document identification; c) date of test; d) the identity of the test method; e) the identity of the test equipment; f) original test observations; g) the identity of the person performing the test; h) an indication that calculations and manual data transfers have been checked; and i) any other information specified in the test method, other contractual documents or

relevant statutory regulations. 4.13.2.3 Alterations to data must also include the date the change was made.

4.14 Internal audits

4.14.1 An internal audit must be performed prior to accreditation being granted. 4.14.2 The internal audit schedule shall cover both the management and technical

requirements of ISO/IEC 17025, over a twelve-month period.

4.15 Management reviews

The effectiveness of the management system shall be reviewed by management at least once per year.


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5. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS The numbering used in Sections 4 and 5 of this document correspond to the same numbered clauses in ISO/IEC 17025. Where a clause is not listed, it is considered that the wording is sufficiently clear and detailed in ISO/IEC 17025 so as not to warrant further explanation. There are no supplementary accreditation requirements related to those clauses. Section 5 also includes and number of annexes that contain additional supplementary accreditation requirements related to testing and calibration in specific areas.

5.1 General


5.2 Personnel

5.2.1 Qualifications 5.2.1.1 Laboratories must ensure that staff are appropriately qualified, trained or licensed with

respect to particular requirements of a test method. 5.2.1.3 Where, on assessment or by circumstance, a laboratory is found not to have suitable

personnel available to cover the complete range of its scope of accreditation, the accreditation will be suspended for those parts of the scope of accreditation where appropriate competence is no longer available.

5.2.1.4 At assessment the system for report generation and technical oversight of report content

and authorisation will be assessed. This may involve discussion with a sample of staff with reporting authority and review of a selection of issued documents.

5.2.1.5 Staff holding formal qualifications and membership of professional societies may be

requested to provide proof of these as part of the assessment process. 5.2.2 Organisation responsibility 5.2.2.1 An organisation that has staff that work in either physically isolated situations (e.g.

sampling and compaction control work) or geographically remote locations, must ensure that adequate technical control is maintained. This requires the location of an approved signatory for the tests being performed at each facility and a visit by an appropriately experienced, competent and authorised person to each facility at least once each month. Records of the dates and relevant activities of each visit must be kept in the latter case. The adequacy of technical control will be reviewed at assessment.


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5.2.3 Laboratory personnel 5.2.2.1 Laboratories may engage staff on a casual, part-time or consultancy basis and these

staff may be involved in report creation and authorisation, provided the above issues are addressed. People who are also engaged in work outside the laboratory must also hold a written contract, statement or agreement with the laboratory in which: a) their role and authority in the laboratory is clearly defined, b) they agree to hold confidential information relating to customers of the laboratory c) issues relating to any conflict of interest are addressed.

5.2.2.3 The agreement should further indicate that the laboratory is responsible for work

performed by the consultant including acceptance of the indemnity responsibilities detailed in the GAC Rules.

5.2.4 Records of staff competence 5.2.4.1 Laboratories must document how they determine staff to be competent with respect to

each test or group of associated tests undertaken. The records may need to allow for varying levels of competency depending on the needs of the facility.

NOTE A combination of acceptable approaches would incorporate documented evidence such

as:

a) initial practical training and on-going training; b) a written examination; c) successful participation in a quality assurance activity; d) a technical audit against relevant points of a test method.

The records need to indicate the person who conducted and verified the level of competence achieved, along with the review date. The need for additional re-training must be evaluated and recorded whenever a standard test or in-house method has significantly changed following its reissue or issue of an amendment. Records need to be kept that indicate that staff competency has been regularly reassessed.


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5.3 Accommodation and environmental conditions

Laboratories must ensure that legislation and regulations are complied with in relation to any safety requirements specified in a test method.

5.4 Test and calibration methods and method validation

5.4.1 General No supplementary requirements apply.

5.4.2 Selection of methods

When a recognised test method is withdrawn or superseded during the course of a contract, accreditation for the withdrawn or superseded method may be continued for the length of that contract. In such cases, laboratories must report the year of publication of the withdrawn or superseded method.

Laboratory-developed methods Accreditation for draft standards is not available. Laboratories may however be accredited for such methods if they are documented and validated as laboratory-developed methods.

In-house test methods must contain sufficient detail to enable other personnel to follow the procedures without difficulty.

5.4.4 Non-standard methods

In-house test methods and calibration procedures must be validated and documented. The source, on which an in-house developed method is based, should be referenced.

5.4.5 Validation of methods

Validation data must be retained and available for review at assessment. 5.4.6 Estimation of uncertainty of measurement 5.4.6.1 Uncertainty of measurement for calibrations

Laboratories performing in-house calibrations need to provide estimates of measurement uncertainty for each calibration.

5.4.6.2 Uncertainty of measurement for testing laboratories 5.4.6.2.1 Where the results of tests are not numerical (e.g. pass/fail, positive/negative,

detected/not detected or other qualitative data), estimates of measurement uncertainty or other variability estimates will not be required.


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NOTE Laboratories are encouraged to have an understanding of the variability of the results. 5.4.6.2.2 Many test methods in the field of Construction Materials Testing fall into the category

covered by Note 2 in clause 5.4.6.2 of ISO/IEC 17025, i.e. "a well recognised test method" which "specifies limits to the values of the major sources of uncertainty of measurement and specifies the form of presentation of calculated results". For those test methods "the laboratory is considered to have satisfied this clause by following the test method and reporting instructions."

5.4.6.2.3 Evidence of following the test method includes having records or reports to demonstrate

that each item of equipment or measurement meets the limits specified in the test method. For test methods which do not meet the requirements of Note 2 of 5.4.6.2, such as in-house test methods, and standard methods that do not specify limits to the major sources of uncertainty, laboratories need to provide, at assessments, estimates of uncertainty of measurement for each test method and details of how these values were obtained.

5.4.7 Control of data 5.4.7.1 Facilities shall ensure that appropriate checks of calculations and data transfers have

been carried out before results are issued.

Transcription errors are a common source of incorrect results. Whenever possible, a second officer should check all calculations and data transfers. Worksheets must have a place dedicated for the signature of the checking officer. Special care should be taken to ensure that correct formulas are used in computer spreadsheets.

Problems are also caused when computer files such as spreadsheets, word processor worksheets and/or report files are reused by overwriting previous results. Only blank templates should be used. Validation of spreadsheets must be carried out initially and after changes to software. It must include careful examination of cell formulae as well as comparison against data sets that have been manually checked. Signed and dated validation records must be kept.

5.5 Equipment

The laboratory shall be able to demonstrate and show evidence that equipment has been calibrated at appropriate intervals. These intervals are prescribed in Appendix B.


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5.6 Measurement traceability

5.6.1 General Equipment that has a significant effect on the reported results and associated

uncertainties of measurement (including, where relevant, instruments used for monitoring critical environmental conditions) shall be calibrated by one or more of the following:

a) appropriately accredited calibration facilities and the results reported on an endorsed

document; b) a signatory to the CIPM MRA. NOTE In this last instance, the calibration must actually be performed by the national metrology

institute. Unendorsed reports from organizations claiming traceability to a national metrology institute or those bearing only an ISO 9000 series certification endorsement are not acceptable.

5.6.2 Specific requirements 5.6.2.1 In-house calibrations

A facility performing its own calibrations will also be subject to technical assessment of these calibrations.

NOTE The assessment team will determine if the in-house calibrations are fit for the purpose

for which they are being used and that a reasonable estimate of the associated measurement uncertainty has been made. Where possible, the review of in-house calibrations will be covered as part of the traceability and calibration aspects during reassessments. Where significant additional assessment time or additional assessors are required, there will be an additional and on going cost associated with this activity. Specialist calibration assessors will only be used when either the calibration is outside the area of expertise of the technical assessors who would normally conduct the assessment or it will be more time or cost effective. In some cases, additional post assessment follow-up may be necessary. Typically, an additional technical assessor would not be required when the uncertainty of measurement obtained from the in-house calibration is much greater (>3) than that achieved by accredited calibration facilities. This exception will be assessed during an assessment.

5.6.2.2 Testing

Reference standards and equipment shall be calibrated over the range and to the appropriate level of accuracy as specified in relevant test methods.

5.6.3 Reference standards and reference materials


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When the laboratory undertakes calibration of equipment using certified reference materials or reference materials developed through comparison with certified reference materials, it must be able to demonstrate that it has: a) sufficient reference materials to calibrate the relevant items of equipment over the

desired measurement ranges; b) records of the identity and source of each reference material; c) documentation of the assigned property values of each reference material; and d) taken all necessary precautions to match the matrices of the reference materials to

those encountered in the laboratory’s test samples, or determined and accounted for the effects of any non-matching of matrices.

5.7 Sampling

Sampling may be conducted by the laboratory, by another section in the organisation or by a separate organisation. Where a sampling body samples materials that are to be tested by another laboratory, the sampling body should issue an endorsed report carrying the information of ISO/IEC 17025 5.10.3.2. In cases where sampling and/or sample preparation are not included in the standard test methods, the laboratory must have its own documented in house procedures for these activities that have been validated for the intended purpose. The validation must be demonstrated using appropriate data. If they do not, all test reports must clearly indicate that the results apply only to the sample submitted (and not to any batch).

Staff from other areas of an organisation (e.g. factory personnel, engineers) may undertake sampling provided that they are appropriately trained, supervised, and records are maintained by the laboratory. When the laboratory has only partial or no control over sampling the following issues must be addressed: a) test documents must include details of the supplier of the sample and other

relevant historical information such as its condition on receipt, and the reported date of sampling. If a sample has a characteristic that casts doubt on its validity, but it is not possible to reject the sample, a clear statement of the perceived deficiencies must be made on the report;

b) when non-laboratory staff such as customers, suppliers or staff from other areas of the organisation, who have not been trained by appropriate laboratory staff take samples, they should be provided with written sampling instructions where possible. It may be necessary for the laboratory to supply appropriate clean and labelled sampling containers and/or training in sampling techniques;


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c) if the test method specifies the use of a particular sampling method, and it cannot be determined if the sampling method was followed, this fact must be acknowledged on reports.

d) where sampling is not carried out under the scope of accreditation of the laboratory by its own personnel (i.e. as in (a), (b) or (c) above), the test results cannot be extended to cover a batch or consignment. This must be clearly indicated on test reports (endorsed or unendorsed) by a statement such as: 'Sample tested as received' or 'Sample provided by production' etc.

NOTE1 Routine sampling falls within the scope of ISO/IEC 17025, so that where ISO/IEC 17025

uses the word 'laboratory' it is also referring to bodies conducting sampling. The phrase 'testing and/or calibration' includes sampling activities. Facilities that only perform sampling may hold accreditation for this activity and issue endorsed sampling reports. Depending upon the structure of the organisation, the assessment of sampling activities may be included as an element of the laboratory assessment, or may demand a different assessment team. In conducting an assessment of an organisation’s sampling activities all the management and technical requirements of ISO/IEC 17025, as relevant to sampling, will be assessed.

NOTE 2 In some cases appropriate sampling activities demand the development of job-specific sampling plans and/or the use of professional judgement. Sampling may also be performed as part of a wider inspection activity. Accreditation for these activities is possible under the Inspection Accreditation Program. Interested bodies are invited to contact the GAC to discuss accreditation of these sampling activities

NOTE 3 In the construction materials industry, the methods of sampling and sample preparation

are normally included in the test methods and consequently, unless specifically excluded from an accreditation, each laboratory is required to meet the requirements for sampling.

NOTE 4 When a batch or consignment is sampled in accordance with a method included in the

scope of accreditation, test results for samples may be extended to the batches or consignments from which they are drawn, providing that the sampling procedure is cited on the test report.

5.8 Handling of test and calibration items

5.8.1 Sample containers, where appropriate, must be leak-proof and impervious to contamination during transport. Any temperature or other environmental tolerances specified in the method must also be satisfied.

5.8.2 Samples must have identification labels that are secure and legible. Labelling on caps

and lids alone is not acceptable because of the risk of wrongly replacing lids during testing.


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5.8.3 Laboratories are required to record all samples taken in the field regardless of whether testing on the sample is to be undertaken or not. This also includes all samples supplied by a customer. Samples that are not required to be tested, can be recorded in a bulk format providing it is clear how many samples were received.

5.9 Assuring the quality of test and calibration results

5.9.1 Each laboratory must identify, document and implement the necessary checks, training and proficiency programs needed to maintain the required level of competency, records of these activities and their results must be maintained and be available for examination at each site.

5.9.1.1 Proficiency testing programs NOTE See Section B.5 of this document for information relating to proficiency testing. 5.9.1.1.1 Laboratories need to maintain records of programs in which they have participated. The

records need to include all results, the names of participants from the laboratory, analysis of the results and any follow-up action taken.

5.9.1.1.2 Laboratories are encouraged to participate in as many quality assurance programs as

possible. Where proficiency testing programs are not available, laboratories are encouraged to run their own programs and aim to involve other organisations that are accredited in the same areas of testing.

5.9.1.2 Infrequently performed tests 5.9.1.2.1 Laboratories that hold accreditation for tests that are performed infrequently must have a

documented system for ensuring that the laboratory’s competency to perform such tests is maintained.

5.9.1.2.2 Each laboratory must identify and document those tests that are infrequently performed. NOTE As a guide, a test may be considered infrequent if not performed more than once in

three months.

5.10 Reporting the results

5.10.1 General No supplementary requirements apply .


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5.10.2 Test reports and calibration certificates Test documents must include the information (a) - (k) detailed in clause 5.10.2 of

ISO/IEC 17025. The name in which accreditation is held, the relevant accreditation number of the

laboratory and the date of issue of the test document must also be included. Where photographic, electronic or mechanical means of reproduction of signatures or

names of signatories are used, the procedures in place, including appropriate authorisation of the test report at the time of issue (e.g. by the use of password protected templates), will be reviewed at assessments.

When a batch or consignment is sampled in accordance with a method included in the

scope of accreditation, test results for samples may be extended to the batches or consignments from which they are drawn.

The addition of tests and measurements for which accreditation is not held In instances where results of tests not covered by the scope of accreditation are included on test reports, the notation 'GAC accreditation does not cover the performance of this service' shall be applied.

NOTE Accredited laboratories are encouraged to apply the GAC endorsement to reports for

tests and related services covered by their accreditation. In addition, the GAC endorsement may need to be applied due to customer request, legislation, regulation or contract requirements or in the case of calibration certificates being supplied to an accredited facility.

5.10.3 Test reports

Where facilities issue preliminary test documents prior to final documents, the final test document shall contain a reference to the preliminary document.

Where unendorsed reports are issued on work covered by the scope of accreditation, all aspects of the testing, including the reports, must meet the accreditation requirements outlined in this document. Such documents must not include the GAC emblem, reference to the accreditation or any other reference to GAC.

NOTE Refer to GAC’s Rules for details of the circumstances under which unendorsed reports

must be issued.

Work on tests outside the scope of accreditation, and the associated unendorsed reports, must avoid any conflict with the proper interests of the customer or the general public and avoid bringing GAC into disrepute.


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In addition to the requirements detailed under ISO/IEC 17025, Subclause 5.10.2, test documents must also include information as described in a), b), c) and e) of this clause, where relevant. When statements of compliance* are made, the uncertainty of measurement shall be taken into account. A compliance statement may be made if: a) the measurement results fall within the specification limits by an amount at least equivalent to the uncertainty of measurement; or b) the measurement results fall within the specification limits and the uncertainty of

measurement is within the maximum permissible uncertainty prescribed in the specification; or

c) the test specification requires the compliance decision rule to be used and the measurement results meet the specified criteria; or d) the customer and laboratory have agreed to a compliance decision rule including a

tolerance to uncertainty ratio, and the measurement results and uncertainties meet the specified criteria. Records of the customer’s agreement must be retained and the decision criteria used specified in the report.

5.10.3.6 In all other cases compliance cannot be stated. The laboratory shall state the

measurement results and uncertainties of measurement. 5.10.4 Calibration certificates

No supplementary requirements apply . 5.10.5 Opinions and interpretations

In accordance with GAC policy, test documents for construction materials testing must not include interpretations and expressions of opinion.

5.10.6 Testing and calibration results obtained from subcontractors A test document may include results reported by another accredited laboratory within its scope of accreditation (as per this clause of ISO/IEC 17025) provided that it includes the following information from the original document: a) identification of the accredited facility by the name in which accreditation is held

and the accreditation number; and b) report/document identification.

5.10.7 Electronic transmission of results

Test reports may be electronically issued (including from a site other than the accredited laboratory) provided that the reports have been appropriately authorised for release. The adequacy of such arrangements will be reviewed at assessment.


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The laboratory must be able to demonstrate appropriate controls over the electronic generation, access, storage and back-up of results and reports and program controls such as password protection and audit trails. If the report is to be accessed from a web site by the customer there must be an appropriate control in place to ensure the report can only be downloaded in a protected format.

Any information normally included in a hardcopy report must be included on the electronically transmitted version and appear on screen and in any hard copy printed by the recipient. Flexible pagination to accommodate formatting changes when printed by the recipient, may also be required.

5.10.8 Format of reports and certificates


5.10.9 Amendments to test reports and calibration certificates No supplementary requirements apply.


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6 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Below are the references used by the Construction Materials Testing field as defined by GAC. GSO standards and equivalent Australian and international Standards are acceptable.

Australian NMI Temperature Measurement course – Book 2 E C Morris and K M K Fen, The Calibration of Weights and Balances, National Measurement Institute Australia Guidance documents covering the implementation of specific accreditation requirements are also available from the ILAC (www.ilac.org) and APLAC (www.aplac.org) websites. Handbook of Temperature Measurement (1998): Vol. 2 – Resistance and Liquid-in-glass Thermometry

UKAS Publication: Lab 22 – Traceability: Test Sieves Uniform Test Procedures, Inspectors Handbook No. 2 for class III and IV Instruments Standards

Standards

AS 1012 1 Sampling of fresh concrete AS 1012 3.1 Slump test AS 1012 3.3 Vebe Test AS 1012 4.1 Measuring reduction in concrete volume with increased air pressure AS 1012 4.2 Measuring reduction in air pressure in chamber above concrete AS 1012 8.1 Compression and indirect tensile test specimens AS 1012 8.2 Flexure test specimens AS 1012 9 Determination of the compressive strength of concrete specimens AS 1012 12.1 Rapid Measuring Method AS 1141 2 Basic Testing Equipment AS 1141 3.2 Sampling – Rock, spalls, boulders and drill core AS 1141 24 Aggregate Soundness – by exposure to sodium sulphate solution AS 1152 Specification for test sieves AS 1289 1.1 Sampling and preparation of soils-Preparation of disturbed soil

samples for testing AS 1289 2.1.1 Determination of the moisture content of a soil – Oven drying

method (standard method)


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AS 1289 2.1.4 Determination of the moisture content of a soil – Microwave-oven drying method (subsidiary method)

AS 1289 2.3.1 Establishment of correlation – Subsidiary method and the standard method (AS 1289 2.1.1)

AS 1289 3.1 1 Determination of the liquid limit of a soil – Oven drying method (standard method)

AS 1289 3.6.3 Determination of the particle size distribution of a soil – Standard method of fine analysis using a hydrometer

AS 1289 3.9.1 Determination of the cone liquid limit of soil AS 1289 5.4.1 Compaction control test – Dry density ratio (normal method) AS 1289 5.4.2 Assignment of maximum dry density and optimum moisture content

values AS 1289 5.8.1 Determination of field density and field moisture content using a

nuclear surface moisture-density gauge - Direct transmission mode AS 1289 5.8.4 Calibration using standard blocks AS 1290.4 Linear measuring instruments used in construction – retractable

steel pocket rules AS 1349 Bourdon tube pressure and vacuum gauges AS 1478 Chemical admixtures for concrete AS 1545 Methods for the calibration and grading of extensometers AS 1984 Vernier Callipers AS 2001.1 Methods of Test for Textiles – Conditioning Procedures AS 2026 Density hydrometers AS 2073 Methods for the testing of expanding admixtures for concrete,

mortar and grout AS 2102 Micrometer Callipers for external measurement AS 2103 Dial Gauges and Dial Test Indicators AS 2162.1 Verification and use of volumetric apparatus – General, volumetric

glassware AS 2193 Method of Calibration and grading of force-measuring systems of

testing machines AS 2243 Safety in Laboratories AS 2328 Micrometer heads-Metric series AS 2350 8 Fineness index of portland cement by air permeability method AS 2350 9 Determination of residue on the 45μm sieve AS 2350 Methods of testing Portland and Blended Cement AS 2853 Enclosures – Temperature Controlled-Performance testing and

grading AS 2891 14.1.1 Determination of field density of asphalt using a nuclear surface

moisture-density gauge - Direct transmission mode AS 2891 14.1.2 Determination of field density of asphalt using a nuclear surface

moisture-density gauge - Backscatter mode


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AS 2891 14.2 Determination of field density of asphalt using a nuclear thin-layer density gauge

AS 2891 14.3 Calibration of a nuclear thin-layer density gauge AS 2891 14.4 Calibration of a nuclear surface moisture-density gauge -

Backscatter mode AS 2891 Methods of Sampling and Testing Asphalt AS 2891.12.1 Dynamic creep test AS 2891.13.1 Indirect tensile method AS 2891.2.2 Compaction of asphalt test specimens using a gyratory compactor AS 2891.3 Bitumen Content and Aggregate Grading AS 2929 Test methods- Guide to the format, style and content AS 3798 Guidelines on earthworks for commercial and residential

developments AS HB 162 Australian Standard Handbook HB 162 – Rules for the structure and

drafting of Australian Standards. ASTM C1074 – 04 Standard Practice for Estimating Concrete Strength by the Maturity

Method ASTM D422 - 63 Standard Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils ASTM E100 – 95 Standard Specification for ASTM Hydrometers ASTM E126 - 92 Test Method for Inspection and Verification of Hydrometers BS 1797 Schedule for tables for use in the calibration of volumetric glassware BS 4035 Steel measuring tapes, steel bands, retractable steel pocket rules BS 410 Specification for test sieves ISO 3310 Test sieves – Technical requirements and testing ISO 649.1 Laboratory glassware- Density hydrometers for general purpose -

Specification ISO 649.2 Laboratory glassware- Density hydrometers for general purpose –

Test methods and use ISO 650 Relative density 60/60 degrees F hydrometer for general use ISO/IEC 17025 General Requirements For The Competence of Testing and

Calibration laboratories ISO/IEC Guide 98-3 Uncertainty of measurement -- Part 3: Guide to the expression of

uncertainty in measurement (GUM:1995) ISO/IEC Guide 99 International vocabulary of metrology – Basic and general concepts

and associated terms (VIM) JIS B75707 Vernier, dial and digital callipers


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APPENDIX A – INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS AND ACCREDITED FACILITIES Note reference to conformity assessment body in this Appendix means testing laboratory or facility.

A.1 Gulf Accreditation Centre – An introduction

A.1.1 Introduction

Accreditation is defined in international standards (ISO/IEC 17000) as:

third-party attestation related to a conformity assessment body conveying formal demonstration of its competence to carry out specific conformity assessment tasks

Accreditation is about assessing and giving an attestation about competence, especially in relation to the competence of organisations that undertake any form of: • testing (for example testing laboratories); • calibration (for example calibration laboratories); • inspection; • product certification; • management systems certification; • environmental system certification; and • food safety management system certification.

The regional organisation in the Gulf that provides accreditation services is the Accreditation Centre of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GAC). In the GCC Member States the organisation that provides these third-party attestations is the GAC. The accreditation process is highlighted in A.3 and other administrative requirements are identified in A.2.

A.1.2 The Accreditation Centre of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GAC) In the Gulf the Accreditation Centre of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GAC) is the region’s accreditation body. It is established by the GCC through a


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formal Agreement and is governed by a representative General Assembly, a Board of Directors and an appointed Secretary-general. The structure and provision of accreditation services by the GAC is in accordance with ISO/IEC 17011, Conformity assessment -- General requirements for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies. The GAC Rules have more information about the GAC and also set out obligations that the GAC, applicants for accreditation and accredited facilities must adhere to. The GAC publishes and updates requirements for accreditation covering specific scopes of accreditation from time to time. These requirements are drafted by Technical Advisory Committees for specific technical areas and approved by the Secretary-general.

A.1.3 Scopes of accreditation for conformity assessment Accreditation is described by classes and sub-classes to facilitate searching for appropriate facilities. The collective expression or scope of a conformity assessment body’s accreditation is known as its scope of accreditation. These classes and subclasses are fixed descriptors with free text being used to qualify or amplify the scope as necessary. Where the scope of activities of a conformity assessment body cannot be adequately described by existing descriptors, the GAC may establish new classes and subclasses. A copy of the classes available in the field of conformity assessment body accreditation is provided in Appendix C of this document.

A.1.4 Relationship between GAC and accredited bodies Accreditation offers formal third-party attestation or recognition of the competence of a conformity assessment body to perform specific tests or calibrations as identified in the scope of accreditation of the conformity assessment body. Conformity assessment bodies are free to apply for accreditation at any time and the GAC will then arrange for the accreditation process to be initiated including on-site assessments. In this process the GAC must be deemed to be impartial and objective, and must not be subjected to undue political or other influences. The accreditation process is not only an independent assessment of competence; it is also an enabler to improve the conformity assessment body's knowledge and capability. The interaction between the conformity assessment body staff, GAC staff and GAC’s technical assessors is a wonderful opportunity to share peer experiences, build capacity and transfer knowledge. It is this focus on fairness and the building of technical competence for the sake the Gulf community that is at the centre of GAC’s accreditation services.

A.1.5 Other technical areas and programs


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GAC operates other accreditation programs that may be relevant. A full list of programs is available on the GAC website (www.GCC-Accreditation.org).


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A.2 Administrative information

A.2.1 Fees for services

GAC offers its accreditation services for a fee. The standard fees are available from the GAC website or by contacting any of the GAC offices.

Invoices are raised from time to time and must be paid within the prescribed timeframes in order to continue with the accreditation process or maintain accreditation once granted. Non-payment of invoices may result in suspension of accreditation.

A.2.2 The role of the authorised representative

At the time of applying for accreditation the conformity assessment body will be asked to nominate a single official contact person for all formal dealings between the conformity assessment body and the GAC. This person is to be known as the Authorised Representative. When changes are required to the name of the authorised representative after the application the conformity assessment body must inform the GAC using the Nomination for New Authorised Representative form. At a practical level, the authorised representative is normally a senior staff member who is in a position to make decisions regarding the conformity assessment body’s accreditation and to effectively communicate with internal colleagues. The authorised representative may also choose to direct GAC to other conformity assessment body staff with whom relevant issues may be discussed.

Typically it is the authorised representative who monitors and advises GAC of changes affecting the accreditation, as detailed in 9.4 of the GAC Rules.

A.2.2.1 Authorised representative

The authorised representative is an accredited facility’s official contact with GAC. The personal information collected will include name; position; business address, business telephone, mobile phone and fax numbers; email address. Credit card details may also be held for those purchasing materials or services from GAC. This information may be used to: a) administer and manage the accreditation process; b) seek feedback on ways to improve GAC’s services; c) provide information on GAC’s activities and services.


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The information may also be made available to enquirers requiring the services of accredited facilities. Personal information may be disclosed to organisations outside GAC. Such organisations may include: a) government and regulatory authorities and other organisations, as required or

authorised by law and/or with which GAC has a Memorandum of Understanding or similar formal agreement;

b) accreditation bodies with which GAC has a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA); c) professional advisers including accountants, auditors and lawyers; d) credit providers; e) outsourced service providers contracted to GAC.

A.2.2.2 Conformity assessment body contact

Recognising that the authorised representative is not necessarily the most appropriate person to answer day to day and technical queries regarding an accredited facility’s activities, GAC provides facilities the opportunity to nominate a person to deal with technical and other enquiries. (This person can, however, also be the authorised representative).

The personal information collected will include name; position; business address, business telephone, mobile phone and fax numbers; email address. This information may be given to enquirers and is included in the on-line Directory.

A.2.2.3 Conformity assessment body personnel

The personal information collected on personnel of the applicant or accredited facility may include name, position, professional, technical or other relevant qualifications, membership of professional associations, employment history.

This information is used for the conduct of the assessment, reporting on the assessment and the process of granting/continuing accreditation. It may be disclosed to GAC staff members, assessors, assessment observers and committee members, all of whom have signed confidentiality agreements. It may also be disclosed to agencies to which GAC has a legal obligation or with which GAC has a formal agreement.

In order to determine compliance with some accreditation criteria, it will be necessary to sight personal information at assessments. Examples might include personal information held in training records, complaints records, lists of approved suppliers etc. Facilities should advise individuals that personal information collected may be disclosed to GAC.

A.2.3 Confidentiality


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All information provided by a conformity assessment body in connection with an inquiry or an application for accreditation, and all information obtained in connection with an assessment, is treated as confidential by GAC staff, technical assessors, Committee and Board members. All such personnel are made aware of this requirement and have signed confidentiality agreements.

A.2.4 Privacy

GAC respects and upholds the rights of individuals to privacy protection. The following is a summary of the personal information collected from individuals in applicant and accredited facilities and the disclosure of that information.

A.2.5 Endorsed documents

Accreditation allows a conformity assessment body to issue the results of work performed within its scope of accreditation as endorsed documents. The requirements associated with issuing endorsed documents are detailed in section 12.2 of the Rules.

A.2.6 Legislation and regulations

Accreditation is a competence based attestation and does not confer legal compliance. It is the responsibility of each conformity assessment body to ensure that it complies with all relevant legislation and regulations. Legislative requirements may take precedence over or provide additional criteria to those detailed in this document. It is also strongly recommended that conformity assessment bodies familiarise themselves and understand relevant legislation and regulations.

A.2.7 Safety

GAC does not define mandatory safety measures but does draw attention to any unsafe practices that are observed in the course of an assessment. When clauses related to safety are written into test methods covered by the accreditation these must be observed.

A.3 Accreditation requirements

A.3.1 Coverage of these supplementary accreditation requirements

In addition to meeting the requirements of the relevant standard (for example ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories), the GAC have produced supplementary accreditation requirements for various technical areas.

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• the relevant standard (e.g. ISO/IEC 17025); • any relevant supplementary requirements; and • the GAC Rules. The supplementary requirements are generally available for each standard and for specific disciplines covered by that standard. For example the Supplementary Accreditation Requirements for Construction Materials testing – which reflect the relevant standard (ISO/IEC 17025) and further interpretative requirements that take the general requirement of the standard and apply them in the technical area of construction materials testing. Supplementary accreditation requirements also include the scopes of accreditation available.


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A.3.2 Certified quality management systems

It is recognised that in some cases the conformity assessment body may be within a larger organisation and that organisation may have a quality management system that is certified as fulfilling the requirements of ISO 9001, Quality management systems – Requirements. While the introduction of ISO/IEC 17020 mentions the ISO 9000 series of standards, this refers to the now withdrawn 1994 edition of that standard. In conducting assessments, GAC cannot accept a conformity assessment body’s ISO 9001 certification as the sole statement of compliance with the management requirements of ISO/IEC 17020. ISO 9001:2000 is an outcome based standard and has fewer requirements for documented procedures and records. It is also necessary to consider how the system is applied at a technical level. Therefore the management system requirements of ISO/IEC 17020 will still be assessed in these situations.


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A.4 The accreditation process

The GAC Rules set out in general terms the accreditation processes followed in order for the GAC to meet the requirements of ISO/IEC 17011. The following information is provided to assist conformity assessment bodies seeking accreditation or extensions to accreditation or signatory approval(s). General information is also provided with regard to accreditation policies and procedures. In summary the following process is normally followed:


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Responsibility Activities/Process Outcome

SDM CAB contacts GAC & makes application for

accreditation

Application includes information on desired scope, CAB’s quality system

and technical resources available.

SDM GAC provides advisory visit

Optional. Staff officer will provide non-binding advice on requirements and

possible non-conformances.

SDM GAC carries out review of documentation & prepares briefing for

assessment team

Normally conducted by lead assessor selected for the assessment. Serious deficiencies to be corrected prior to

progressing process

SDM Assessment team does on-site assessment

One to multiple days depending on scope. Team – lead assessor plus at

least one technical assessor.

SDM CAB may do proficiency tests

Some conformity assessment bodies may be required to test samples or do measurement audits provided by GAC.

SDM Assessment team prepares report

Includes results of PT

SDM CAB takes corrective actions

GAC will advise of actions to be taken by CAB and may impose time limits.

May result in a further visit.

SDM Final Assessment Report

ADM Final report considered by Accreditation

Decision Manager

ADM Accreditation decision

SDM: Service Delivery Manager ADM: Accreditation Delivery Manager

A.4.1 Preliminary steps


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The conformity assessment body is encouraged to hold discussions with relevant GAC staff before lodging a formal application for accreditation. When seeking accreditation, conformity assessment bodies must get and familiarise their staff with the requirements for accreditation as detailed in Section 1 of this document.

A.4.2 Application for accreditation (see ISO/IEC 17011 cl 7.2) See GAC Rules 12.1 Applications for accreditation with GAC may be made by any legally identifiable organisation and must be made on the prescribed application form. This form will be provided at an appropriate time with regard to the intended time of application. The application must be accompanied by the current application fee. With the application the applicant body must identify the Authorised Representative (see A.2 above). Prior to lodging an application facilities should contact a GAC staff member to discuss their accreditation, other supporting documentation that may be required and the readiness for assessment. Applications for accreditation may be made for one or more scope of accreditation. The scopes of accreditation of all GAC-accredited conformity assessment bodies are available at the GAC website and in the supplementary accreditation requirements documents.

A.4.3 Advisory visit (optional cf ISO/IEC 17011 cl 7.5.1) An informal review of facilities can be undertaken to explain the significant requirements that relate to an application for accreditation. The aim is to provide guidance concerning the requirements of accreditation to help the conformity assessment body prepare for an initial assessment and ensure it is ready for accreditation, although the formal assessment is the process whereby accreditation requirements will be identified. The advisory visit may be conducted either prior to, or after, an application has been made. A fee will be levied for this service. The most appropriate timing for such a visit will be a matter for negotiation between the conformity assessment body and the relevant field technical staff. While an advisory visit is not mandatory it is strongly recommended that applicant conformity assessment bodies avail themselves of this service. There are of course cases in which conformity assessment bodies have good knowledge of accreditation. In such cases, the merits of an advisory visit should still be discussed with relevant field technical staff.


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Prior to an advisory visit being conducted the conformity assessment body may be asked to provide a copy of its quality manual and associated documentation for review. Technical staff will advise exactly what information is required for this review. This activity is known as 'document review' and is described below.

A.4.4 Document review (see ISO/IEC 17011 cl 7.5.5) The document review provides a comparison of the conformity assessment body’s documentation and procedures with the accreditation requirements. The document review allows the assessment team to identify particular references within the conformity assessment body’s documented system that require review at the assessment or areas that appear to require further explanation or investigation. Written feedback will be given. Depending on the extent of the action required the conformity assessment body may be asked to provide further information prior to the assessment or this information will be sought at the assessment.

A.4.5 Assessment (See ISO/IEC 17011 cl 7.5.2 – 7.5.9, 7.7 and 7.8) and GAC Rules 12.2 Compliance of an applicant with accreditation requirements is determined primarily by an on-site assessment. The objective of an assessment is to establish whether the conformity assessment body can competently perform the tests/examinations/calibrations/measurements for which accreditation has been sought. The assessment team is required to investigate the operation of the conformity assessment body against the accreditation requirements detailed in section 1 above. The assessment team reports its findings to both the conformity assessment body seeking accreditation and the GAC. The assessment team is comprised of at least one lead assessor and specialist technical assessors as required. The size of the assessment team is dependent upon the areas that must be covered in the course of the assessment. Assessments will generally take at least one working day and may extend over a number of days depending on the range of activities to be covered. Technical assessors are chosen according to their specialist knowledge and are matched as closely to the activities of the conformity assessment body as is possible. Consideration is given to possible concerns about conflicts of interest in selecting assessors. Conformity assessment body staff will be called upon to discuss, with the technical assessors, technical issues relating to conformity assessment activities that are carried out. The assessment team may also request prior to the assessment or in the course of the assessment that particular procedures be demonstrated. Occasionally, such discussion may be hypothetical. CABs undergoing an assessment should expect all areas for which accreditation is sought to be covered in some way.


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An exit interview or meeting is held at the conclusion of the assessment at which the assessment findings are presented by the lead assessor. It is the prerogative of the conformity assessment body to decide which of their staff should attend this meeting. Generally, the authorised representative would be expected to attend as well as relevant senior staff. The purpose of the exit meeting is to allow frank and open discussion about the findings of the assessment. Conformity assessment bodies are strongly encouraged to clarify issues they consider may have been misunderstood by the assessment team and to seek clarification about assessment findings where this may be necessary. An interim report is usually left on the day. This report is reviewed and a final report issued. Where necessary, the report will detail the action required by the conformity assessment body to allow accreditation to be recommended. In these cases the conformity assessment body will be asked to provide the necessary evidence that action has been taken as claimed. Occasionally, the reviewers may direct that a further visit or another assessment be carried out. There are a number of reasons for this, including concerns about the competence of the conformity assessment body, the inability to assess certain aspects of the conformity assessment body during the visit because of a lack of availability of key conformity assessment body staff, or to review the effective implementation of the corrective action taken as the result of the assessment. The same procedures for assessment will be followed but may concentrate on only the area(s) found to be deficient. Charges will be levied for such visits.

A.4.6 Response by conformity assessment body (see ISO/IEC 17011 cl 7.8) The conformity assessment body is required to respond to the findings of the assessment team. Conformity assessment bodies must respond to assessment findings by the nominated response date, otherwise the status of their accreditation will be reviewed. The response is reviewed to determine that it is sufficient and effective, and reflects an implementation rather than an intention. If found to be insufficient a further response can be requested. Responses are reviewed by such members of the team as are considered relevant.

A.4.7 Granting accreditation (see ISO/IEC 17011 cl 7.9) GAC grants accreditation following a recommendation of the Accreditation Decision Manager, who may seek advice from the relevant Technical Advisory Committee. This recommendation is made when the conformity assessment body has met all the requirements for accreditation. The authorised representative is formally advised of the granting of the accreditation and issued with a certificate of accreditation and the scope of accreditation.

A.4.8 Variations to accreditation details (see ISO/IEC 17011 7.12) Accredited conformity assessment bodies may request variations to their scope of accreditation (including extending and reducing their scopes of accreditation), approved


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signatories or other accreditation details. Significant variations will require an assessment. GAC staff will provide direction on the information required and the process that will be followed. Charges will be levied.

A.4.9 After accreditation (See ISO/IEC 17011 7.11) Accredited conformity assessment bodies must continue to comply with all accreditation requirements detailed in section 1 above. The term of accreditation shall normally be two years, with a surveillance of the accredited conformity assessment body to be undertaken before the end of the 12th month anniversary of the date of the first accreditation. Reassessments are generally carried out every two years. Shorter reassessment intervals may also be specified. The reassessment follows the same processes and has the same broad objectives as the initial assessment. Unscheduled reassessments or extraordinary audits may be conducted. These are normally in response to information that casts doubt over the conformity assessment body’s (or facility’s) continuing compliance with the accreditation requirements. Such information may include: a) unsatisfactory performance in proficiency testing program(s); b) significant changes to the conformity assessment body operations, staffing or

equipment; c) re-location of the conformity assessment body; d) complaints. At such assessments, specific activities may be targeted for review rather than the entire conformity assessment body operation. In general, a fee is charged for such visits.

A.4.10 Non-compliance with accreditation requirements

In accordance with the Rules, non-compliance with the accreditation requirements may lead to the accreditation status of a conformity assessment body being suspended or cancelled. In these circumstances the conformity assessment body is not able to issue endorsed reports or claim to be accredited for those services affected by the change in status. The Rules define the reasons, processes and the appeals mechanisms that will be followed.

A.4.11 Provision of information on the scope of accreditation Details of a conformity assessment body’s scope of accreditation are publicly available once accreditation has been granted. A list of signatories may be included in the scope of


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accreditation, or held separately but will be made available, on request, from relevant field staff.


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APPENDIX B - EQUIPMENT CALIBRATION INTERVALS This Appendix details equipment calibration requirements and the requirements for intermediate checks of equipment used in Construction Materials Testing laboratories.

B.1 Calibration of common test equipment

B.1.1 The following tables list the maximum periods between successive calibrations for

common items of testing equipment appropriate in each case based on the assumption that:

a) the equipment is of good quality, of proven adequate stability, and is properly housed

and used; and b) the laboratory has both the equipment capability and staff expertise to perform the

requisite in-house checks; and c) all of the subsidiary checks indicate satisfactory operation. B.1.2 Reduced intervals between calibrations and/or checks are required when the equipment

operates under less than ideal conditions. If any suspicion of damage arises the equipment must be recalibrated immediately and thereafter at reduced intervals until it is shown that stability has not been impaired.

B.1.3 Reduced intervals between calibrations and/or checks may also be required in particular

testing applications or with particular equipment configurations. B.1.4 Submissions will be considered, except when calibration intervals are included in the test

method, for the extension of calibration intervals based on factors such as history of stability, frequency of use, accuracy required, ability of staff to perform in-house checks and successful participation in proficiency testing programs.

B.1.5 Laboratory equipment calibration and check programs should cover:

a) commissioning of new equipment (including initial calibration and checks after installation);

b) operational checking (checking during use with reference standards or reference materials);

c) periodic checking (interim but more extensive checking, possibly including partial calibration);

d) scheduled maintenance by in-house or specialist contractors; e) complete recalibration.


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B.2 Checks performed in-house

B.2.1 Any checks performed externally must be undertaken by a laboratory accredited to

perform that check, and can provide the testing facility with a GAC endorsed report for that check.

B.2.2 Laboratories performing checks in-house must document the procedure used.

Alternatively, laboratories may use proforma worksheets provided it is clear as to the procedure to be followed. However, where operator technique is critical, additional written procedures are required.

B.2.3 All checks must record the following information:

a) name of equipment; b) identification of equipment (i.e. marked with a serial number, etc); c) specification (including year) where appropriate; d) indication of the acceptance criteria used on the records; e) identification of personnel carrying out the work; f) identification of reference equipment used (i.e. vernier callipers 36101, reference

thermometer A227, etc); g) check procedure used or reference to documented procedure; h) date check performed; i) results obtained; j) statement of acceptability or otherwise of the check; and k) any follow-up action required to correct deficiencies.

B.2.4 Items of equipment which have been manufactured to tolerances or nominal parameters

must be verified prior to use (i.e. dimension, mass, volume). The measurements must meet the specified requirements of the relevant standard. In many cases this involves an initial verification of the measurements.

B.2.5 Some items of equipment are subject to wear. In these cases some or all of the

dimensions may need regular checking and appraisal against the manufacturing tolerances or nominal dimensions. Working tolerances may also be given that are less stringent than the manufactured tolerances and these should be used to determine suitability subject to wear.

B.2.6 As a guide, equipment used daily on abrasive materials would normally require visual

and dimensional checks to be performed monthly. Other equipment subject to wear should be checked at intervals not exceeding 12 months.

B.2.7 Items of equipment that have no assigned tolerance but are subject to wear must have

their initial dimensions measured and recorded prior to use. The amount by which the


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measured dimensions may deviate on subsequent checks must be determined and documented at this stage as well.

B.2.8 Some items of equipment require visual or practical tests rather than dimensional checks

and are denoted by an asterisk in the following tables. Records of these checks must also be kept. The date check performed, result, and the identification of the person performing the work needs to be maintained. Information of this type can be recorded on test worksheets or in log books alongside particular items of equipment.

B.3 Suspending calibration or checks

B.3.1 It is recognised that there are times where it is appropriate (e.g. low frequency of testing

and high cost of calibration) for the calibration or checks of some items of equipment to be temporarily suspended. Laboratories may suspend an item’s calibration or check provided that the facility’s management system documents both the reason for deferring a calibration or check and that the item must be calibrated prior to use. Items of equipment, where the calibration or check has been suspended shall be marked as being out of calibration.

B.4 Relocation of equipment B.4.1 Some items of equipment such as balances and compression testing machines require

recalibration or rechecking if they are moved. B.4.2 If a compression testing machine is to be relocated, a complete calibration of the testing

machine is required. B.4.3 The location of balances, compression testing machines and any other equipment

whose calibration may be affected by relocation, must be adequately detailed in the records.

B.4.4 Some equipment is portable, such as point load index test devices. This equipment may

not require calibration on relocation provided it has been transported correctly and adequate data is available to show that the calibration has not been affected by the transport of the equipment.

B.5 Storage of equipment including reference equipment

B.5.1 All equipment must be stored in an environment that does not affect its calibration or

check status. If the item has been subject to severe use or extreme environmental conditions, then the effect on the calibration or check must be considered.


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B.5.2 Extra care must be taken when using reference equipment to ensure that it is not

damaged in any way when in use. B.5.3 Stone or concrete blocks used for consistency checks of nuclear gauges must be stored

in a dry environment.

B.6 Calibration and check intervals for Construction Materials Testing equipment

The following are requirements for frequency of calibration and checks on test equipment. These calibrations and checks must be conducted to appropriate procedures. The time intervals indicated are maximum intervals and are dependent on the accuracy required and the type of use the instrument is exposed to.

In general, calibrations are carried out by an external calibrating authority and an endorsed test report is obtained for this work. Endorsed reports must be checked on receipt to determine if equipment performance is satisfactory. If a laboratory wishes to carry out these calibrations in-house they must demonstrate their capability to do so according to the criteria set out in ISO/IEC 17025 sub-clause 5.6.2.1.

Checks are normally carried out in-house by the laboratory staff. If however, the checks are carried out by an external authority then an endorsed test report must be obtained.

Calibration and check intervals for General items of equipment

Equipment with toleranced dimensions must be checked initially and at regular intervals.

Item of equipment Calibration interval (years)

Checking interval

(months)

Procedures and references

Balances 3 The Calibration of Weights and Balances EC Morris and KMK Fen.

6 Repeatability check.

1 Scale value check.

Each Zero point check.


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Checking interval

(months)


weighing

Prior to moving

Zero point check and scale value check.

A repeatability check is recommended.

After moving Zero point check, repeatability check and scale value check.

Density bottles, pycnometer

12 BS 733 App A.

Electrical instruments

Digital multimeters 1 6 Compare with meters of similar resolution.

Analog meters 2 6 Compare with meters of similar resolution.

Data loggers 1 1 Check at zero and the maximum point.

Force testing machines

Dead Weight 5

Elastic Dynamometer 2

Hydraulic, Pneumatic 2

24 Cross head speed (for constant rate of extension machines).

-Bourdon tube or diaphragm pressure gauge as force indicator

6

-As above, but fitted also with a master gauge which is disconnected during normal testing

12 Plus frequent checks by user of working gauge against master gauge.

-Bourdon tube or diaphragm used only as a null detector for a mechanical system

24

-Bourdon tube with electrical transducer

24

Electrical 2

Load cell 2

Gauge blocks

Used as reference 10


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Checking interval

(months)


standard

Used as working equipment

5

Hydrometers

Reference 5

Working, glass 12 Check against reference hydrometer or in newly prepared solutions of known density. ASTM-126.

Working, metal 6 ISO 649.1, .2, ISO 650.

Hygrometers

Assmann and sling psychrometers

10

6 Compare thermometers at room temperature with wick dry.

Thermohygrographs Weekly Check against a calibrated psychrometer.

Electronic types 1

Linear Variable Differential Transducers (LVDTs)

2 Complete calibration.

On day of use

Check against length standard (e.g. Micrometer).

Masses Note: Objects of known mass used for balance checks do not require further external calibrations, but must be checked and recorded each time the balance is calibrated.

Reference – of integral stainless steel or nickel chromium alloy

3 then 6 subsequent

Working – stainless steel or nickel chromium alloy

3

Working – other alloy 1

Micrometers

5

12 Check zero and one point against gauge block.

Inspect anvils.


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Checking interval

(months)


pH meters Daily or on use*

Check against two buffer solutions.

Pressure equipment

Test gauges used for calibration of industrial gauges

1

Industrial gauges not subject to shock loading

1

Industrial gauges subject to shock loading

6 months

Pressure transducers 1

Calibrators 1

Rules Initial Initial check against reference equipment with an accuracy of ± 0.1mm or better. The reference equipment used must be supported by an endorsed calibration certificate. Check at a minimum of 5 points over the entire length. A visual inspection for the other points is required.

Tape measures Initial BS 4035.

24 to 60 Check at maximum length, depending on use and accuracy required.

Temperature controlled enclosures

Drying Ovens (105-110°C) (Ovens used for drying asphalt at 180°C which satisfy the requirements at 105–110°C need not be checked for evaporation rate at 180°C)

Initial Temperature variation, evaporation rate, and rate of loading must be checked.

60 Evaporation rate

24 Check temperature variation within the working zone.

On use Monitor temperature. Record daily when in use.

Waterbaths, chambers and enclosures

Initial


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(months)


12 Performance must be monitored to ensure compliance with temperature/humidity requirements of the test method. As a minimum, daily recorded checks of the temperature must be maintained. The use of continuous temperature monitors is strongly recommended where temperature control is critical, and mandatory where required by the test method.

The thermometers used to routinely monitor the performance must be of sufficient accuracy to ensure that this equipment complies with the temperature tolerances specified in the test methods.

The spatial distribution of the temperatures throughout the load space must be checked following installation of equipment and at regular intervals thereafter.

Temperature recording devices must be checked at six-monthly intervals against a reference thermometer and the results recorded.

Low temperature drying ovens

Daily Record temperature check – to be less than 50°C.

Temperature (digital) indicating system

Hand-held, bench type and temperature loggers

Initial Calibrate against a reference temperature measuring system. For thermocouple type devices check efficacy of automatic cold junction compensation with the temperature sensor at the ice point.

24 Three point check over the range that the logger is to be used.

The reference thermometer must not be another logger.

6 One point check within operating range.

Thermometers

Reference, platinum resistance

Handbook of Temperature Measurement, Volume 2. Must include initial ice point measurement.

- Used below 250°C 10


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Checking interval

(months)


6 Check at ice point.

- Used above 250°C 3

6 Check at ice point.

Reference, liquid-in-glass 10 NMI Temperature Measurement Course Book 2.

Before each use

Check at ice point.

Reference, digital display, RTDs

1 6 Check Ro at ice point.

AC temperature bridge 5 Check linearity and resistance ratio. NMI Temperature Measurement Course Book 2.

Working, liquid-in-glass 10#

6# Check at ice point.

Initial Check against reference thermometer at ice-point and several points over working range.

6 Check at ice point or one point in working range.

Working, resistance 5

6 Check Ro at ice point.

Working, digital display RTDs

1

6# Check at ice point.

Initial Check against reference thermometer at ice-point and several points over working range.

6 Check at ice point and at one point (the most common) in the working range against a

reference thermometer.

Thermocouples

Base metal, wire Initial Calibration of several samples from the reel over the temperature range of use.

5 years or 100 hours

(whichever is the sooner)

Recalibration for Type K,N,J,E used above 400°C or Type T used above 350°C. Use only

at same immersion or discard after use.


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Checking interval

(months)


Base Metal, sheathed, including MIMS

Initial Calibration over range of use and homogeneity test. (Batch calibration could be used if

appropriate).

5 years or 100 hours

(whichever is the sooner)

Recalibration and homogeneity test if used above 450°C. Use only at same immersion or

discard after use.

Timing devices

Stop watches, clocks (mechanical devices)

6 Test aurally against the speaking clock. Two measurements separated by one hour must be

carried out.

Electronic devices (digital) Initial Check against speaking clock over a period of time applicable to its use.

Vernier callipers including dial callipers and digital callipers

(Required Accuracy of Measurement)

Vernier callipers (± 1 mm or greater)

Initial As for ‘Rules’ above.

2 years As for initial check.

On use Must be checked visually on use for correct closure of jaws.

Vernier callipers (better than ± 1 mm, down to ± 0.1 mm)

Initial Initial endorsed calibration certificate to ensure required accuracy

6 monthly or more

frequently depending upon use

In-house checks over a minimum of 3 points covering the working range against Reference equipment with an accuracy of ±0.02mm or better and supported by an endorsed certificate of calibration.


Vernier callipers (better than ± 0.1 mm, down to 0.001 mm)

Initial

2 years or more

frequently depending


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Checking interval

(months)


upon use


Volumetric glassware

Pipettes Initial

Burettes Initial

Volumetric flasks (when used for analytical work)

Initial

Measuring cylinders Initial

Weighing instruments (see also Balances)

2 Scales/Industrial weighing instruments.

* visual or practical tests rather than dimensional checks. Records of these checks must also be kept.

# if there is no reference thermometer.


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Calibration and check intervals for cement, admixtures and supplementary cementitious materials testing equipment



Checking interval

(months)


Calorimeter 1

Fineness Index equipment

3 months or if fluid is lost or new filter papers are used.

Calibrate against NIST (USA) No 114). Standard sample.

Weekly or every 100 determinations

Calibrate as a single unit with a secondary.

Le Chatelier equipment 6 Dimensions, split width and extensibility.

On day of use* Width of gap and general condition.

Mixer 3* Check clearance between blade and bowl.

Permeability Cell On day of use* General condition.

Sieves See requirements for sieves for testing soils and aggregates.

1–2 years Calibration against reference sieves using a primary standard.

Regular Calibration with a secondary standard.

Vibrating table 5

Vicat apparatus 6 Mass and dimensional check.

On day of use* Visual check of general condition.



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Calibration and check intervals for concrete testing equipment



Checking interval

(months)


Air Initial Check toleranced dimensions.

6 Pressure gauges on air meters do not

require calibration but require checks

as detailed in the test methods.

Balances Following transportation

Balances transported for testing of mass per unit volume of freshly mixed concrete.

Capping device (Sulphur)

Initial Check for planeness and perpendicularity.

Compression Testing machine

1–5 Depending on type

12 Planeness of platen surfaces using feeler gauge under straight edge.

On day of use and when pace

rate altered*

Load pacing rate check.

Note: Compression testing machines, if moved, must be recalibrated after they have been moved.

Concrete mixer (motor driven)

12 months or one in every 400 mixes

Mixer uniformity tests

Concrete shrinkage gauge studs

Initial Check toleranced dimensions (length). A suitable subset of a batch of studs should be checked.

On day of submission of

specimen

Check radius of curvature of studs matches the comparator to be used.

Height and diameter apparatus for concrete cylinders

On day of use Gauge reading checked against 'check bar'.


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Checking interval

(months)


Dial Gauge Initial, only See 'Dial Gauge' under Aggregates and Soils.

Check Bar Initial Length checked against a calibrated reference.

Internal vibrators Initial

24 As specified in test method.

Length comparator, reference bar

Initial

12 Use a calibrated vernier of suitable accuracy or comparable equipment to check length.

Maturity meters (used for ASTM C1074)

Time measurement 5

Temperature measurement probes

5 Calibration of one probe per batch over the range of use. Other probes in batch to be checked against reference thermometer before use at expected average temperature of use.

Moulds Initial Dimension and planeness of base plate and other surfaces, as applicable.

Rubber Caps Inspect prior to use for cracks

and flaws.

Caps must be ordered to meet recommended hardness.

Rules used for Slump Test

Initial Check against a calibrated device.

6 Inspect regularly for wear, in particular at the zero end.

Slump Cones, Rods Depending on frequency of

use and wear.

For equipment with toleranced dimensions, the measurements must be checked and recorded at regular intervals.

Slump Cone On day of use Visually check condition.

Slump Tamping Rod On day of use Visually check condition.

Vibrating table 5 The table must be tested loaded. The load used is to be equal to the mass of an average sample (including mould) to be tested.



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Calibration and check intervals for aggregates and soils testing equipment



Checking interval

(months)


Benkelman Beam

Dial Gauge 0.5 As for initial calibration for dial gauges below.

The dial gauge is to be calibrated while on the beam, whenever possible.

Rear axle loadings 1 year or on use if the truck

is used for another purpose.

Checked at a public weighbridge and a certificate of the weight obtained. The truck must be level during the measurement.

Weighbridges that are raised off the ground may not be suitable to correctly weigh the load.

Beam Initially and prior to use if

more than one ratio is used.

Check the appropriate ratio has been selected (i.e. 2:1 or 3:1) by measuring lever lengths or by the use of feeler gauges.

Tyre pressure

-Reference pressure gauge

3 Industrial grade.

-Working pressure gauge 1 year or prior to use, if less

frequent.

Compare against reference gauge.

CBR machine (motorised)

24 Rate of travel under load.

Dial gauges and LVDT–type gauges

(CBR, penetration, swell, triaxial, direct shear; compressive strength, cone penetrometer)

2 External calibration.

Calibrate using a properly set up and externally calibrated, micrometer head (or equivalent) having scale intervals of 0.001


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Checking interval

(months)


mm.

Minimum requirements:

(i) Calibrate at 100 division intervals (each full revolution of the dial gauge index) with two runs, one starting at zero (12 o’clock) and one at 50 divisions (6 o’clock) using the micrometer head. All readings are taken approaching from the same direction. Calculate the calibration errors for each run.

(ii) 'Repeatability' is examined at approximately 1/3 full range, 2/3 full range and at full range using the micrometer head. At each position, take 3 readings of the dial gauge, approaching from the same direction. Calculate the 'repeatability' at each position as the difference between the largest and smallest reading.

On day of use Check LVDT against standard length (e.g. micrometer).

Dial gauges and LVDT–type gauges (Consolidation)

2

On day of use. Check LVDT against standard length (e.g. micrometer).

Dynamic cone Initial Check the all dimensions and the mass of hammer.

Day of use* Visual check of sharpness (use hole in

plate). Check height of drop.

Hydrometers

- Working Initial

Each time a different

measuring cylinder is to be used with

the hydrometer

(used for ASTM D422) Hydrometer acceptable for use if marked as complying with ASTM E 100.

Liquid limit


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Checking interval

(months)


Device (Cassagrande)

Day of use* Check drop height, side play, and for the degree of scoring of the metal cup. Assess for wear.

- Bowl Initial Check critical dimensions.

- Grooving tool 6 Critical dimensions only checked.

- Rubber base Initial hardness

Rubber bases may be inverted to extend life.

2 years (91 to 94 IRHD)

3 years (86 to 90 IRHD)

Device (Cone)

- Cone 6 Check dial gauge or digital gauge against 'standard blocks' or vernier calliper over the working range. Check mass of cone and angle against template.

On day of use* Check cone point using a 'template'.

- Template Initial 24 Check with a calibrated reference instrument.

- Dial gauge or digital indicator

Initial As for 'Dial gauges' above.

6 Check against standard blocks.

Load rings and load cells

Strength and consolidation tests

2 Class B.

Calibration reports must also indicate the reading required to give the appropriate seating load as specified in each particular test method. Seating loads do not need to comply with Class B requirements.

CBR 2 Class C

Manometers

Working, liquid 36 Standardise against a known pressure. Check the cleanliness of the fluid.

Mechanical


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Checking interval

(months)


compactor

24 Comparison check against manual compaction. Difference to be less than 2%.

Microwave oven Testing authorities seeking coverage for microwave moisture tests must have appropriate experience in using this method for the soils they deal with.

Correlation exercises for each soil type involved is required when specified in the test method.

Nuclear surface moisture density gauges

2 Full calibration.

After calibration

Perform within one month of calibration to

obtain initial i at each probe depth. The initial

i is used for subsequent consistency checks. If a different consistency block is used between calibrations, a new initial check to

obtain in is to be made. The difference

between i and in must be taken into account when assessing the checks.

Monthly Perform and record gauge function checks and density consistency checks.

Day of use Perform and record a standard count check and, at each new site location, a field standard count.

Consistency block Initial Dimensions to the standard.

Proportional calliper

Initial 24 Measure over 3 widths to check that the ratio is linear (i.e. that the holes are aligned) for each of the two ratios. The values selected should be representative over the accepted working range of the equipment (i.e. will depend on the type of material produced or tested). A tolerance on the ratio accuracy is to be defined by the user.

On day of use Check jaw closure. Inspect for wear and damage.

Sieves


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Checking interval

(months)


Reference sieves Endorsed calibration certificate for compliance with BS 410 or ISO 3310.

After 200 uses or 8 years

whichever is sooner.

Replace – the sieves may be used as working sieves by checking against a new set of reference sieves.

Punched plate sieves Initial, then 24 Perforations must be checked.

Wire sieves Initial, then 12 Check against reference sieves (see UKAS Publication Lab 22 – Traceability: Test Sieves, Section 5.4).

Visual inspection on

use for blinding, wear

and tear*

Document check every 12 months.

Wash sieves Washing sieves or the mesh used in their manufacture must be certified (i.e. endorsed certificate) as meeting either BS 410 or ISO 3310.

On use Check for blinding and holes.

Mechanical sieving Aggregate and soil sieve analysis samples which have been sieved using a mechanical shaker must be finished with hand sieving to ensure complete sieving.

Note: To avoid over-sieving it is better to under-sieve and finish by hand.

Vibratory table 5 Must satisfy amplitude requirements of test method using an accelerometer or equivalent device when table is loaded. The load to be used is to be equal to the mass of an average sample to be tested, including mould. If different moulds are to be used the check must be made using a mass equal to each size mould filled with an average size sample.


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Calibration intervals for asphalt and bituminous materials testing equipment


Item of equipment Calibration interval

(years)

Checking interval

(months)


Dean & Stark apparatus Equipment meeting the requirements of the test method.

Flow meter

High Flow i.e. >1L/min 24 ASTM D3195.

Fume cupboard

Initial Compliance with the appropriate standard.

Heating oven A check on the oven used for heating samples is not required, provided that temperature of the individual samples are monitored with appropriately calibrated equipment.

Hubbard Field Stability Testing Machine

2 – 5 depending on type

Class A.

Force measuring system on the compression machine used for the preparation of samples.

1 Class C at 44.5 kN.

Ignition oven

Enclosure Depending on use, 12

Check temperature setting is adequate to ensure that temperature in the enclosure is greater than ignition temperature required.

Nuclear surface moisture density gauges

2 Full calibration.

After calibration

Perform within one month of calibration to

obtain initial i at each probe depth. The initial

i is used for subsequent consistency checks. If a different consistency block is used between calibrations, a new initial check to

obtain in is to be made. The difference

between i and in must be taken into account when assessing the checks.


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Item of equipment Calibration interval

(years)

Checking interval

(months)


Monthly Perform and record gauge function checks and density consistency checks.

Day of use Perform and record a standard count check and, at each new site location, a field standard count.

Consistency Block Initial Dimensions as appropriate

RTFO oven Initial, dimensions

Oven to meet the appropriate standard.

24 Rotational speed, temperature and air flow meter.

Viscometers

U-tube

- Reference Initial Against reference oils. ASTM D2162

10 years

- Working Initial Using quality oils against reference tubes or using reference oils.

2 years ASTM D2162/D445; IP 71

Others

- Brookfield Initial, 2 years Against standard oils stored in sealed container.

1 month Against quality (i.e. manufacturers’) oils.

- Ferranti Initial Against reference oils.

3 months

- Zahn Initial Against reference oils.

1 year

APPENDIX C - CLASSES OF TEST Accreditation for the construction material testing is available for different classes and sub-classes of test.


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These classes and sub-classes are fixed descriptors, free text being used to qualify or amplify terms as necessary. Where the scope of testing of a facility cannot be adequately described by existing descriptors, the relevant Technical Advisory Committee may from time to time recommend establish new classes and/or sub-classes of test. Applications for accreditation may be made for one or more classes or sub-classes of test, or for one or more items or specific calibrations or tests within a class of test. Classes of test are revised from time to time. For the most current version please contact the GAC office. The classes of test shown below provide a general description of a laboratory’s accreditation coverage. Individual scopes of accreditation are in more explicit detail and include reference to test methods or specifications. In some cases, the accreditation will include descriptions of the type of test performed, or limit the scope of tests to particular products or parts of a test. Some tests may be more appropriate to be accredited in another field. Accreditation for these tests may be granted in whichever field of testing is most appropriate. NOTES It is not uncommon for a test method to call up other methods. Where these ‘other methods’ are an integral part of the test procedure that is required to be followed, then accreditation must also cover these methods. Methods intended as a reference only do not need to be included in the accreditation. Copies do not need to be held by the laboratory. Methods that contain equipment specifications, verification procedures or other information pertinent to the testing (e.g. definitions) do not need to be accredited. Copies of these methods must, however, be held by the laboratories.

Classes of test 01 Aggregates .01 Sampling .02 Sample preparation .03 Sampling rock spalls, gabions, boulders and drill core .04 Bulk density .05 Particle density and water absorption .06 Particle size distribution .07 Particle shape tests .08 Soundness tests .09 Contaminants


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.10 Alkali reactivity

.11 Petrographic examination

.12 Degradation tests

.13 Moisture content

.14 Polishing

.15 Filler

.16 Adhesion of aggregates and binders

.17 Stabilisation tests

.18 Recycled aggregates

.99 Other tests 02 Asphalts .01 Sampling .02 Site selection .03 Sample preparation .04 Asphalt analysis .05 Mechanical properties .06 Volumetric properties .07 Field tests .08 Mix design .09 Adhesion and stripping .10 Filler .11 Additives 03 Bituminous materials .01 Sampling .02 Bitumens .03 Tars .04 Fillers .05 Cutback bitumens .06 Bitumen emulsions .07 Polymer modified binders .99 Other materials 04 Cement and clay based products .01 Roofing tiles .02 Clay pipes and fittings .03 Concrete culverts .04 Concrete pipes .05 Fibre cement pipes & fittings .06 Fibre cement flat sheet .07 Fibre cement corrugated sheet .99 Other products


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05 Cements and cementitious materials .01 Sampling .02 Portland cement .03 Blended cement .04 Masonry cement .05 Building lime .06 Supplementary cementitious materials .99 Other materials 06 Concrete .01 Sampling .02 Mixing concrete and making test specimens in the laboratory .03 Consistence .04 Air content of freshly mixed concrete .05 Mass per unit volume of freshly mixed concrete .06 Bleeding .07 Making and curing test specimens in the field .08 Curing test specimens in the laboratory .09 Compression tests on moulded specimens .10 Indirect tensile tests .11 Flexural strength tests .12 Mass per unit volume of hardened concrete .13 Drying shrinkage .14 Securing cores from hardened concrete .15 Cement content of hardened concrete .16 Creep tests .17 Modulus of elasticity determinations .18 Setting time .19 Mixer uniformity tests .20 Admixtures .99 Other tests 07 Construction materials testing equipment .01 Nuclear moisture/density gauges .02 Liquid limit base .03 Dial gauge and electronic indicators .04 Elastic force measuring devices .05 Load cells .06 Pavement testing devices .99 Other equipment 08 Gypsum and gypsum products


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.01 Sampling

.02 Gypsum plaster for building purposes

.03 Gypsum plaster board

.04 Fibrous plaster products

.05 Glass fibre reinforced gypsum plaster 09 Masonry .01 Structural tests .02 Masonry mortar tests 10 Masonry units and segmental pavers .01 Sampling .02 Dimensional tests .03 Strength tests .04 Resistance tests .05 Density and moisture tests .06 Permeability and absorption tests .99 Other tests 11 Pedestrian surfaces .01 Wet pendulum frictional resistance .02 Dry floor frictional resistance 12 Refractories .01 Sampling .02 Cold compressive strength .03 Cold modulus of rupture .99 Other tests 13 Road making materials .01 Glass .02 Geotextiles .03 Paint .99 Other materials 14 Road pavement and surfaces .01 Vehicle count and classification .02 Surface profile tests .03 Surface characteristics .04 Structural tests 15 Rocks .01 Moisture content tests .02 Porosity and density tests


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.03 Chemical tests

.04 Petrographic examination

.05 Strength tests

.06 Swelling and slake durability tests

.99 Other tests 16 Soils .01 Sampling .02 Site selection .03 Sample preparation .04 Classification tests .05 Chemical tests .06 Compaction tests .07 Field density tests .08 Bearing strength tests – laboratory .09 Strength tests – laboratory .10 Consolidation tests .11 Permeability tests .12 Strength and penetration tests - field .13 Reactivity tests .14 Soil stabilisation preparation methods .15 Soil stabilisation physical tests .16 Soil stabilisation chemical tests .17 Soil stabilisation strength tests .18 Soil stabilisation field tests .99 Other tests

Construction Materials Testing (CMT) - GAC

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