160 likes | 277 Vues
Explore the history and progression of accreditation in the UK, from the formation of the Source Testing Association to the implementation of MCERTS schemes. Learn about the challenges, benefits, and pathways to perfection in this evolving landscape.
E N D
The Development of Accreditation in the UK Paul Mudway Mudway Health, Safety & Environment
The development of accreditationin the UK • History • Progression • Problems • Perfection?
History • Source Testing Association (STA) formed in 1995. A few labs accredited to ISO 17025 • STA proficiency scheme for particulate sampling • STA health & safety training
History (cont.) • MCERTS for manual stack emission monitoring introduced in 2002 • MCERTS applies to PPC part A(1) processes regulated by Environment Agency and some PPC part A(2) processes • MCERTS now specified in permits • Most UK labs are now accredited to ISO 17025 and MCERTS
MCERTS for manual stack emissions monitoring • Personnel competency certification by Sira (ISO 17024) • Stack monitoring labs accredited to ISO 17025 and the MCERTS Performance Standard by UKAS
ADVISORY PANEL STA & EA SYLLABUS EA UKAS ACCREDITATION EXAMINING BOARD CERTIFICATION BODY (Scheme Operator) SIRA EXAMINATIONS INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS TRAINEES CERTIFIED PERSONNEL REGISTER OFCERTIFIEDPERSONNEL & SCOPES Overview of MCERTS scheme
Entry level (trainee) • Apply to Sira for registration • Identity card only, no certificate • Undertake formal induction • Stack emission monitoring • Conduct of personnel working on site • Health and safety • Undergo supervised training • Attend course on H&S risk assessment applicable to stack monitoring
Assessment for Level 1 (technician) • Experience & Training • Minimum of 6 months at trainee level • Records of induction undertaken as trainee • Records of any additional training • Records of stack sampling work under supervision • Attendance on H&S risk assessment course applicable to stack monitoring (mandatory) • Examination - 2 written papers: • Multiple choice • Narrative
Assessment for Level 2 (team leader) • Experience • Must have competently performed emission monitoring under direct supervision on at least 10 occasions at level 1 • Examination • Interview assessment of practical skills: • Team management • Health & safety • Report writing skills • To obtain certification at level 2 candidates must also hold at least one Technical Endorsement
Performance standard for organisations • Ethical requirements for independence and environmental awareness • Selection of appropriate methods following international standards • Use of Agency Method Implementation Documents, when available • Estimation of measurement uncertainty • Use of appropriate equipment • Planning of a measurement campaign • Site review • Risk assessment • Site specific protocol • Reporting of results • Use of MCERTS certified personnel
Problems • Passing the examinations! • Keeping up with legislation and new standards • Cost of accreditation (UKAS, equipment calibration, PT schemes etc.) • Competitive market
Perfection? • H&S improved significantly • Quality of monitoring data improved significantly • Level playing field • Better career prospects