ANAB’s new web-based training course provides an introduction to the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 concept of risk-based thinking and a basic process to identify, analyze, and mitigate risks.
With the release of ISO/IEC 17025:2017, approaches to risk-based thinking have come to the forefront of management system discussions within laboratories. Instituting risk-based thinking enables a reduction in the prescriptive requirements of the previous edition of ISO/IEC 17025. The prescriptive standard requirements were replaced with performance-based requirements. This performance-based approach now gives laboratories the ability to better control potential outcomes through risk-based thinking.
Requirements related to risk are now included in many different clauses within ISO/IEC 17025, such as clause 4.1 on risks related to impartiality. The laboratory should identify risks and opportunities throughout the management system and laboratory operations. Risk-based controls, such as contract review, corrective action, internal audits, and management review, are a great starting point for the laboratory to identify and mitigate potential risks and opportunities.
ANAB recently launched a self-paced, web-based training course delivered through MindFlash. “Approaches to Risk-based Thinking in Laboratories” presents an introduction to the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 concept of risk-based thinking and a basic risk-based thinking process for identifying, analyzing, and mitigating risks. By defining risk-based thinking and discussing requirements of the standard, the course will assist accredited laboratories in applying risk-based thinking successfully within their management systems.
