The CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA) requires of its signatories "operation by each NMI of a suitable way of assuring quality". Paragraph 7.3 of the MRA identifies ISO Guide 25 (now the ISO/IEC standard 17025) as one means of fulfilling the requirements of the Arrangement. Many NMIs have already adopted or are currently preparing to adopt ISO/IEC 17025 as a standard.
The year 2003 saw the completion by the BIPM of the first milestone in the implementation of a Quality System to conform to ISO/IEC 17025: all measurement services issuing calibration certificates, either for external or internal clients, are now covered by this Quality System. These services are audited internally each year, and are, in addition, also peer reviewed by auditors from outside of the BIPM. The BIPM's Quality System is currently being extended to other aspects of the work of the BIPM such as the KCDB, publications and some supporting services.
The Health and Safety policy of the BIPM is intrinsically linked to the Quality System, and as such is also implemented and monitored by the Quality Manager.
In addition, the BIPM Quality Manager acts as the liaison person to ISO committees which have an impact on the work of the BIPM and on metrology more generally. He also liaises with ILAC in support of the BIPM-ILAC MoU.
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