Quality at Sidco Lab

Our quality system

Sidco Lab works to a quality system aligned to ISO/IEC 17025:2017, the international standard for testing laboratories. Aligned means we follow its requirements in how we work. It is not a claim of accreditation.

Tests follow recognised ASTM and BS methods. We use a non-standard method only after validating it, and only when the client agrees. Before we accept a job we check that we have the method, equipment and people to do it, and tell you if we do not.

Calibration and traceability

Measuring equipment is calibrated by accredited calibration laboratories, so every reading traces back to SI units through a national metrology institute. Each item carries a calibration label with its due date, and we run intermediate checks between calibrations. Calibrated items include:

• Compression testing machine
• Rebar testing machine
• Plate load test set: jack, load cell and displacement gauges
• Laboratory balances and moisture balance
• Drying oven
• Penetrometers
• CBR apparatus

Checking our results

Our quality system, written to ISO/IEC 17025, provides for checking results against independent references:

• Reference materials and replicate tests
• Re-tests of retained samples
• Blind samples
• Interlaboratory comparisons and proficiency testing, where a scheme is available

Impartiality and confidentiality

The same quality system sets these rules:

• Staff pay is not linked to the number of tests or to the results.
• The head of the lab is independent of commercial management.
• Lab staff do not take outside part-time work.
• Your samples, data and results are confidential. We release them only to you, or as the law requires.

How results are reported

Test reports are set up to state:

• The method and standard used, and any departure from it
• The measurement uncertainty, where it affects how the result is used
• For a pass or fail against a specification, the decision rule applied. We agree the rule with you before testing, following ILAC G8 guidance.
• Who checked and authorised the report

The system keeps records for at least four years. Ask us about our complaints procedure.

Subcontracted tests

Some tests are not done in-house, including water quality and chemical analysis. We subcontract them only with your agreement, and the report names the laboratory that did the work.

Testing happens in our laboratory, in site laboratories we set up and run, and on site. See Sidco Lab services for the tests we offer.