Satis Métrologie start interlaboratory tests

Did you miss our interlaboratory testing webinars? Don’t panic, we’ll explain everything to you in this article! Our Satis Métrologie brand is launching a new service: interlaboratory comparisons, also called “round robin” or “aptitude tests”.

What are interlaboratory tests?

 

What is it about ? A measurement or test carried out under the same conditions, by different laboratories. We then compare the results of each participant to verify whether or not they find the same resuklts. These results are then comlpare to the ones they should have found. A score is then assigned to each laboratory according to the results found. Rating assigned by the organizer, ie Satis Métrologie. These tests are used to validate test methods and results uncertainty.

 

Interlaboratory tests applied to HIC tests

 

What about HIC tests, which calculate the critical fall height for surfacing in playgrounds and sports equipment? “For HIC tests, there is no such thing as an international standard,” explains Flavien Bérut, business manager and R&D supervisor.

To carry out these tests, a specific sample is sent to all participating laboratories. Based on the results they find, a robust average will be calculated, after removing outliers (those that are very far from expected results). It is this average that will serve as a reference thereafter. Each laboratory will then be assigned a score according to the result found. The closer the latter is to the robust average, the better the score.

 

The Z-Score, to calculate the measurement uncertainty

 

These tests also make possible to determine measurement uncertainties, using the Z-score. Usually, a Z-score of less than 2 is acceptable. Beyond 3, it is indicative of an anomaly. “In the field of HIC tests, we must aim for a Z-score of less than 1, given the diversity of surfacing and materials,” explains Flavien Bérut.

In this case, the laboratory must take corrective actions. But what can be the causes of a bad Z-score? According to Ishikawa’s 5Ms, we generally identify five areas that can be incriminated: method, man (workforce), machine (test device), material and medium (environment of the measurement) .

However, for interlaboratory comparisons in the field of HIC tests, the material cannot be the cause of the problem (all the participants have the same sample), nor the environment (the tests are carried out in the laboratory under controlled conditions and not on site). As a result, the error can only come from the method, the man or the machine. To determine which of those 3 “M” is involved, it is then necessary to carry out an R&R study (repeatability & reproducibility).

 

Why participate in the interlaboratory tests of Satis Métrologie?

 

Participating in the interlaboratory tests organized by Satis Métrologie has several advantages:

• Prove the reliability of the results and make them an argument for its customers
• Respond to normative requests: ISO 17025 certified laboratories (standard on general requirements for the competence of calibration and testing laboratories) must participate in these tests.
• Save money: the cost of participating in an interlaboratory comparison is very low compared to that generated by non-quality or over-quality.
• Master the company’s internal skills and ensure that the quality of inspections is maintained, regardless of the operator.

 

Register now to participate!

 

The registration campaign is launched. If you have not yet received a registration form, contact us by email: info@normenjeu.fr