Complying with new legislation

Portsmouth Water provide public water supplies to Portsmouth and the surrounding area – some 868 sq km and over half a million people.

A new directive by the Drinking Water Inspectorate meant that they had to achieve ISO 17025 Laboratory Competence and Calibration accreditation. After reviewing their options, they came to us to help them get up to standard.

Their main objective was to create a more defined process and to be better at keeping permanent records as evidence of work done. Their existing processes weren’t all that bad – they just needed some help from someone who knew the requirements inside out.

We sent Tim and Sarah, two of our Qualitators who are experts in ISO 17025 Laboratory Competence and Calibration accreditation, to show them what needed to be done.

In the first instance, Tim carried out a gap analysis which gave some clear direction on where Portsmouth Water needed to improve.

Tim and Sarah gave Internal Auditor Training to staff, helping them to become proficient in self-auditing prior to an external audit, and ensuring that Portsmouth Water had all the skills necessary to maintain the standard once we’d finished our bit.

At the time of writing, Portsmouth Water are working towards achieving full ISO 17025 Laboratory Competence and Calibration accreditation and all signs look good.

A pre-inspection by UKAS went very well and there was very little they had to add to the work of Sarah and Tim.