This document lists 33 examples of non-conformities related to quality control administration and laboratory test work. Some examples include using uncalibrated or expired instruments, improper storage of chemicals and reagents, untrained personnel performing tests, incomplete application of test procedures, and failure to properly document corrective actions from internal audits. Maintaining calibration of equipment, following test procedures, using qualified staff, and documenting quality controls are important aspects of ISO 17025.

1. ISO 17025
EXAMPLES OF NON-CONFORMITIES
q u a l i t y c o n t ro l a d m i n i s t r at i o n IN LABROTARY TEST WORK
K u r d i s ta n s ta n da r d i z at i o n A n d
COLLECTED BY
TALAL KHALID HASSAN
SENIOR ADVISER IN QC AND QM
March 2012
Caption describing picture or graphic.
1. Use of non-calibrated instruments/equipment in test work.
2. Use of instruments/equipment whose calibration period is expired.
3. Use of instruments/equipment beyond its limits of measurement in a
specified method.
4. Use of instruments/equipment with the label of “out of order”.
5. The internal calibration of instruments/equipment is not performed ac-
cording to the documented procedures.
6. Failure to accomplish with the indicated frequency for the calibration of
Instruments /equipment.
7. Improper storage conditions of weighing standards and other reference
instruments.
8. Weighing standards and other reference instruments are used in the la-
boratory daily work.
9. Use of reagents and media beyond its shelf life.
10. Use of reagents and media in physical conditions unfit for use in test
work.
11. Use of non-calibrated instruments/equipment in test work.
12. Use of instruments/equipment whose calibration period is ex-
pired.
13. Use of instruments/equipment beyond its limits of measure-
ment in a specified method.

2. 11. Use of chemical solutions and media beyond its shelf life, ac-
cording to the information marked in the label.
ksqca 12. Use of de-ionized water/distilled water whose physical/
KURDISTAN REGION- chemical properties do not conform to International Standards/
IRAQ-ERBIL Guidelines of Water for Analysis.
13. Non-trained personnel working in accredited test methods.
14. Incomplete application of analytical procedure in the perfor-
www.ksqca.com mance of tests.
info@ksqca.com 15. Bias in the application of analytical procedures in the perfor-
mance of tests
16. Signature of result report/certificates by non-authorized per-
sonnel.
17. Issuance of result report/certificates without being checked
by the designated persons.
18. Improper storage of chemicals and media (temperature, hu-
midity, stowage rate, etc.)
19. Handling of strong alkali, acids and other related chemicals
out of the hoods.
20. Digestion of samples in the hoods which are turned off.
21. The performance of test works with the ventilation system
not operating properly.
23. Receipt, handling, storing and transporting of chemicals and
other hazardous substances without using the established indi-
vidual protective items.
24. Failure to observe the safety regulations in force at the labor-
atory when performing test work.
25. Eye wash stations and safety showers do not operate proper-
ly.
26. The fire extinguisher is expired and has not been replaced.
27. Incomplete supply of first aids dressing materials.
28. Access of alien people to the laboratory, who are not duly au-
thorized.
29. Alien people going around the laboratory without being ac-
companied by the authorized/designated person (s).
30. Documents are not filed in the right folder.
31. Some documents are missing according to a consecutive num-
bering, or according to a cross-reference check.
32. Internal control activities are not performed according to the
documented procedures and with the indicated frequency.
33. Failure to document corrective actions arising from internal
controls and audits.