CSIR–Soil Research Institute is in the process of obtaining accreditation in ISO/IEC 17025. Under a UNIDO-funded program, CSIR – SRI, Soil testing laboratory has received state-of-the-art equipment in soil testing and training to get the STL ready for ISO/IEC 17025. ISO/IEC 17025 will enable STL to implement a quality system structured to deliver a better service supported by documented information such as procedures, work instructions, policies, and forms. It is for this reason that STL had this preparatory review meeting to appraise for accreditation.
The training was held from 16th to 17th June 2021 at the CSIR – SRI, Library Hall. The resource person was Rev. Dr. William Jonfia Essien, a UNIDO Auditing expert. The 2-day review for accreditation was in 2-folds, inspections of the soil testing laboratory, and files and documents. Weaknesses and errors identified were discussed and corrected. Participants went through Compliance Matrix for 17025, which is essential for accreditation. The exercise was helpful, and the participants were armed to execute the quality system with a high level of confidence.