This guide describes the elements of a quality management system for an organization that samples, analyzes, or tests coal, coke, or their products.

The quality management system stresses the use of documented accountability and quality control procedures that serve to assure the laboratory personnel and its clients that adequate accuracy and precision are achieved in the routine performance of its sampling and testing activities, and that reported data were obtained from the samples submitted.

A laboratory may use this guide to develop its quality management system.

Laboratory clients, regulatory authorities, and organizations or individuals that evaluate the competency of testing laboratories may find this guide useful. Specific guidelines for evaluating a laboratory can be found in Practice D 4182.

Other accountability and quality control procedures can be developed and may be considered equivalent if they provide all of the benefits previously outlined.

1.1 This guide describes the essential activities that are required to establish and operate a quality management system in a laboratory or organization that provides services in sample collection, sample preparation, or testing of coal, coke, or combustion residues from coal and coke.

The word "laboratory" is used throughout this guide when referring to an organization that provides services in coal sampling or testing, or both. It is recognized, however, that the word may not be appropriate to an organization that does not perform actual laboratory sample testing.

1.2 The principles of this guide are suggested as being the minimum acceptable requirements for the management of quality in a coal or coke sampling or testing organization, although some elements may not be necessary or appropriate for organizations that provide limited services.

1.3 Laboratories meeting the requirements of this guide may or may not meet the requirements of the ISO 9000 series of standards.

An accrediting body may also impose other nontechnical requirements such as payment of fees or submittal of quality documentation for review.

1.4 This guide is based upon many of the issues presented in Guide E 548. The user may also consult Guide E 882 for other items that may be pertinent. ISO Guide 25 has also been extensively consulted.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.