Participation Overview

1. Participant Guide

The ‘Participant Guide’ is provided as a reference to enable participants to gain a thorough understanding of how LabSmart Services proficiency testing programs are conducted. This guide allows laboratories to maximise the benefits gained from participation.

2. Quality System

We have been providing a wide range of proficiency programs throughout Australia to the construction materials testing industry for many years. We provide both comprehensive and affordable programs. It is our aim, through the implementation of our quality system that we satisfy participants at every stage of a proficiency testing program. Further details can be found on our website, www.labsmartservices.com.au

3. Accreditation

LabSmart Services offers world class proficiency programs. As part of our internal quality assurance, we operate to a number of international standards. Our quality system is fully documented. All our proficiency testing programs are conducted so as to meet ISO/IEC 17043, Conformity assessment — General requirements for proficiency testing.

4. Scope

A range of proficiency testing programs are conducted covering the following construction materials:

• Concrete
• Soil
• Aggregate

Each material may have multiple programs offered involving different test methods. All programs are run on a regular basis depending on laboratory demand. A proficiency testing program schedule for the calendar year is available from our website. Additional details regarding the programs offered can also be found on the LabSmart Services website.

5. Confidentiality

All information including test results are treated confidentially. The proficiency testing report issued at the completion of a proficiency testing program does not identify either companies or individuals. Each participant is issued a unique identifying code during enrolment that is used in the report ensuring confidentiality of performance.

6. Robust Statistics

Statistics that reduce or eliminate the impact of outlier test results are referred to as “Robust Statistics”. Examples of robust statistics are median and the interquartile range. Both these statistics are used in the statistical analysis of test results. A number of other statistics are calculated based on the median and interquartile range. As a consequence, these subsequent statistical calculations are also known as “Robust Statistics”. More information regarding the statistics used can be found in Appendix A.

7. Conduct of Program

Proficiency testing programs involve a number of stages as shown below apart from the actual proficiency testing component. The remainder of the participant guide expands on each of these stages.