The Development of Accreditation in the UK Paul Mudway Mudway Health, Safety & Environment
History Progression Problems Perfection? The development of accreditation in the UK
History Source Testing Association (STA) formed in A few labs accredited to ISO STA proficiency scheme for particulate sampling STA health & safety training
History (cont.) MCERTS for manual stack emission monitoring introduced in 2002 MCERTS applies to PPC part A(1) processes regulated by Environment Agency and some PPC part A(2) processes MCERTS now specified in permits Most UK labs are now accredited to ISO and MCERTS
MCERTS schemes SchemeImplementation dateHandled by AMS (CEMs)Jun-97Sira Manual Stack MonitoringFeb-02 Sira - Personnel UKAS - Organisations CAMsDec-02Sira Automatic isokinetic samplers Mar-04Sira Chemical testing of soilsMar-03UKAS Self Monitoring of Effluent Flow Jan-04Sira Water monitorsDec-04Sira Portable equipment for air emissions monitoring Mar-05Sira
MCERTS for manual stack emissions monitoring Personnel competency certification by Sira (ISO 17024) Stack monitoring labs accredited to ISO and the MCERTS Performance Standard by UKAS
Overview of MCERTS scheme CERTIFICATION BODY (Scheme Operator) SIRA EXAMINATIONS TRAINEES CERTIFIED PERSONNEL REGISTER OF CERTIFIED PERSONNEL & SCOPES INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS EXAMINING BOARD ADVISORY PANEL STA & EA SYLLABUS EA UKAS ACCREDITATION
MCERTS levels for assessment
Entry level (trainee) Apply to Sira for registration –Identity card only, no certificate Undertake formal induction –Stack emission monitoring –Conduct of personnel working on site –Health and safety Undergo supervised training Attend course on H&S risk assessment applicable to stack monitoring
Assessment for Level 1 (technician) Experience & Training –Minimum of 6 months at trainee level –Records of induction undertaken as trainee –Records of any additional training –Records of stack sampling work under supervision –Attendance on H&S risk assessment course applicable to stack monitoring (mandatory) Examination - 2 written papers: –Multiple choice –Narrative
Assessment for Level 2 (team leader) Experience –Must have competently performed emission monitoring under direct supervision on at least 10 occasions at level 1 Examination –Interview assessment of practical skills: Team management Health & safety Report writing skills To obtain certification at level 2 candidates must also hold at least one Technical Endorsement
MCERTS ID card
Performance standard for organisations Ethical requirements for independence and environmental awareness Selection of appropriate methods following international standards Use of Agency Method Implementation Documents, when available Estimation of measurement uncertainty Use of appropriate equipment Planning of a measurement campaign –Site review –Risk assessment –Site specific protocol Reporting of results Use of MCERTS certified personnel
Problems Passing the examinations! Keeping up with legislation and new standards Cost of accreditation (UKAS, equipment calibration, PT schemes etc.) Competitive market
Perfection? H&S improved significantly Quality of monitoring data improved significantly Level playing field Better career prospects