Company

Audits and Proficiency Testing

Audits and Proficiency Testing

SGS participates in national proficiency test programs to maintain our accreditations. SGS reports results for over 10,000 proficiency test parameters under the following programs:

  • Water Pollution
  • Water Supply
  • RCRA Soil
  • Air Toxics

SGS also takes part in numerous single and double-blind proficiency test programs sponsored by national corporate clients, using independent third-party consulting firms.

Audits are also conducted by accrediting bodies for initial and continued accreditation. Findings from these audits are also used to improve process performance.

SGS continuously monitors key indicators to measure operational efficiency which is essential to project execution. The indicators used to evaluate performance include analytical report turn-around-time, reissued reports, holding times and rejected data.

Statistical evaluations are used to measure and refine overall performance, promoting continuous improvement.

Formal reports of all audit activities are prepared for the management staff. These reports are prepared annually. The report details the status of the Quality System.

The formal report addresses the following topics, along with actions and objectives for the next year:

  • the suitability of policies and procedures.
  • reports from managerial and supervisory personnel.
  • the outcome of recent internal audits.
  • corrective and preventive actions.
  • assessments by external bodies.
  • the results of inter-laboratory comparisons or proficiency tests.
  • changes in the volume and type of the work.
  • customer feedback.
  • complaints.
  • recommendations for improvement.
  • other relevant factors, such as quality control activities, resources, and staff training.
  • assessment of any risks to impartiality.
  • annual re-assessment of ISO 17025 vendors.
  • assessment of risks and opportunities to the business.
  • results from the voice of the customer survey.