Testing
For many people, laboratory testing is an invisible side of quality assurance. However, the majority of quality assurance decisions, from raw materials used in manufacturing to finished products, are derived from laboratory tests. ZABS Testing Laboratories Departments’ mandate is to provide testing of products to which standards apply, and the materials from which they are produced.
This function is provided for in the Standards Act CAP 416 of the Laws of Zambia as follows -
“To make arrangements or provide facilities for the examination and testing of commodities, materials and substances from which commodities may be manufactured, processed, treated and finished.”
The Testing Laboratories operate on guidelines provided in ISO/IEC 17025: the international standard on General requirements for the competence of Testing and Calibration laboratories.
This function is provided for in the Standards Act CAP 416 of the Laws of Zambia as follows -
“To make arrangements or provide facilities for the examination and testing of commodities, materials and substances from which commodities may be manufactured, processed, treated and finished.”
The Testing Laboratories operate on guidelines provided in ISO/IEC 17025: the international standard on General requirements for the competence of Testing and Calibration laboratories.
FUNCTIONAL INTERACTIONS
In carrying out its mandate, the department interacts with various sections of the Zambia Bureau of Standards, Industries, Academic institutions, Private laboratories, other statutory bodies and regulators and the general public.
The Testing Laboratories provide testing services in the quality assurance and standards development functions of the Zambia Bureau of Standards.
The department also offers commercial testing services to industry (including SME’s) and other stakeholders.
ZABS Testing Laboratories participates in Interlaboratory comparisons and Proficiency testing schemes with other recognized laboratories. This collaborative testing is used as a means of validating test methods, validating new equipment, monitoring the competence of personnel, and ensuring stakeholder confidence in the performance of the laboratories.
Results obtained from these collaborative tests are used as a basis for continuous improvement of the laboratories.
GOALS
Our goal is to set up testing facilities that will cater for a wide range of products on the local and international market. The laboratories also wish to acquire accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 so that test results obtained within our laboratories are acceptable worldwide.
TESTING CAPABILITIES
Within slightly over two (2) years in operation, the department has an eight (8) operational laboratories. With new and modern equipment and competent staff the laboratory has the capability to conduct chemical tests in products such as biscuits, dairy foods, clear beer, opaque beer, crude and refined vegetable cooking oil, wheat flour, Maize meal, margarines, jams and marmalades, fruit flavoured drinks, stock feeds, detergent powders, dishwashing liquids, toilet soaps, vehicle number plates etc.
THE FUTURE
To our department, the future means now. The Zambia Bureau of Standards with the help of the European Union has reached an advanced stage in setting up more laboratories to test various products. Among the laboratories to be set up are:
1. Biochemical Laboratories
Food and Agriculture Laboratory
This laboratory carries out analysis on cereal and meal products, dairy products, meat and meat products, beverages, sugar confectionery, alcoholic drinks, carbonated drinks, feeds, fats and oils, fruits, vegetables and their products.
Microbiology Laboratory
Products analysed here are foods, beverages, feeds, drinking water, cosmetics, and disinfectants.
Meat/Milk Testing Laboratory
Products analysed in this laboratory are meat and meat products and milk and milk products.
Petroleum testing laboratory
This laboratory carries out analysis on Petroleum products and biofuels. The laboratory will also facilitate organic tests on soaps, detergents, cosmetics, spirits, and insecticidal products.
Inorganic Analysis Laboratory
Products analysed in this laboratory for chemical analysis are water treatment chemicals, acids, alkalis, soda ash, drinking water, effluents, salt, sugar, building materials such as cement, lime and chalk.
2. Materials Laboratories
Packaging materials/Textiles Laboratory
Products analysed in this laboratory (textiles section) include fabrics, coated fabrics, woven and knitted garments, woven bags, towels, medical and hygienic products, elastic braids, bed sheets, blankets and bed spreads.
Products analysed under packaging materials section will include plastic products, paper products, leather products, retro reflective materials, rubber products.
Paint testing Laboratory
Products analysed here are paints and related products, inks, rubber, solvents, polishes, and adhesives.
Condom testing Laboratory
This laboratory carries out tests on male latex condoms
and surgical gloves.
CONCLUSION
The department attaches great importance to its mandate. It is our vision to provide all our clients and stakeholders with quality test results. With the current staff of eleven (11), the department guarantees quality, reliable and timely testing services at competitive cost.
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