FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2002-06-04

Canadian Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program Receives World-Class Recognition

OTTAWA - In May 2002, the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) granted accreditation to the Canadian Association for Environmental Analytical Laboratories (CAEAL) as a Proficiency Testing (PT) Provider. This followed an evaluation of the Association against the nationally recognised criteria set by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) in CAN-P-1593, Guidelines for the Recognition of Proficiency Testing Schemes. The Canadian recognition includes international criteria established by the International Laboratory Accreditation Co-operation (ILAC), in ILAC G13:2000, Guidelines for the Requirements for the Competence of Providers of Proficiency Testing Schemes. The successful accreditation of CAEAL as a PT Provider reflects the high standards of quality assurance being carried out within the Association.

The Standards Council operates several voluntary accreditation programs. The PALCAN Program has accredited over 300 laboratories in a variety of general testing and speciality areas. The Standards Council is the official accreditation body for proficiency test providers in Canada. Accreditation provides national and international recognition of the proficiency test provider's competence to manage and perform this type of proficiency testing, as well as adhere to recognised standards, guides and practices.

The SCC/CAEAL Program requires accredited environmental laboratories to participate in this PT program. It is an essential indication of laboratory competence. The CAEAL program is accredited for 120 parameters within the following environmental fields of testing: Inorganics - water; Organics - water / soil; Occupational Health - Air filters; Toxicology - water; Microbiology - water; and PCB - oil.

If you would like further information on CAEAL's proficiency testing program or accreditation as a PT Provider, please refer to the CAEAL web site, at: www.caeal.ca.

For more information on the programs and services of the Standards Council of Canada and the National Standards System, visit www.scc.ca.

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