Development in harmonisation of proficiency testing (for vapours, gasses, and dusts) in the European Union

A network has been established of the 11 major proficiency schemes in the European Union concerned with the occupational hygiene and environmental analyses of chemicals and dusts in the air. A comparison of all the schemes was carried out and a compendium is being produced. This will allow users of the schemes such as testing laboratories, customers, and regulatory bodies to choose the scheme that is most suited to their purpose. All schemes have been compared with the revised ISO Guide 43, published in 1997. The performance statistics in most schemes conform to the criteria in European Standard EN 482 that define the acceptability limits for overall uncertainty in measurement. However, the performance statistics and assessment strategies of the different schemes vary. While many of the schemes supply similar sample material such as lead on filters and benzene on charcoal, there are a number of sample types that many schemes would like to introduce. However, it would be uneconomic to do this on a national basis and the network is developing procedures to introduce them throughout the member countries. Additionally, there are countries that have no schemes at present and may wish to introduce them. The network will provide a framework to help set up schemes in these areas.