AASHTO R18 changes are here
It was just announced the 2016 version of AASHTO R18 is now available.
View the summary of changes to R18 for 2016; if you have an online subscription to the AASHTO Standards you can access them now. Laboratories are expected to fully adopt the changes in the new version of R18 within one year of the release date. Look for information on our blog throughout the year as we implement necessary changes to the R18LabQMS application.
What to expect
As changes are made within the application we will write additional blogs and post videos on our YouTube channel to keep all users updated.
Moving through this process we will highlight summary of changes;
A new section 5.5.3 was added to clarify that the intention of competency evaluations is to have someone watch the person perform the tests. That person may be in‐house, a consultant, a certification body or an assessment body – as long as the test is being demonstrated by the technician for an evaluator.
In the previous version of this standard it states the laboratory shall maintain a procedure describing the method used to evaluate staff competency to ensure each test covered by the scope, in this change it’s more specific on how this is to be done.
Please refer to the standard for specific details and clarity.
Recent questions by users
Q: I have satellite labs and would like to have senior management appear on the organizational charts for all labs, the role we are currently using is “senior manager”, how can we make this happen?
A: In order to have a user appear in all labs on the organizational chart, change their “role” to Primary Lab manager. You can also hide or edit users from the organizational chart by going to “edit organizational chart”.
Q: Can I use a “working” thermometer to calibrate other thermometers within my laboratory?
A: No. Equipment used for Calibration/Check/Standardization is considered “Reference Equipment” (as opposed to working equipment) and should be used as such.
Upcoming meetings and events
ASTM
Tuesday, June 28, 2016 – Thursday, June 30, 2016
Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile; Chicago, IL
AASHTO Subcommittee on Materials meeting
Sunday, July 31, 2016 – Friday, August 5, 2016
Hyatt Regency Greenville, SC
For all questions regarding quality management systems for your laboratory – whether your lab is accredited or not please contact us and learn how R18LabQMS can add value to your company.
– Gary Irvine