A standard is a published document that sets out specifications and procedures designed to ensure that a material, product, method or service is fit for its purpose and consistently performs the way it was intended to perform.
There are many standards that relate to laboratories that are important to consider both when designing a new laboratory facility or when considering day-to-day operations. There are certain workplace health and safety legislative requirements for which the criteria for conformance are often based on such standards. Other standards relate to quality, including that of equipment items, such as glassware, or the management system.
In Australia, most standards are published by Standards Australia, which is an independent, non-government organisation. However, through a Memorandum of Understanding Standards Australia is recognised by the Australian Government as the peak non-government standards body in Australia, and represents Australia on the two peak International Standards organisations, ISO and IEC. Standards Australia’s primary role is to prepare standards through an open process of consultation and consensus in which all interested parties from a variety of industries are invited to participate.
Standards are reviewed from time to time, mostly within ten years of their publication date. However, standards dealing with topics that are continually undergoing rapid change are revised and republished within a maximum period of seven years. It is therefore important to ensure that you have the most up to date version of any standards that are critical to your business operations. This can be achieved by contacting the Customer Service Centre of Standards Australia or by visiting the Standards Australia website.
The following listing shows some general standards for winery laboratories. For an up-to-date and current listing, please consult the latest information available from Standards Australia.
- AS ISO/IEC 17025 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories
- AS/NZS 2982.1:1997 Laboratory design and construction