Proficiency testing at the IFA

Since 1989, the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA) has been providing proficiency testing (PT) schemes for laboratories and measuring stations worldwide. PT schemes are an important means of quality assurance. They are used for self-monitoring and external presentation of internal laboratory quality as well as for validation of measurement procedures according to specific standards.

The IFA´s PT schemes are carried out in accordance with the requirements of DIN EN ISO/IEC 17043 and of DIN ISO 13528.The Bundesverband der Messstellen für Umwelt- und Arbeitsschutz e. V. (BUA), the German association of environmental and OSH measurement bodies, recommends regular participation in the IFA's PT schemes.