NIST HANDBOOK 150-15 

2006 Edition 

National 

Voluntary

Laboratory 

Accreditation 

Program 

THERMAL

INSULATION

MATERIALS

Lawrence I. Knab 

National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program 

Standards Services Division 

Technology Services 

June 2006 

U.S. Department of Commerce 

Carlos M. Gutierrez, Secretary 

National Institute of Standards and Technology 

William A. Jeffrey, Director 
NVLAP AND THE NVLAP LOGO 

The term NVLAP and the NVLAP logo are registered 

marks of the Federal Government, which retains 

exclusive rights to control the use thereof. Permission 

to use the term and symbol (NVLAP logo with 

approved caption) is granted to NVLAP-accredited 

laboratories for the limited purpose of announcing 

their accredited status, and for use on reports that 

describe only testing and calibration within the scope 

of accreditation. NVLAP reserves the right to control 

the quality of the use of the NVLAP term, logo, and 

symbol.
Contents 

Contents .......................................................................................................................................................iii

Foreword.......................................................................................................................................................v

Introduction..................................................................................................................................................vi

1 General information ..............................................................................................................................1

1.1 Scope ...........................................................................................................................................1

1.2 Organization of handbook ...........................................................................................................1

1.3 Program description.....................................................................................................................1

1.4 References ...................................................................................................................................2

1.5 Terms and definitions ..................................................................................................................2

1.6 Program documentation...............................................................................................................2

2 LAP establishment, development and implementation.........................................................................3

3 Accreditation process............................................................................................................................3

3.1 General ........................................................................................................................................3

3.2 Management system review ........................................................................................................3

3.3 On-site assessment.......................................................................................................................3

3.4 Proficiency testing .......................................................................................................................6

4 Management requirements for accreditation.........................................................................................7

4.1 Organization ................................................................................................................................7

4.2 Management system ....................................................................................................................7

4.3 Document control ........................................................................................................................8

4.4 Review of requests, tenders and contracts...................................................................................8

4.5 Subcontracting of tests and calibrations ......................................................................................8

4.6 Purchasing services and supplies.................................................................................................8

4.7 Service to the customer................................................................................................................8

4.8 Complaints...................................................................................................................................8

4.9 Control of nonconforming testing and/or calibration work.........................................................8

4.10 Improvement................................................................................................................................9

4.11 Corrective action .........................................................................................................................9

4.12 Preventive action .........................................................................................................................9

4.13 Control of records........................................................................................................................9

4.14 Internal audits ..............................................................................................................................9

4.15 Management reviews...................................................................................................................9

5 Technical requirements for accreditation............................................................................................10

5.1 General ......................................................................................................................................10

5.2 Personnel ...................................................................................................................................10

5.3 Accommodation and environmental conditions ........................................................................11

5.4 Test and calibration methods and method validation ................................................................11

5.5 Equipment..................................................................................................................................12

5.6 Measurement traceability ..........................................................................................................12

5.7 Sampling....................................................................................................................................13

NIST Handbook 150-15:2006 iii 
5.8 Handling of test and calibration items.......................................................................................13

5.9 Assuring the quality of test and calibration results....................................................................13

5.10 Reporting the results..................................................................................................................13

6 Additional requirements......................................................................................................................14

iv NIST Handbook 150-15:2006 
Foreword 

The NIST Handbook 150 publication series sets forth the procedures, requirements, and guidance for the 

accreditation of testing and calibration laboratories by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation 

Program (NVLAP). The series is comprised of the following publications: 

• NIST Handbook 150, NVLAP Procedures and General Requirements, which contains the general 

procedures and requirements under which NVLAP operates as an unbiased third-party accreditation 

body; 

• NIST Handbook 150-xx program-specific handbooks, which supplement NIST Handbook 150 by 

providing additional requirements, guidance, and interpretive information applicable to specific 

NVLAP laboratory accreditation programs (LAPs). 

The program-specific handbooks are not stand-alone documents, but rather are companion documents to 

NIST Handbook 150. They tailor the general criteria found in NIST Handbook 150 to the specific tests, 

calibrations, or types of tests or calibrations covered by a LAP. 

NIST Handbook 150-15, NVLAP Thermal Insulation Materials, presents the technical requirements and 

guidance for the accreditation of laboratories under the NVLAP Thermal Insulation Materials LAP. The 

2006 edition incorporates changes resulting from the release of the newest editions of ISO/IEC 17025, 

General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, and NIST Handbook 

150, as well as editorial improvements. The 2006 edition of NIST Handbook 150-15 supersedes and 

replaces the 1995 edition. 

The handbook was revised with the participation of technical experts in the field of thermal insulation 

materials testing and was approved by NVLAP. The following main changes have been made to this 

handbook with respect to the previous edition: 

• all references to applicable international guides and standards have been updated; 

• on-site assessment checklists and the test method selection list are no longer included in order that 

they may be provided as separate documents, which may be updated at different intervals than the 

handbook; 

• the body of the handbook has been restructured to conform with internationally accepted rules for the 

structure and drafting of standards, where appropriate, to promote ease of use and understanding. 

This handbook is also available on the NVLAP web site (http://www.nist.gov/nvlap). 

Questions or comments concerning this handbook should be submitted to NVLAP, National Institute of 

Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 2140, Gaithersburg, MD, 20899-2140; phone: 

301-975-4016; fax: 301-926-2884; e-mail: nvlap@nist.gov. 

NIST Handbook 150-15:2006 v 
Introduction 

The Thermal Insulation Materials (TIM) Program was established in 1979 at the request of three private 

sector thermal insulation trade associations. The purpose of the program is to accredit laboratories that 

produce reliable thermal insulation test data. The TIM program was the first of the NVLAP laboratory 

accreditation programs. 

vi NIST Handbook 150-15:2006 
1 General information 

1.1 Scope 

1.1.1 NIST Handbook 150-15 specifies the technical requirements and provides guidance for the 

accreditation of laboratories under the NVLAP Thermal Insulation Materials Laboratory Accreditation 

Program (TIM Program). It supplements the NVLAP procedures and general requirements found in 

NIST Handbook 150, by tailoring the general criteria found in NIST Handbook 150 to the specific tests 

and types of tests covered by the TIM Program. 

1.1.2 NIST Handbook 150, this handbook, and their respective checklists (see 1.6) constitute the 

collective body of requirements that must be met by a laboratory seeking NVLAP accreditation for the 

TIM Program. 

1.1.3 This handbook is intended for information and use by accredited TIM laboratories, assessors 

conducting on-site assessments, laboratories seeking accreditation, other laboratory accreditation systems, 

users of laboratory services, and others needing information on the requirements for accreditation under 

the TIM Program. 

1.2 Organization of handbook 

The numbering and titles of the first five clauses of this handbook match those of NIST Handbook 150. 

The primary subclauses in clauses 4 and 5 (e.g., 4.1, 4.2, etc.) are also numbered and titled to correspond 

with those of NIST Handbook 150, even when there are no requirements additional to those in NIST 

Handbook 150. 

1.3 Program description 

1.3.1 The NVLAP TIM Program provides for laboratory accreditation to ensure that standard test 

procedures are followed to measure corrosiveness; thermal resistance; strength; flammability; mass, 

density, and dimensional stability; and related material properties. The TIM Program accredits 

laboratories that use standard test methods from ASTM International (ASTM), Code of Federal 

Regulations (CFR), the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI), the Canadian 

General Standards Board (CGSB), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and Military 

Specifications (MIL), and other recognized test methods. 

1.3.2 A listing of the test methods included in the NVLAP program is given in the TIM Test Method 

Selection List, which is part of the TIM application package and available from NVLAP upon request. 

The Test Method Selection List is separated into groups, generally by material property, including mass, 

density, dimensional stability, corrosiveness, flammability, strength, and thermal resistance. A laboratory 

may seek accreditation to all of the selected methods offered in the TIM Program or a subset of its choice. 

A laboratory may request test methods to be added to the program. Test method additions will be handled 

in accordance with NVLAP procedures in NIST Handbook 150 for adding to or modifying an established 

LAP (see NIST Handbook 150, 2). 

NIST Handbook 150-15:2006 1 
1.4 References 

The following documents are referenced in this handbook. The latest edition of the referenced document 

(including any amendments) shall apply within one year of publication or within another time limit 

specified by regulations or other requirement documents. 

— NIST Handbook 150, NVLAP Procedures and General Requirements 

— ASTM C168, Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation 

— ASTM E178, Standard Practice for Dealing with Outlying Observations

1.5 Terms and definitions 

For the purposes of this handbook, the terms and definitions given in NIST Handbook 150 and in ASTM 

C168 apply. 

1.6 Program documentation 

1.6.1 General

Assessors use NVLAP checklists to ensure that each laboratory receives an assessment comparable to that 

received by others and to assure completeness, uniformity, and objectivity. Checklists assist assessors in 

documenting the assessment to the NVLAP requirements found in NIST Handbook 150, this handbook, 

and the checklists themselves. Checklists contain definitive statements or questions about all aspects of 

the NVLAP requirements for accreditation, and form part of the On-Site Assessment Report (see NIST 

Handbook 150). The current version of each checklist is available from the NVLAP web site at 

<http://www.nist.gov/nvlap>. 

1.6.2 NIST Handbook 150 Checklist 

All NVLAP programs use the NIST Handbook 150 Checklist (formerly called the General Operations 

Checklist), which contains the requirements published in NIST Handbook 150. The checklist items are 

numbered to correspond to clauses 4 and 5 and annexes A and B of NIST Handbook 150. 

1.6.3 NIST Handbook 150-15 Checklist 

The NIST Handbook 150-15 Checklist (also referred to as the TIM Program-Specific Checklist) 

addresses requirements specific to thermal insulation materials testing, including testing requirements, 

with an emphasis on observing and performing tests, testing accuracy, instrumentation, calibration, 

personnel competency, and test reporting. The checklist contains requirements expressed at a more 

detailed level than found in this handbook. 

1.6.4 Test Method Review Summary 

The assessor uses the Test Method Review Summary to review the laboratory’s ability to perform the 

TIM test methods. The review of the test methods by the assessor ranges from observing tests to having 

laboratory staff describe the test procedures. The assessor notes on the Test Method Review Summary 

2 NIST Handbook 150-15:2006 
the depth into which each part of the test method was reviewed (Observed Test, Examined Apparatus, 

Walked/Talked Through Test, Listened to Description of Procedures). 

1.6.5 NVLAP Lab Bulletins 

NVLAP Lab Bulletins are issued to laboratories and assessors, when needed, to clarify program-specific 

requirements and to provide information about program additions and changes. 

2 LAP establishment, development and implementation 

This clause contains no information additional to that provided in NIST Handbook 150, clause 2. 

3 Accreditation process 

3.1 General 

An overview of the laboratory accreditation process is provided in NIST Handbook 150, clause 3, and 

includes information pertaining to application for accreditation; on-site assessment; proficiency testing; 

accreditation decision; granting accreditation; renewal of accreditation; changes to scope of accreditation; 

monitoring visits; and suspension, denial, revocation, and voluntary termination of accreditation. 

3.2 Management system review 

3.2.1 Prior to applying to NVLAP for accreditation, a laboratory shall have a fully implemented 

management system. A copy of the quality manual and relevant associated documents, including a crossreference document, shall be sent to NVLAP with the application forms. 

3.2.2 The cross-reference document shall verify that all requirements of this handbook and clauses 4 

and 5 and annexes A and B of NIST Handbook 150 and are addressed and their locations clearly 

identified in the management system documentation. 

3.2.3 Prior to the on-site assessment, the assigned assessor reviews all relevant management system 

documentation for conformity with NVLAP requirements, including the requirements of this handbook 

and NIST Handbook 150. During this review, the assessor may request may request additional 

management system documents and/or records, which will be returned upon request. 

3.3 On-site assessment 

3.3.1 The purpose of the on-site assessment is to determine if the laboratory is following its 

documented management system and to assess the competence of the laboratory’s delivery of its testing 

services. 

3.3.2 The on-site assessment will take place at the laboratory site. Prior to the visit, the NVLAP 

assessor provides a preliminary agenda, which may change due to findings observed during the on-site 

assessment. Efforts will be made to minimize disruption to the normal working routines during the 

NIST Handbook 150-15:2006 3 
assessment. The assessor will need time and workspace to complete assessment documentation during 

his/her time at the laboratory site. 

3.3.3 All laboratory equipment required to perform accredited testing shall be available for assessment 

and in good working order. The laboratory shall be prepared to demonstrate selected test methods as 

requested by the assessor. The assessment will cover the requirements identified in this handbook, NIST 

Handbook 150, the TIM Program-Specific Checklist, the laboratory’s quality manual, and the 

laboratory’s written detailed test instructions. 

3.3.4 The laboratory shall make available all supporting technical information in a format that is 

conducive to a detailed review. The assessor may request additional information to clarify issues 

regarding nonconformities or to delve more deeply into technical issues. 

3.3.5 The activities covered during a typical on-site assessment are described below. 

a) Opening meeting: The NVLAP assessor will meet with laboratory management, supervisory 

personnel, and other appropriate staff members to explain the purpose of the on-site assessment 

and to discuss the schedule for the assessment activities. Information provided by the laboratory 

on its application form may be discussed during this meeting. 

b) Staff interviews: The NVLAP assessor will ask the laboratory manager to assist in arranging 

times for individual interviews with laboratory staff members. The assessor will interview staff 

members filling key positions (e.g., Laboratory Manager, Technical Director, Quality Manager, 

Authorized Representative, Approved Signatories) and staff members who have an effect on the 

outcome of the testing, including staff who conduct the testing. The assessor does not need to talk 

to all staff members; however, the assessor will select staff members representing all aspects of 

the laboratory. These interviews are conducted to determine if the staff members are properly 

trained, assigned, and supervised, and are technically competent for the tasks assigned to them. 

c) Records review: The NVLAP assessor will review laboratory documentation, including the 

management system, quality manual, equipment and maintenance records, record-keeping 

procedures, testing procedures, laboratory test records and reports, personnel competency records, 

personnel training plans and records, and safeguards for the protection of sensitive and 

proprietary information. The assessor will review the laboratory’s own detailed instructions (see 

5.4.1) to perform TIM testing according to the standard test procedures for which it seeks 

accreditation, the range of specimens and conditions it can test, and the descriptions of the 

maintenance and calibration of its specific equipment. 

 Laboratory staff shall be available to answer questions; however, the assessor may wish to review 

the documents and records alone. The assessor usually does not ask to remove any laboratory 

documents or records from the laboratory premises. 

 NVLAP assessors do not need access to employee information that may be considered sensitive 

or private such as salary, medical information, or performance reviews for work done outside the 

scope of the laboratory’s accreditation. However, this information is often stored together with 

technical information that an assessor will need to check (e.g., job descriptions, résumés, and 

technical performance reviews). In these cases, the assessor will work with the laboratory to 

ensure the review is performed without violating individual privacy. At the discretion of the 

laboratory, a member of its human resources department may be present during the review of 

personnel information. 

4 NIST Handbook 150-15:2006 
d) Internal audit and management review: The NVLAP assessor will review and discuss with the 

laboratory staff the laboratory’s internal audit and management review activities, which are 

separate and distinct activities. The discussion will include all aspects of those activities 

including the management system procedures, the audit findings, the actions taken to resolve 

problems identified, and the results of the management review. 

e) Equipment and software: The NVLAP assessor will examine and determine the suitability of all 

equipment and facilities required to perform the standard test methods for which the laboratory is 

accredited (or is seeking accreditation). The appropriate environmental conditions required for 

testing will be assessed. The assessor will observe the demonstration of selected procedures by 

appropriate personnel assigned to conduct the tests, and interviews those personnel. The assessor 

will review test data, examine hardware and software for function and appropriateness, and 

review software validation and verification procedures. 

f) Demonstrations: The demonstrations requested may be selective or all-inclusive. The NVLAP 

assessor will observe the demonstration of testing procedures by technical personnel assigned to 

conduct the tests, and will discuss the tests with the technical personnel to assure their 

understanding of the procedures. The demonstrations shall include sample test material(s), 

preparation of devices, establishment of test conditions, and the setup/use of major equipment. 

The assessor uses the Test Method Review Summary (see 1.6.4) and the TIM Program-Specific 

Checklist in reviewing and summarizing the laboratory’s ability to conduct the test methods. 

 The NVLAP assessor may select and trace the history of one or more samples from receipt to 

final issuance of the test reports. 

g) Proficiency testing: The NVLAP assessor will discuss all aspects of proficiency testing results 

with appropriate staff. Test methodology and records documenting the laboratory’s execution of 

the testing will be reviewed and discussed. Any unusual trends or outlying results will be 

discussed. 

 The assessor may provide a proficiency test sample and request testing or a demonstration. 

h) On-site assessment report: The assessor will complete an On-Site Assessment Report, which 

summarizes the findings and clearly lists all nonconformities and comments (positive or 

negative). This report normally consists of the On-Site Assessment Report, the NIST Handbook 

150 Checklist, the TIM Program-Specific Checklist, and the Test Method Review Summary. The 

first page of the report shall be signed by the assessor and the laboratory’s Authorized 

Representative or designee to acknowledge the discussion, but this does not necessarily indicate 

agreement by the laboratory. A copy of the report is given to the laboratory representative for 

retention and the assessor sends the original to NVLAP. 

i) Closing meeting: The NVLAP assessor will conduct a closing meeting with the laboratory 

manager, supervisory personnel, and other appropriate staff members to discuss the findings. 

During the visit the assessor will have categorized all problems identified as nonconformities and 

comments. They will be discussed at the closing meeting and resolutions may be mutually agreed 

upon. The assessor will specifically note items that have been corrected during the on-site 

assessment along with any recommendations for other action(s). The process for resolving 

nonconformities identified during the on-site is documented in NIST Handbook 150. 

Disagreements between the laboratory and an assessor may be referred to NVLAP for resolution. 

NIST Handbook 150-15:2006 5 
3.3.6 The laboratory shall resolve or formulate a plan to resolve all nonconformities and provide a 

response to NVLAP within 30 days from the date of the on-site assessment. 

3.3.7 The laboratory shall review all comments for potential improvements in thermal insulation 

materials testing. 

3.4 Proficiency testing 

3.4.1 NIST Handbook 150 defines proficiency testing and describes how it is included in the 

accreditation process. TIM test methods that require proficiency testing are identified by an asterisk (*) 

in the TIM Test Method Selection List. Special proficiency testing rounds may be separately scheduled 

for specific needs. Proficiency testing fees are required from all laboratories accredited for one or more 

test methods for which proficiency testing is being offered. 

3.4.2 As NVLAP prescribes, NVLAP or a proficiency testing contractor conducts rounds at regular 

intervals. Test specimens along with instructions for specimen handling, preparation, conditioning, 

mounting, and testing, and data forms are provided to the participating laboratories. The completed test 

data forms are sent by the participating laboratories to NVLAP or, as directed, to the proficiency testing 

contractor. The results of all participants are summarized in a Tech Brief, which is edited and sent by 

NVLAP to the participants. The identity and performance of individual laboratories are kept confidential. 

3.4.3 Laboratories renewing accreditation shall have satisfactorily participated in all required 

proficiency testing during their previous accreditation period. Laboratories applying for initial 

accreditation shall also participate satisfactorily in proficiency testing (or a suitable alternative, if 

available), provided the proficiency testing is offered during the application period, before accreditation 

will be granted. 

Failure to participate in proficiency testing or return the completed test data forms by the deadline is 

considered a nonconformity and may result in suspension of laboratory accreditation for those test 

methods in question. 

3.4.4 Generally, it is required that the specific proficiency test procedure be conducted in accordance 

with the applicable standard test method. At times, however, NVLAP may specify special conditions to 

assure uniformity in procedures and test conditions among participants. These may include the number of 

replicate measurements, special conditions of temperature and humidity, and other test parameters. Also, 

proficiency testing may consist of several parts in order that the operation of a laboratory might be 

evaluated. Portions of the standard test procedure may be emphasized, such as measurement, 

instrumentation, hardware, and data analysis. The proficiency testing shall not be contracted out to 

another laboratory. 

3.4.5 On occasion, the on-site assessor hand carries proficiency test samples to the laboratory. These 

proficiency test samples, like all others received by the laboratory, shall be listed or entered into the 

normal sample tracking and identification system for control and data recording. In these cases, at the 

direction of the assessor, the samples may be returned to the on-site assessor rather than stored at the 

laboratory. Alternatively, the laboratory may be instructed to send the samples back to the proficiencytesting contractor, or to a destination specified by NVLAP. 

3.4.6 After completion of a given proficiency test round, samples that are not returned to the on-site 

assessor or proficiency-testing contractor become the property of the laboratory for use at its discretion. 

Experience has shown that these proficiency test samples are often useful to the laboratory as training 

6 NIST Handbook 150-15:2006 
artifacts, or as calibration-check samples. However, in no case shall proficiency test samples be 

considered as calibration standards or standard reference materials or be used as substitutes for 

calibration standards that are traceable to NIST or other national metrology institutes (NMIs).

3.4.7 Proficiency test data are analyzed using statistical procedures to determine distributions and 

parameters, such as averages, standard deviations, and outliers (see ASTM E178). Using the test data 

from proficiency testing, the laboratory shall monitor its own testing performance. Procedures for 

receiving, analyzing, and monitoring the laboratory’s own test results shall be documented in its quality 

manual. 

3.4.8 Unsatisfactory performance in proficiency testing (e.g., outlying results) is a technical 

nonconformity that must be resolved by the laboratory to maintain its accreditation for the test method(s) 

in question. After notification of unsatisfactory performance, the laboratory shall take corrective action to 

investigate and resolve nonconformities in a timely manner, similar to the requirements of NIST 

Handbook 150 for the control of nonconforming work. Unsatisfactory performance in proficiency testing 

may result in suspension or revocation of accreditation for those test methods in question. 

3.4.9 The results of proficiency testing are also made available to NVLAP assessors for use during 

laboratory on-site assessment visits. Any problems indicated by proficiency testing are discussed with 

appropriate laboratory personnel responsible for developing and implementing plans for resolving the 

problems. 

4 Management requirements for accreditation 

4.1 Organization 

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in NIST Handbook 150. 

4.2 Management system 

4.2.1 If the laboratory uses a computer-based documentation system, the laboratory should consider 

ease of usability by the staff. The laboratory shall ensure that the requirements of NIST Handbook 150 

are met so that staff are knowledgeable of the online documentation system and can, if authorized, readily 

retrieve needed information. 

4.2.2 The laboratory shall have readily available the latest published version of all of the test methods 

for which accreditation has been requested. 

4.2.3 If a customer, for whatever reason (e.g., regulatory requirement), requires accreditation to 

previous versions of a test method, then the laboratory shall document that requirement and shall have 

readily available the required version of the test method. 

4.2.4 When a test method references another test method, guide, practice, or specification, the 

laboratory shall have readily available the referenced documents, where relevant. 

4.2.5 In addition to the information specified in NIST Handbook 150, the quality manual and/or 

supporting management system documentation shall include: 

NIST Handbook 150-15:2006 7 
a) testing facilities and scope of services offered; 

b) policy and procedures for use of subcontractors, if applicable; 

c) procedures and actions concerning damaged or altered test materials and specimens; 

d) the range (e.g., size, shape, density, and property level) of test specimens that a laboratory can test 

for each test method; 

e) procedures for maintenance and calibration of the equipment used in conducting the tests on 

thermal insulation materials. 

4.3 Document control 

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in NIST Handbook 150. 

4.4 Review of requests, tenders and contracts 

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in NIST Handbook 150. 

4.5 Subcontracting of tests and calibrations 

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in NIST Handbook 150. 

4.6 Purchasing services and supplies 

The laboratory shall evaluate vendors and verify or test incoming equipment, materials, and supplies that 

affect the quality and accuracy of the test results. Examples include equipment vendors; calibration 

services/certificates; general laboratory equipment and supplies, including thermocouples, thermocouple 

wire, and temperature sensors; and data processing and acquisition equipment. 

4.7 Service to the customer 

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in NIST Handbook 150. 

4.8 Complaints 

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in NIST Handbook 150. 

4.9 Control of nonconforming testing and/or calibration work 

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in NIST Handbook 150. 

8 NIST Handbook 150-15:2006 
4.10 Improvement 

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in NIST Handbook 150. 

4.11 Corrective action 

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in NIST Handbook 150. 

4.12 Preventive action 

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in NIST Handbook 150. 

4.13 Control of records 

4.13.1 All records (test/calibration/verification, etc.; hardcopy and electronic) shall include the identity 

of the personnel responsible for the sampling, preparation, calibration, testing, and checking of results, 

and where appropriate, the associated date. Records will be reviewed during the on-site assessment either 

in total or by selective sampling. 

4.13.2 Records for each test, including calibration of test equipment, shall contain sufficient information 

to permit the same or another laboratory to reproduce the test plan in a manner that would make it 

possible to obtain comparable test results. These records shall be kept for a period of at least three years 

following the issuance of a test report, unless a longer period is required by the customer, regulation, or 

the laboratory’s own procedures. 

4.14 Internal audits 

4.14.1 The internal audit shall cover compliance with NVLAP, laboratory management system, 

regulatory, contractual, and testing requirements. 

4.14.2 An applicant laboratory shall conduct at least one complete internal audit prior to the first on-site 

assessment. The records will be reviewed by the NVLAP assessor before or during the on-site 

assessment visit. 

4.14.3 For accredited laboratories, internal audit reports conducted since the previous on-site assessment 

shall be made available for review. 

4.14.4 Internal audits are separate and distinct from management reviews (see 4.15). 

4.15 Management reviews 

4.15.1 Periodic reviews of the management system shall reflect adherence to NVLAP requirements and 

the laboratory’s quality objectives. 

4.15.2 Management reviews shall review all nonconformities and may reflect positive aspects of the 

management system. 

NIST Handbook 150-15:2006 9 
4.15.3 An applicant laboratory shall perform at least one complete management review prior to the first 

on-site assessment. The records will be reviewed by the NVLAP assessor before or during the on-site 

assessment visit. 

4.15.4 The report of the management review shall be available during the NVLAP on-site assessment. 

5 Technical requirements for accreditation 

5.1 General 

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in NIST Handbook 150. 

5.2 Personnel 

5.2.1 The laboratory shall maintain a list of personnel designated to fulfill NVLAP requirements 

including: Laboratory Director, Technical Director, Team Leaders, NVLAP Authorized Representative, 

NVLAP Approved Signatories, and the staff responsible for conducting the testing. 

5.2.2 The laboratory’s Technical Director (or an appropriate supervisor) shall be experienced in 

thermal insulation materials testing and shall have the technical competence and the supervisory 

capability to direct the work of professionals and technicians in thermal insulation materials testing. 

5.2.3 When key personnel (see 3.3.5 b)) are added to or removed from the staff, the notification to 

NVLAP of the personnel changes shall include a current résumé for each new staff member. 

5.2.4 Laboratories shall document the required qualifications for each staff position, including a résumé 

of qualifications; laboratory testing procedures to which the person is assigned and authorized to perform; 

and the results of periodic testing performance reviews. The laboratory shall evaluate the competency of 

each staff member for each test method the staff member is authorized to conduct. For each staff 

member, the staff member’s immediate supervisor, or a designee appointed by the Laboratory Director, 

shall conduct annually an assessment and an observation of performance. These annual performance 

reviews shall be documented, dated, signed by the supervisor and the employee, retained in the personnel 

file and be available for review by the assessor. For the purpose of on-site assessments, a separate 

personnel folder of information specific to applicable NVLAP requirements may be provided instead of 

the complete folder, which may contain confidential information not needed for the assessment. 

The TIM Program-Specific Checklist lists specific personnel competency requirements as related to 

testing. 

5.2.5 The laboratory shall have a description of its training program for ensuring that staff is able to 

perform tests properly. The training program shall be updated and current staff members shall be given 

additional training when test methods are updated or procedures change, or when the individuals are 

assigned new responsibilities. Each staff member may receive training for assigned duties either through 

on-the-job training, formal classroom study, attendance at conferences, or another appropriate 

mechanism. The laboratory shall ensure that each new staff member is trained for the testing duties 

assigned. 

10 NIST Handbook 150-15:2006 
5.2.6 Training materials that are maintained within the laboratory shall be kept up-to-date, including 

applicable versions of standard test methods, as well as appropriate reference documents, texts, and 

scientific and industry periodicals. These materials shall be readily available to the laboratory staff. 

5.2.7 Individuals hired to perform testing activities are sometimes referred to as subcontractors. 

NVLAP does not make a distinction between full-time laboratory employees and individuals hired on a 

contract to work in that laboratory. NVLAP requires that the TIM testing laboratory maintain 

responsibility for and control of any work performed within its scope of accreditation. The laboratory 

shall ensure all individuals performing testing activities satisfy all NVLAP requirements, irrespective of 

the means by which individuals are compensated (e.g., the laboratory must ensure all test personnel 

receive proper training and supervision and are subject to annual performance reviews, etc.). 

5.3 Accommodation and environmental conditions 

The laboratory workspace and environmentally controlled spaces (e.g., constant temperature-relative 

humidity rooms or cabinets) shall be checked for the required conditions. Monitoring and control devices 

shall be calibrated and functioning properly so as to maintain and record the required environmental 

conditions. 

5.4 Test and calibration methods and method validation 

5.4.1 Standard test methods 

5.4.1.1 The management system documentation shall contain or make reference to detailed written 

instructions of the procedures, practices, instructions and equipment that the laboratory uses in conducting 

the test methods for which it seeks or holds accreditation. These detailed instructions, including those for 

equipment operation, calibration checks, and quality control checks, shall address any laboratory-specific 

information not contained in the standard method. When necessary, the test method shall be supplemented 

with additional detailed instructions beyond the test method to ensure consistent application. 

5.4.1.2 A laboratory may be accredited to perform standard test methods in their entirety or to perform 

only specific sections in the test method. Accreditation restrictions to specific sections of the test method 

shall be stated on the laboratory’s scope of accreditation. 

5.4.2 Off-site testing 

5.4.2.1 A laboratory may be accredited for tests conducted at locations other than the laboratory’s own 

facilities provided the testing complies with all NVLAP requirements. Examples of off-site testing are 

sampling and testing at off-site locations, such as a manufacturing facility, warehouse, or construction 

site. 

5.4.2.2 The laboratory shall provide a step-by-step procedure for personnel to follow when performing 

off-site testing. 

5.4.2.3 The laboratory shall maintain records of its off-site testing. 

5.4.2.4 If a laboratory selects off-site testing methods to be included in its scope of accreditation, it shall 

provide to the NVLAP assessor the following: 

NIST Handbook 150-15:2006 11 
a) complete step-by-step procedure for personnel to follow when performing the standard off-site 

test; 

b) demonstration of the test procedure; 

c) folder or file containing raw data from off-site tests; 

d) test reports and test data sheets; 

e) demonstration of compliance with NVLAP calibration and traceability requirements; 

f) evidence that adequate supervision during the off-site testing is provided by a qualified staff 

member of the accredited laboratory. 

5.4.3 Additional requirements 

The TIM Program-Specific Checklist contains additional requirements related to test methods and 

conduct of tests, including thermal, mechanical, physical, flammability, and chemical properties, and 

reference materials. 

5.4.4 Estimation of measurement uncertainty 

At a minimum, the management system documentation shall list the important variables that substantially 

affect the uncertainty of the test results. This can be done for groups of similar test methods (e.g., 

grouped by mechanical, physical, or electrical properties) rather than for each test method. The 

uncertainty shall be determined and reported if required by the test method or the customer. 

5.5 Equipment 

The TIM Program-Specific Checklist contains additional requirements related to equipment (see 5.6.2). 

5.6 Measurement traceability 

5.6.1 By definition, measurement traceability is an attribute of the measurement result. Therefore, it 

applies to the result of the test as it relates to a stated reference. However, traceability is established to the 

stated reference usually through the calibration of the measurement and test equipment (M&TE) used to 

conduct the test, and/or through the use of standard reference materials, each with a known value(s) and a 

previously established path of traceability. Uncertainty is also an attribute of the measurement result and 

is therefore necessary for traceability to exist. 

5.6.2 To account for the effects on traceability of the calibration of M&TE, the laboratory shall 

determine equipment calibration, verification, and maintenance intervals based on the equipment’s 

frequency of use and the environment in which it is used, and also in accordance with standard test 

methods, manufacturer’s recommendations, or as specified in the TIM Program-Specific Checklist, 

whichever results in a shorter time between calibrations. Extension of the time interval between 

calibrations is acceptable if the laboratory can provide justification for increasing the interval. 

5.6.3 Proper performance of the testing equipment shall be periodically verified as needed. 

12 NIST Handbook 150-15:2006 
5.6.4 The reference standards used and the environmental conditions at the time of calibration shall be 

documented for all calibrations. 

5.6.5 Certificates are required for calibrations performed by outside services. A calibration certificate 

shall indicate uncertainty or accuracy tolerance limits, and traceability of reference standards. 

Certificates may not be required when a laboratory performs its own calibration and records are kept. If 

the testing laboratory performs its own calibration, the standard metrological procedures used, the 

environmental conditions, and the measurement uncertainty shall be documented. For such calibrations, 

the testing laboratory shall have properly trained personnel who understand the importance of the various 

factors that affect the uncertainty of the calibration and its effect on the uncertainty of the final test result 

(see NIST Handbook 150, 5.4.6). 

5.6.6 In addition to the information specified in NIST Handbook 150, 5.5.5, calibration or verification 

records shall include the following: 

a) a list of all equipment variables requiring calibration, traceability, or verification; 

b) range of calibration/traceability/verification; 

c) resolution (precision or the number of digits read) of the instrument and its allowable error (i.e., 

tolerance); 

d) periodic verification dates and schedule; 

e) identity of the laboratory individual/group or external service responsible for calibration; 

f) identity and source of reference standard and traceability. 

5.7 Sampling 

Appropriate sampling plans shall be included in the management system when they are required by the 

test method or when the laboratory is required to sample. Sampling includes the selection of test 

specimens from larger pieces or batches of material. 

5.8 Handling of test and calibration items 

The TIM Program-Specific Checklist contains additional requirements related to handling of test items. 

5.9 Assuring the quality of test and calibration results 

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in NIST Handbook 150. 

5.10 Reporting the results 

Where appropriate, test reports shall clearly state that the test results apply to the product or system as 

tested and, if required, conform to regulator requirements. 

NIST Handbook 150-15:2006 13 
6 Additional requirements 

There are no additional requirements beyond NIST Handbook 150 and its associated normative annexes, 

and any other normative references previously cited in this handbook. 

14 NIST Handbook 150-15:2006