NVLAP LAB CODE:

GENERAL OPERATIONS CHECKLIST

Instructions to the Assessor: This checklist addresses general accreditation criteria prescribed
in applicable sections of NIST Handbook 150, NVLAP Procedures and General Requirements.

This checklist follows and is numbered to correspond to the NVLAP Procedures and General
Requirements, Subsection 285.33. The numbers in square brackets identify related checklist
items. A small black triangle appears in the left-hand margin of selected lines of text
throughout this checklist; the marked text applies only to the Calibration Laboratory

_ Accreditation Program (LAP).

Place an "X" beside each checklist item which represents a deficiency. Place a "C” beside
each item on which you are commenting for other reasons. Record the item number and your
written deficiency explanations and/or comments in this list or on the attached comment
sheets. Place a check beside all other items you observed or verified at the laboratory.

SEC. 285.33 CRITERIA FOR ACCREDITATION
{b) Organization and management

(1) The laboratory shall be:
fi) legally identifiable;

Legal name of laboratory ownership:

(ii) organized and shall operate in such a way that its permanent, temporary and
mobile facilities meet the NVLAP requirements [see also (b)(2)(i), (c)(2)(ii)];

(iii) properly identified on the NVLAP Application.

(2) The laboratory shall:

(i) have managerial staff with the authority and resources needed to discharge
their duties [see also (b)(1)(ii), (c)(2)(ii)];

(ii) have policies to ensure that its personnel are free from any commercial,
financial and other pressures which might adversely affect the quality of their
work;

(iii) be organized in such a way that confidence in its independence of judgment
and integrity is maintained at all times;

NIST Handbook 150-15 B-3 July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

(7)

(8)

(i)

(ii)

The laboratory shall ensure that, where clients require transmission of
calibration or test results by telephone, telex, facsimile or other electronic or
electromagnetic means, staff will follow documented procedures that ensure
that the NVLAP requirements are met and that confidentiality is preserved.

Whenever a laboratory accredited by NVLAP issues a calibration or test
report which contains data covered by the accreditation and also data not
covered by the accreditation, it must clearly identify in its records, and in the
report to the client, specifically which calibration or test method(s), or
portion of a calibration or test method(s), was not covered by the
accreditation. The laboratory must also inform the client, before the fact,
when calibrations or tests requested are not covered by the accreditation.

NVLAP policy regarding calibration and test reports issued by an accredited
laboratory, which reference the laboratory's accredited status, requires that
any calibration or test report containing data from calibrations or tests which
are not covered by the accreditation include:

a statement at the beginning of the report prominently indicating, "This
report contains data which are not covered by the NVLAP accreditation";
and

a clear indication of which data are not covered by the accreditation.
The laboratory must not misrepresent its accreditation. When a client

requires or requests accredited services and any of the requested services
are not covered by the accreditation, the client must be so advised.

NIST Handbook 150-15 B-24 July 1995


vvvy

NVLAP LAB CODE:

(j) Records

(1)

(2)

The laboratory shall maintain a record system to suit its particular
circumstances and comply with any applicable regulations. It shall retain on
record all original observations, calculations and derived data, calibration
records and a copy of the calibration certificate, test certificate or test report
for an appropriate period. The records for each calibration and test shall
contain sufficient information to permit their repetition. The records shall
include the identity of personnel involved in sampling, preparation, calibration
or testing [see also (c)(2)(iv)].

EXCEPTION: The retention of all original observations, calculations, and
derived data in the calibration record system is not a mandatory requirement
for calibration laboratories, although it is encouraged as good laboratory
practice.

All records (including those listed in (f)(4) pertaining to calibration and test
equipment), certificates and reports shail be safely stored, held secure and in
confidence to the client [see also (b)(2)(ix), (c)(2)(xviii)].

NOTE: The period of retention shall be specified in the quality manual.

Record retention time specified:

NIST Handbook 150-15 B-20 July 1995


vvVYYVYYVYYVYVYVYVYV VV VV YY VV YY YYW V VY VY

NVLAP LAB CODE:

(2)

{i)

—— iii)

(iii)

(iv)

(v)

—— vi)

Detailed requirements for M & TE

Calibration system description: The supplier shall provide and maintain a
written description of the calibration/verification system covering M & TE
and measurement standards. The description shall be sufficient to satisfy
each requirement of section 285.33(0) and any deviations shall be submitted
with supporting documentation to the customer for approval.

Adequacy of measurement standards: Measurement standards used by the
supplier for calibrating M & TE and other measurement standards shall
comply with the requirements of items (f)(1), (g)(1), and (h)(2).

Environmental conditions: M & TE shall be used in an environment
controlled to the extent necessary to ensure valid results. Due consideration
shall be given to temperature, humidity, lighting, vibration, dust control,
cleanliness, electromagnetic interference and any other factors affecting the
results of measurements. Where pertinent, these factors shall be monitored
and recorded and, when appropriate, correcting compensations shall be
applied to measurement results.

Intervals of calibration and verification: M & TE requiring calibration shall be
calibrated or verified at periodic intervals established and maintained to
assure acceptable reliability, where reliability is defined as the probability that
M & TE will remain in-tolerance throughout the interval. Intervals shall be
established for all M & TE requiring calibration unless the equipment is
regularly monitored through the use of check standards in a documented
measurement assurance process. Check standards must closely represent
the item parameters normally tested in the process and the check standard
must be verified periodically. Where intervals are used to ensure reliability,
the interval setting system must be systematically applied and shall have
stated reliability goals and a method of verifying that the goals are being
attained. Intervals may be based on usage or time since last calibration or
verification. All exemptions from periodic calibration or verification shall be
documented. The recall system may provide for the temporary extension of
the calibration due date for limited periods of time under specified conditions
that do not unreasonably impair the satisfaction of the customer’s
requirements.

Calibration procedures: Procedures used to calibrate/verify the supplier’s
M & TE shall comply with the requirements of items (h)(1) and (h)(2).

Qut-of-tolerance conditions: If any M & TE is found to be significantly out of
tolerance during the calibration/verification process, the supplier’s system
shall provide for notification to the user and to the supplier’s quality element,
if appropriate, of the out-of-tolerance condition with the associated
measurement data so that appropriate action can be taken.

NIST Handbook 150-15 B-29 July 1995


(h)

(2) Calibration certificates and records and
evidence of the traceability of the reference
Standards used must be retained and made
available for an assessor’s inspection during the
on-site visit. The calibration certificate should
indicate uncertainty or accuracy tolerance limits,
and traceability of reference standards. If
calibration is performed by the laboratory, the
standard metrological procedures used, the
environmental conditions, and the measurement
uncertainty must be documented. Certificates
are required for calibration performed by
outside services; they are not required for all
testing equipment.

The records for each calibration and test shall
contain sufficient information to permit their
repetition. The records shall include the
identity of personnel involved in sampling,
preparation, calibration or testing.

(3) In addition to the information specified in
NIST Handbook 150, Sec. 285.33(f)(4), testing
equipment or verification records shall include
the following:

@ notation of all equipment variables
requiring verification;

(ii) ‘the range of verification;

(iii) the resolution of the instrument and
its allowable error;

(iv) _ identity of the laboratory individual
or external service responsible for
calibration; and

(v) source of reference standard and
traceability.

Calibration and test methods

(1) Laboratories must use the test procedures
described in the standards given in the Test
Method Selection List (Appendix D). In order
to maintain the quality of the results of these
standard tests, a laboratory must have written
procedures for the laboratory personnel to
follow when conducting the tests. These
procedures should address any information not
specifically contained in the standard method
and any deviations used by the laboratory.
These procedures should also include equipment
operation, calibration checks, and quality

1)

control checks. The NVLAP assessor will
evaluate the written procedures and determine
their acceptability. The laboratory may use
standard test methods in place of developing
their own written procedures when the standard
test method, at the discretion of the NVLAP
assessor, provides sufficient detailed information
to conduct the test.

(2) Departures from the standard test
procedures are permissible only for conditions
based upon technical equivalence and must be
acceptable to the client. On-site assessors may
only recommend acceptance of the departures to
NVLAP; they are not authorized to grant
approval to the laboratories.

Departures from those procedures must be
identified in detail in test reports as either:

(i) due to client request or client
submittal of a nonstandard sample (e.g.,
size too small), or

(ii) application of a selective mode of
testing that deviates from the standard
requirements for sound, technically-based
reasons (e.g., improvement of accuracy or
precision).

If departures arise for laboratory-based reasons
(see preceding sentence), data must be available
to show that these departures are equivalent to
or improve the accuracy and/or precision of the
measurement without compromising a given
test.

Records

(1) Records may be kept in hard copy or
computer form (with an adequate back-up
system) and shall be readily accessible and
secure. Entries in laboratory notebooks shall be
dated and signed or initialed. Computer-based
records must contain entries of pertinent
staff/date information for data as required in the
quality manual and the means to preserve
integrity for maintenance of records, without
later modifications, as an established safeguard.
Records will be reviewed during the on-site
assessment by selected sampling.

(2) The records to be maintained include:

NIST Handbook 150-15

July 1995


APPENDIX D

TEST METHOD SELECTION LIST

NIST Handbook 150-15 D-1 July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

3.3.2 Measurements of specimen dimensions and mass are determined correctly;
descriptions of important sample characteristics are recorded when required.

3.3.3 Test(s) are conducted within the specified temperature, humidity, and/or air
flow conditions.

3.3.4 Where thermal measurements are critical, procedures for adequate calibration
checks and verification of equipment performance need to be documented to
ensure that accurate and repeatable thermal measurements are obtained,
which are traceable to national standards.

3.3.5 Where criteria on the accuracy of the average power are required (e.g., ASTM
C976, Par. 5.8.1.4; ASTM C236, Par. 6.6.2), the laboratory has sufficient
documentation to demonstrate that the criteria are met.

3.3.6 Where criteriaon the accuracy of thermocouples or other temperature sensors
are required (e.g., ASTM C976, Par. 5.7.2.3; ASTM C236, Par. 6.6.1), the
laboratory has sufficient documentation to demonstrate that the criteria are
met.

3.3.7 Where error analyses are required (e.g., ASTM C518, Sec. 9), the laboratory
has written procedures and documentation which demonstrate that the error
analysis requirements are met.

3.3.8 Documentation must be available to ensure that temperature measurements
are traceable to national standards.

3.3.9 Thermal insulation specimens and products are tested in the specified
orientation, if any, and with proper test setup.

3.3.10 For mechanical testing, the proper rate of load, strain, or deformation is
applied to the specimen.

NIST Handbook 150-15 C6 July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

—— 01/802 ASTM C203
__ ~=01/S03 ASTM C209
(Para. 9)
_ 01/804 ASTM C209
(Para. 10)
— 01/805 ASTM C209
(Para. 11)
__ 01/806 ASTM C209
(Para. 12)
_ 01/807 ASTM C273
__ 01/808 ASTM C446
_ 01/810 ASTM D828
— 01/811 ASTM D1621
(Proc. A)
_ 01/815 ASTM C421
01/S16 ASTM C1101/C1101M

THERMAL RESISTANCE

01/TO1* ASTM C177

01/T04* ASTM C236

Breaking Load and Flexural Properties of
Block-Type Thermal Insulation

Cellulosic Fiber Insulating Board
(Transverse Strength)

Cellulosic Fiber Insulating Board
(Deflection at Specific Minimum Load)

Cellulosic Fiber Insulating Board
(Tensile Strength Parallel to Surface)

Cellulosic Fiber Insulating Board
(Tensile Strength Perpendicular to
Surface)

Shear Properties in Flatwise Plane of
Flat Sandwich Constructions or
Sandwich Cores

Breaking Load and Calculated Modulus
of Rupture of Preformed Insulation for
Pipes

Tensile Properties of Paper and
Paperboard Using Constant-Rate-of-
Elongation Apparatus

Compressive Properties of Rigid
Cellular Plastics (Crosshead Motion)

Tumbling Friability of Preformed Block-
Type Thermal Insulation

Classifying the Flexibility or Rigidity of
Mineral Fiber Blanket and Board
Insulation

Steady-State Heat Flux Measurements
and Thermal Transmission Properties by
Means of the Guarded-Hot-Plate
Apparatus

Steady-State Thermal Performance of
Building Assemblies by Means of a
Guarded Hot Box

NIST Handbook 150-15 D-6

July 1995


CRITICAL ELEMENTS

DESCRIPTION: “Critical elements" are summary statements of key provisions from standard test
methods. These summaries are provided to the Technical Experts for use during on-site assessments, as
part of their operation manual. This appendix shows the format of a critical element summary, but the
critical elements for the TIM Program are not included in this handbook.

PURPOSE: Critical elements assist the assessors in uniformly and objectively conducting their
evaluations. The critical elements provide guidance for a common basis to be applied by individual
assessors in conducting on-site evaluations. They are not intended to be replacements for the written test
procedures issued by standards-development organizations.

FORMAT OUTLINE: Typically, the critical element summary includes the headings listed below. The
explanatory comments given below indicate the type of information summarized under each heading.
PROGRAM TITLE: The title of the specific NVLAP program; in the present case, the TIM Program.

NVLAP TEST METHOD CODE: The code for each-test method given on the Test Method Selection List
for the specific NVLAP program.

TEST METHOD DESIGNATION: An alphanumeric designation assigned to the test method by the
organization that issued the standard; for example, designations include ASTM and TAPPI in the
case of the TIM Program.

SHORT TITLE: The title of the test method as given on the NVLAP Test Method Selection List.

ENVIRONMENTAL/SAMPLE AND CONDITIONING REQUIREMENTS: A summary of conditioning or
other treatment to which the test specimen is subjected before the test is conducted.

TEST EQUIPMENT AND APPARATUS. A listing of the major equipment and apparatus that the
laboratory needs to have available to conduct the test.

CALIBRATION(S): A summary of the calibration requirements delineated in the test method.
TESTING PROCEDURES: A summary of the main steps of the test method.

STANDARD TEST REPORT REQUIREMENTS: A listing of the items that the method requires the test
operator to include in the test report.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: A listing of those aspects of the test method to which the NVLAP
technical assessor must pay special attention during the on-site assessment.

NIST Handbook 150-15 E-3 July 1995

,


NVLAP LAB CODE:

2.20

2.21

description of specimen and test setup;
operation of balances and scales for mass determination;
use of dimensional measuring devices (calipers, micrometers, etc.);

verification of performance of apparatus and equipment (e.g., using secondary
standards);

calibration of test machines;

calibration of load/deformation/strain-recording equipment;

operation of fire performance test equipment;

thermocouple mounting and related instrumentation;

operation of heat flux meters and pyrometers;

use of automatic data logging and readout instrumentation;

operation of ammeters, ohmmeters, voltmeters, wattmeters, potentiometers;
operation of radiant panel;

operation of heat flow meters;

operation of guarded hot plates;

calculation of thermal parameters (transmittance, conductance, conductivity,
resistance, etc.), if applicable.

3 CALIBRATION AND TEST METHODS

3.1 Laboratory Operations and Test Standards

3.1.1

3.1.2

3.1.3
3.1.4

3.1.5

Samples and test specimens are uniquely identified for correlation with related
records.

Test data forms (as required by the reference standard or developed in-house)
are properly completed.

The laboratory maintains a dated log book or record for the tests it performs.
Measurement equipment is appropriate for the test method.

The latest version of the test standards for which the laboratory seeks
accreditation is available.

NIST Handbook 150-15 C-4 July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

(xxii) a statement of the laboratory’s policy concerning the technique(s) to be used
for determining measurement uncertainty and calibration/verification
adequacy.

(3) The laboratory shall arrange for audits of its activities at appropriate intervals
to verify that its operations continue to comply with the requirements of the
quality system. Such audits shall be carried out by trained and qualified staff
who are, wherever possible, independent of the activity to be audited.
Where the audit findings cast doubt on the correctness or validity of the
laboratory's calibration or test results, the laboratory shall take immediate
corrective action and shall immediately notify, in writing, any client whose
work may have been affected.

The audits shall be objective and be conducted internally or on contract. The
audits shall include both general criteria (documents, records and policies)
and technical compliance (test methods and practices and calibration
procedures).

(4) The quality system adopted to satisfy the NVLAP requirements shall be
reviewed at least once a year by the management to ensure its continuing
suitability and effectiveness and to introduce any necessary changes or
improvements.

(5) All audit and review findings and any corrective actions that arise from them
shall be documented. The person responsible for quality shall ensure that
these actions are discharged within the agreed timescale.

NIST Handbook 150-15 B-7 July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

(I) Subcontracting of calibration or testing [see also (k)(3)]

(1)

(2)

(3)

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

Where a laboratory subcontracts any part of the calibration or testing, this
work shall be placed with a laboratory complying with these requirements.
The laboratory shall ensure and be able to demonstrate that its subcontractor
is competent to perform the activities in question and complies with the
same criteria of competence as the laboratory in respect of the work being
subcontracted. The laboratory shall advise the client in writing of its
intention to subcontract any portion of the testing to another party.

The laboratory shall record and retain details of its investigation of the
competence and compliance of its subcontractors and maintain a register of
all subcontracting.

A NVLAP-accredited laboratory intending to subcontract testing or calibration
work that will be performed and reported as meeting NVLAP procedures and
criteria must:

have in its quality manual a subcontracting policy compatible with the
NVLAP policy, with a description of the procedures for administering and
implementing those actions to demonstrate the conformance and consistency
of the subcontracted laboratory to perform according to NVLAP procedures;

place the subcontracted work with a laboratory that maintains accreditation
established by NVLAP shown by a current NVLAP Lab Code, or provide and
maintain current records that demonstrate that the subcontracted laboratory
is competent to perform the test(s) or calibration(s) and that it operates in a
manner consistent with and in conformance to NVLAP criteria for
accreditation;

clearly identify in its records, and in the report to the client, exactly which
data were obtained by the NVLAP-accredited laboratory and which data were
obtained by the subcontractor, NVLAP-accredited or not;

inform its client, before the fact, that it intends to subcontract for completion
of all or a portion of the client’s work; and

NIST Handbook 150-15 B-25 July 1995


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE .. 1.222 eee eee iii
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ... 2.222 eee eee iv
SUMMARY ... 0... 6. ee eee vi
Sec. 285.1 Purpose... 1. eee es 1
Sec. 285.2 Organization of procedures... 2... eee 1
Sec. 285.3 Description of Thermal Insulation Materials program ..............200 0008 1
Sec. 285.4 References .. 2.2... eee eee 1
Sec. 285.5 Definitions... 2... ee eee 2
Sec. 285.6 NVLAP documentation... 2... ee eee 2
Sec. 285.22 Assessing and evaluating a laboratory ©... 2.2... eee eee 3
Sec. 285.23 Granting and renewing accreditation .... 2.2.2... eee eee ee eee 5
Sec. 285.33 Criteria for accreditation ... 0.2... .0 0.000020 5
(c) Quality system, audit and review 5
(d) Personnel 6
(f) | Equipment and reference materials : : : . : . . 7
(g) Measurement traceability and calibration .......... 000202000 eee eee 7
(h) Calibration and test methods 8
(j) — Records . . . . . 8
(k) Certificates and reports 0... ee ee 9
(m) Outside support services and supplies .......... 00.0000. 0c ee eee eee 9
APPENDICES
SAMPLE ACCREDITATION DOCUMENTS ............-0-0 0000 e eevee A-L

GENERAL OPERATIONS CHECKLIST
SPECIFIC OPERATIONS CHECKLIST
TEST METHOD SELECTION LIST ..........0.0.0.00.0.0.00 0000 ccc
CRITICAL ELEMENTS : : tae
ON-SITE ASSESSMENT - TEST METHOD REVIEW ...........----.-..0005 Fl


NVLAP LAB CODE:

(v)

(8)

it establishes and implements appropriate procedures for the maintenance of
security of data including the prevention of unauthorized access to, and the
unauthorized amendment of, computer records.

Documented procedures shall exist for the purchase, reception and storage
of consumable materials used for the technical operations of the laboratory
[see also (m)(2)].

(i) Handling of calibration and test items

—— (1)

(2)

The laboratory shall have a documented system for uniquely identifying the
items to be calibrated or tested, to ensure that there can be no confusion
regarding the identity of such items at any time [see also (k)(2)(v)].

Upon receipt, the condition of the calibration or test item, including any
abnormalities or departures from standard condition as prescribed in the
relevant calibration or test method, shall be recorded. Where there is any
doubt as to the item’s suitability for calibration or test, where the item does
not conform to the description provided, or where the calibration or test
required is not fully specified, the laboratory shall consult the client for
further instruction before proceeding. The laboratory shall establish whether
the item has received all necessary preparation, or whether the client
requires preparation to be undertaken or arranged by the laboratory.

NIST Handbook 150-15 B-18 July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

(iv)

— lv)

(vi)

(vii)

(viii)

—— (ix)

(x)

(xi)

specify and document the responsibility, authority and interrelation of all
personnel who manage, perform or verify work affecting the quality of
calibrations and tests;

provide supervision by persons familiar with the calibration or test methods
and procedures, the objective of the calibration or test, and the assessment
of the results. The ratio of supervisory to non-supervisory personnel shall be
such as to ensure adequate supervision;

have a technical manager (however named) who has overall responsibility for
the technical operations;

Name of person:

have a quality manager (however named) who has responsibility for the
quality system and its implementation. The quality manager shall have direct
access to the highest level of management at which decisions are taken on
laboratory policy or resources, and to the technical manager. In some
laboratories, the quality manager may also be the technical manager or
deputy technical manager;

Name of person:

nominate deputy(ies) in case of absence of the technical or quality manager;

Name(s):

have documented policy and procedures to ensure the protection of clients’
confidential information and proprietary rights [see also (c)(2)(xviii)];

where appropriate, participate in interlaboratory comparisons and proficiency
testing programs [see also (c)(2){xiv), (c)(6)(ii), (g)(3)];

have documented policy and procedures to ensure that its clients are served
with impartiality and integrity.

(c) Quality system, audit and review

(1)

(i)

The laboratory shall:

have an established and maintained quality system appropriate to the type,
range and volume of calibration and testing activities it undertakes;

NIST Handbook 150-15 B-4 July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

The laboratory shall provide facilities for the effective monitoring, control and
recording of environmental conditions as appropriate. Due attention shall be
paid, for example, to biological sterility, dust, electromagnetic interference,
humidity, voltage, temperature, and sound and vibration levels, as
appropriate to the calibrations or tests concerned.

There shall be effective separation between neighboring areas when the
activities therein are incompatible.

Access to and use of all areas affecting the quality of these activities shall be
defined and controlled.

Adequate measures shall be taken to ensure good housekeeping in the
laboratory.

NOTE: While it is the laboratory’s responsibility to comply with relevant
health and safety requirements, this is outside the scope of this assessment.

NIST Handbook 150-15 B-10 July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

(vi)

(vii)
(viii)

(ix)

(x)
(xi)

(xii)

(xiii)

(xiv)

(xv)
a)
b)

(xvi)

(xvii)

(xviii)

(xix)

(xx)

(xxi)

identification of the laboratory’s approved signatories (list here or in the
comments section):

the laboratory’s procedures for achieving traceability of measurements;
the laboratory’s scope of calibrations and/or tests;
written procedures for ensuring that the laboratory reviews all new work to

ensure that it has the appropriate facilities and resources before commencing
such work;

reference to the calibration, verification and/or test procedures used;
procedures for handling calibration and test items;

reference to the major equipment and reference measurement standards
used;

reference to procedures for calibration, verification and maintenance of
equipment;

reference to verification practices including interlaboratory comparisons,
proficiency testing programs, use of reference materials and internal quality
control schemes [see also (b)(2)(x), (c)(6)(ii), (g)(3)];

procedures to be followed for feedback and corrective action whenever:
testing discrepancies are detected, or

departures from documented policies and procedures occur;

the laboratory management policies for departures from documented policies
and procedures or from standard specifications;

procedures for dealing with complaints [see also (n)];

procedures for protecting confidentiality and proprietary rights [see also
(b)(2)(ix)];

procedures for audit and review;
a description of the laboratory’s policy regarding the use of the NVLAP logo;

a statement of the laboratory’s policy for establishing and changing
calibration intervals for equipment it controls; and

NIST Handbook 150-15 B-6 July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

(3) The laboratory shall have documented procedures and appropriate facilities
to avoid deterioration or damage to the calibration or test item, during
storage, handling, preparation, and calibration or test; any relevant
instructions provided with the item shall be followed. Where items have to
be stored or conditioned under specific environmental conditions, these
conditions shall be maintained, monitored and recorded where necessary.
Where a calibration or test item or portion of an item is to be held secure (for
example, for reasons of record, safety or value, or to enable check
calibrations or tests to be performed later), the laboratory shall have storage
and security arrangements that protect the condition and integrity of the
secured items or portions concerned [see also (e)].

(4) The laboratory shall have documented procedures for the receipt, retention or
safe disposal of calibration or test items, including all provisions necessary to
protect the integrity of the laboratory.

(5) Tamper-resistant seals shall be affixed to operator-accessible controls or
adjustments on measurement standards or measuring and test equipment
which, if moved, will invalidate the calibration. The laboratory's calibration
system shall provide instructions for the use of such seals and for the
disposition of equipment with damaged or broken seals.

NOTE: Tamper-resistant seals are sometimes affixed to equipment to
prevent unauthorized access to areas where adjustments or critical
components are located.

NIST Handbook 150-15 B-19 July 1995


®
National institute National Voluntary
of Standards and Technology Laboratory Accreditation Program

ean

$
ISOEC GUIDE 25:1990 . . &
isonec cunessi993 © SCOpe of Accreditation :
ISO 9002:1994 %
4, |
Page 1 of 1
THERMAL INSULATION MATERIALS NVLAP LAB CODE 0000
LABORATORY NAME
Anytown, USA 00000-0000
John Doe Phone: 000-000-0000
NVLAP Code Designation Short Title
CORROSIVENESS
01/001 ASTM C739 (Sec. 9) Cellulosic Fiber (Wood-Base) Loose-Fill Thermal
Insulation (Corrosiveness)
DIMENSIONAL STABILITY
01/D27 ASTM C739 (Sec.8) Cellulosic Fiber (Wood-Base) Loose-Fill Thermal
Insulation (Density)
FLAMMABILITY
O1/F09 ASTM C739 (Sec. 10) Cellulosic Fiber (Wood-Base) Loose-Fill Thermal

Insulation (Critical Radiant Flux)

THERMAL RESISTANCE

O1/TO1 ASTM C177 Steady-State Heat Flux Measurements and Thermal
‘Transmission Properties by Means of the Guarded-
Hot-Plate Apparatus

o1/T04 ASTM C236 Steady-State Thermal Performance of Building
Assemblies by Means of a Guarded Hot Box

01/TOS ASTM C335 Steady-State Heat Transfer Properties of Horizontal
Pipe Insulation

01/T06 ASTM C518 Steady-State Heat Flux Measurements and Thermal

Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow
Meter Apparatus

oT ASTM C976 Thermal Performance of Building Assemblies by
Means of a Calibrated Hot Box

say 119 Ze

Effective umil tor the National Institute of Standards and Technology

NVLAP-015 (4-95)

NIST Handbook 150-15 A-4

July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

01/W03 CAN/CGSB-51.10-92 Mineral Fibre Board Thermal Insulation

01/w04 CAN/CGSB-51.11-92 Mineral Fibre Thermal Insulation Blanket

Subtotal of test methods selected from this page

Total number of test methods selected for Thermal Insulation Materials
(Enter total on Line 5b of the Fee Calculation Worksheet.)

NIST Handbook 150-15 D-8& July 1995


(ii) Reviews laboratory quality manual
and its implementation, and records,
including the following:

- sample identification and tracking
procedures and copies of completed test
reports;

- records of periodic internal audits and
use of quality control procedures and
participation in interlaboratory
comparisons or other similar programs;
and

- personnel records, including résumés and
job descriptions of key personnel and
competency evaluations for all staff
members who routinely perform the test
method for which accreditation is sought.

At least one laboratory staff member must
be available to answer questions; however,
the assessor may wish to review the
documents alone. The assessor usually
does not ask to take any laboratory
documents with him/her, and documents
previously supplied will be returned.

iii) Physically examines equipment and
facilities and observes the demonstration of
selected procedures by appropriate
personnel assigned to conduct the tests,
and interviews those personnel. The
demonstrations requested may be selective
or all-inclusive, and must include sample
test material(s), preparation of devices,
establishment of test conditions and the
setup/use of major equipment. The
assessor may provide a proficiency test
sample and request a_ specific
demonstration.

(iv) Completes an On-Site Assessment
Report, which contains the minimum
requirements prescribed in NIST
Handbook 150, Sec. 285.22(b)(2), as well
as the completed checklists. At the exit
briefing, a discussion of the assessment is
carried out. The first page of the report is
signed by the assessor and the laboratory’s
Authorized Representative to acknowledge
the discussion but does not necessarily
indicate agreement; appeals may be made
through NVLAP. All observations made

by the NVLAP assessor are held in the
strictest confidence.

(b) Proficiency Testing

(1) NIST Handbook 150 defines (Sec. 285.5)
and describes (Sec. 285.22(4)) how proficiency
testing is included in the accreditation process.
TIM test methods that require proficiency
testing are identified by an asterisk (*) in the
Test Method Selection List (Appendix D).
Currently, however, proficiency testing fees are
required from all participating laboratories,
regardless of which test methods are selected
for accreditation.

Proficiency testing is generally conducted twice
a year and may be selectively conducted for
thermal chambers. Laboratories renewing
accreditation must have _ satisfactorily
participated in all required proficiency testing
during their previous accreditation period.
Failure to participate is considered a deficiency
and may result in suspension of accreditation.

(2) NVLAP conducts the proficiency testing
for the TIM program through a proficiency
testing contractor.

(3) Twice a year each laboratory is sent, (or is
instructed to obtain), selected test samples, data
sheets, and instructions for test specimen
handling, preparation, conditioning, mounting,
and testing. Proficiency testing may consist of
several parts in order that the operation of a
laboratory might be evaluated. Also, portions
of the standard test procedure may be
emphasized; e.g., measurement and
instrumentation, hardware, and data analysis.
Generally, it is required that the specific
proficiency test procedure be conducted in
accordance with the applicable standard test
method. At times, NVLAP may specify special
conditions to assure uniformity in procedures
and test conditions among participants. Those
may include the number of replicate
measurements, special conditions of temperature
and humidity, and other test parameters. The
work must not be contracted out to another
laboratory. Completed test results and data
sheets must be returned to NVLAP, or the
designated address, by the date specified on the
data sheets. Failure to return the data sheets by
the deadline may result in penalties which may
include suspension of accreditation.

NIST Handbook 150-15

July 1995


vvyvVVYVYVYYVYYYVYVYVYVYV YY VV VY

NVLAP LAB CODE:

{2)

(3)

The laboratory shall use appropriate methods and procedures for all
calibrations and tests and related activities within its responsibility (including
sampling, handling, transport and storage, preparation of items, estimation of
uncertainty of measurement and analysis of calibration and/or test data).
They shall be consistent with the accuracy required, and with any standard
specifications relevant to the calibrations or tests concerned.

NOTES:

(i) Calibration procedures shall contain the required range and tolerance or
uncertainty of each item or unit parameter being calibrated or verified.
In addition, the procedures shall contain the generic description of the
measurement standards and equipment needed with the required
parameter, range, tolerances or uncertainties, and specifications for
performing the measurement of the calibration or verification, and/or
representative types (manufacturer, model, option) that are capable of
meeting the generic description for the measurement standards. The
procedures shall be consistent with the accuracy required, and with
any standard specifications relevant to the calibrations/verifications
concerned.

{ii) The laboratory shall ensure that the calibration uncertainties are
sufficiently small so that the adequacy of the measurement is not
affected. Well-defined and documented measurement assurance
techniques or uncertainty analyses may be used to verify the adequacy
of a measurement process. If such techniques are not used, then the
collective uncertainty of the measurement standards shall not exceed
25% of the acceptable tolerance (e.g., manufacturer’s specification) for
each characteristic of the measuring and test equipment being
calibrated or verified.

Where methods are not specified, the laboratory shall, wherever possible,
select methods that have been published in international or national
standards, those published by reputable technical organizations or in relevant
scientific texts or journals.

NIST Handbook 150-15 B-16 July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

(2) The overall program of calibration and/or verification and validation of
equipment shall be designed and operated so as to ensure that, wherever
applicable, measurements made by the laboratory are traceable to national
standards of measurement where available. Calibration certificates shall,
wherever applicable, indicate the traceability to national standards of
measurement and shall provide the measurement results and associated
uncertainty of measurement and/or a statement of compliance with an
identified metrological specification.

NOTE: Traceability to national standards includes traceability to standards
maintained or defined at national laboratories in foreign countries where
applicable. In these cases, traceability is achieved via international
standards. This includes intrinsic standards of measurement where available.

Where applicable, the methodology of the Guide to the expression of
uncertainty in measurement: 1993, shall be used as the basis for expression
of uncertainty of the measurement. NIST Technical Note 1297; January
1993, Guidelines for Evaluating and Expressing the Uncertainty of NIST
Measurement Results, is a practical application document written around the
Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement. Where detailed
procedures are not used to quantify and combine uncertainties (i.e., use of
test accuracy ratio concepts), the sources of uncertainty shall be tabulated
and demonstrated to be acceptable for the measurement undertaken.

NOTE: A significant number of intrinsic standards, such as the Josephson
Array Voltage Standard and the lodine-Stabilized Helium-Neon Laser Length
Standard, have been developed and are now being used by many national
standards laboratories and some industrial laboratories. These standards are
based on well-characterized laws of physics, fundamental constants of
nature, or invariant properties of materials, and make ideal stable, precise,
and accurate measurement standards if properly designed, characterized,
operated, monitored and maintained. Where intrinsic standards are used, the
laboratory should demonstrate by measurement assurance techniques,
interlaboratory comparisons, or other suitable means, that its intrinsic
standard measurement results are correlated with those of national or
international standards.

NIST Handbook 150-15 B-13 July 1995


Sec. 285.1 Purpose

The purpose of this handbook is to set out procedures
and technical requirements for NVLAP accreditation
of laboratories which perform test methods covered
by the Thermal Insulation Materials (TIM) program.
It complements and supplements the NVLAP
programmatic procedures and general requirements
found in NIST Handbook 150. The interpretive
comments and additional requirements contained in
this handbook make the general NVLAP criteria
specifically applicable to the TIM program. The
quality system requirements are designed to comply

_ with the requirements of ISO/IEC Guide 25 and the
relevant requirements of ISO 9002.

Sec. 285.2 Organization of procedures

(a) The procedures described in this handbook are
organized to cross-reference with NIST Handbook
150, NVLAP Procedures and General Requirements.

(b) In addition, the handbook contains six
appendices:

(1) Appendix A provides examples of a
Certificate of Accreditation and a Scope of

- Accreditation for the Thermal Insulation
Materials program;

(2) Appendix B provides the General
Operations Checklist, which NVLAP assessors
use during an on-site technical assessment to
evaluate a laboratory’s ability to conduct testing
in general;

(3) Appendix C provides the Specific
Operations Checklist, which NVLAP assessors
use during an on-site technical assessment to
evaluate a laboratory’s ability to conduct
specific test methods for determination of
properties of thermal insulation materials and
evaluate the performance of thermal insulation
in selected assemblies;

(4) Appendix D lists the standard test methods
and their accompanying NVLAP Codes for the
TIM program as given on the NVLAP Test
Method Selection List;

(5) Appendix E gives a description of a critical
element summary for use by NVLAP assessors
for uniformly and objectively conducting on-site
technical assessments; and

(6) Appendix F presents the sheets that the
assessor completes in conducting test method
reviews during on-site assessments.

Sec. 285.3 Description of Thermal Insulation
Materials program

The NVLAP program for Thermal Insulation
Materials provides for laboratory accreditation to
assure that standard test procedures to measure
corrosiveness; thermal resistance; strength;
flammability; mass, density, and dimensional
stability; and water vapor retarder characteristics are
followed. The TIM program uses standard test
methods, listed in Appendix D, from the American
Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR), the Technical Association
of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI), and the
Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB).

As an example of standard test methods, ASTM
methods include C177 (Guarded Hot Plate), C236
(Guarded Hot Box), and C518 (Heat Flow Meter).

The 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.

Sec. 285.4 References

(a) The following documents are referenced or cited
in this handbook:

(1) ISO/IEC Guide 25, General Requirements
for the Competence of Calibration and Testing
Laboratories, and ISO 9002, Quality
Systems—Model for Quality Assurance in
Production and Installation; available from:

American National Standards Institute
(ANSI)

11 West 42 Street, 13th Floor

New York, NY 10036

Order Phone: (212) 642-4900
Order Fax: (212) 302-1286;

(2) NIST Handbook 150, NVLAP Procedures
and General Requirements; available from:

NIST Handbook 150-15

July 1995


SUMMARY

Any laboratory (including commercial, manufacturer, university, or federal, state, or local government
laboratory) that tests in accordance with the applicable standard test methods may apply for NVLAP
accreditation in the Thermal Insulation Materials (TIM) program. Accreditation will be granted to a
laboratory that satisfactorily fulfills the conditions for accreditation defined in NIST Handbook 150,
NVLAP Procedures and General Requirements, which contain Title 15, Part 285 of the Code of Federal
Regulations. These conditions include satisfactory performance in selected proficiency testing as
required, and fulfilling the on-site assessment requirements, including resolution of identified deficiencies.
The names of NVLAP-accredited laboratories are published in the NVLAP annual directory and other
media to which information is regularly provided.

Testing services covered: The scope of the TIM program covers standard test methods for thermal
insulation materials given in the Test Method Selection List (Appendix D).

Period of accreditation: One year, renewable annually.

On-site assessment: Visit by a technical expert(s) to determine compliance with the NVLAP criteria
before initial accreditation and every two years thereafter. Additional monitoring visits as required.

Assessors: Technical experts with experience in testing of thermal insulation materials.

Proficiency Testing: Each laboratory is required to test and analyze proficiency testing sample

material(s) for specific test methods. Proficiency testing rounds are conducted semiannually.

” Advance notice, instructions, and data sheets/report forms are provided before testing is scheduled.

The completed test data report is sent to NVLAP or, as directed, to the proficiency testing
contractor. A summary of results will be sent to the participants.

Special proficiency testing rounds may be separately scheduled for specific needs (e.g., thermal
chambers).

Granting Accreditation: Based upon satisfactory on-site assessment and resolution of deficiencies,
proficiency testing, and technical evaluation of applicable laboratory information. A Certificate and
Scope of Accreditation are issued.

Fees: Payments are required as listed on the NVLAP fee schedule, including the administrative/technical
support fee, on-site assessment fee, proficiency testing fee, and test method fee.

vi


APPENDIX B

GENERAL OPERATIONS CHECKLIST

NIST Handbook 150-15 B-l July 1995


(4) Strength;

(5) Thermal Resistance;

(6) Related Material Properties; or

(7) Canadian Standards (Specifications).

A laboratory may request to have test methods added
which are not listed in Appendix D. Any test method
additions will be handled in accordance with NVLAP
procedures for adding to or modifying an established
LAP (see Handbook 150, Sec. 285.18).

(b) Checklists

Checklists contain definitive statements or questions
about all aspects of the NVLAP criteria for
accreditation. NVLAP programs incorporate two
types of checklists:

(1) The NVLAP General Operations Checklist
addresses factors applicable to evaluating a
laboratory’s ability to conduct testing in
accordance with the procedures and general
requirements for accreditation. The factors
include, but are not limited to, the laboratory’s

- organization, management, and quality system
in addition to its testing competency.

The General Operations Checklist, presented in
Appendix B, is numbered to correspond to the
requirements in NIST Handbook 150. The
comment sheets are used by the assessor to
explain findings and deficiencies noted on the
checklist, as well as to make comments on
aspects of the laboratory’s performance other
than deficiencies.

(2) The Specific Operations Checklist contains
statements or questions that are specific to the
test methods in the TIM program and focus on
the testing requirements for the methods with
emphasis on performing the tests, testing
accuracy, instrumentation, calibration, personnel
competency, and test reporting.

The Specific Operations Checklist is presented
in Appendix C, along with comment sheets
similar to those used with the General
Operations Checklist.

Sec, 285.22 Assessing and evaluating a laboratory

(a) On-Site Assessment

(1) The NVLAP assessor will request manuals
and/or documented procedures in advance of the
on-site assessment to reduce time at the
laboratory. Documents supplied in advance will
be returned. The laboratory should be prepared
for conducting test demonstrations and have
testing equipment in good working order. The
assessment will cover the requirements
identified in this handbook, NIST Handbook
150, the laboratory’s quality manual, and its
written test procedures. During the time at the
laboratory, the assessor will need work space to
complete assessment documentation.

(2) NVLAP technical assessors are provided
with “critical elements" in addition to the
checklists (described in 285.6, NVLAP
documentation) to help assure the completeness,
objectivity, and uniformity of the on-site
assessment. The format of a critical element is
presented in Appendix E.

(3) Along with the Specific Operations
Checklist, the assessor uses the instructions and
comment sheets shown in Appendix F in
reviewing the laboratory’s ability to perform the
test methods. The test method review ranges
from observing tests to having laboratory staff
describe the test procedures. The assessor notes
on the On-Site Assessment - Test Method
Review Summary (p. F-4) the depth into which
each part of the test method was reviewed.

The test method review is directly connected to
the critical elements. Note that the column
headings of the Test Method Review Summary
are essentially the same as the headings of the
critical elements.

(4) An assessor performs the following
activities during a typical on-site assessment:

(@) — Conducts an entry briefing with the
laboratory manager to explain the purpose
of the on-site visit and to discuss the
schedule for the day(s). At the discretion
of the laboratory manager, other staff may
attend the briefing.

NIST Handbook 150-15

July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

(6)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

(v)

(vi)

In addition to periodic audits the laboratory shall ensure the quality of results
provided to clients by implementing checks. These checks shall be reviewed
and shall include, as appropriate, but not be limited to:

internal quality control plans, such as control charts and other available
statistical techniques;

NOTE: Measurement assurance techniques are acceptable means to control
the measurement process and consistently produce the highest quality

measurements.

participation in proficiency testing or other interlaboratory comparisons [see
also (b)(2)(x), (c)(2)(xiv), (g)(3)];

regular use of certified reference materials and/or in-house quality control
using secondary reference materials;

replicate testings using the same or different methods;
retesting of retained items;

correlation of results for different characteristics of an item.

(d) Personnel [see also (c)(2)(v)]

(1)

(2)

The testing laboratory shall have sufficient personnel, having the necessary
education, training, technical knowledge and experience for their assigned
functions.

The testing laboratory shall ensure that the training of its personnel is kept
up-to-date.

NIST Handbook 150-15 BS July 1995


NIST HANDBOOK 150-15

National
Voluntary
Laboratory
Accreditation
Program

Thermal
‘Insulation
Materials

Lawrence I. Knab

July 1995

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U.S. Department of Commerce
Ronald H. Brown, Secretary

Technology Administration
Mary L. Good, Under Secretary for Technology

National Institute of Standards and Technology
Arati Prabhakar, Director


NVLAP LAB CODE:

GENERAL OPERATIONS CHECKLIST - COMMENTS AND DEFICIENCIES

Instructions to the Assessor: Use this sheet to document comments and deficiencies. For
each, identify the appropriate item number from the checklist. Identify comments with a

"C" and deficiencies with an "X." If additional space is needed, make copies of this page
(or use additional blank sheets).

Item No. Comments and/or Deficiencies

NIST Handbook 150-15 B-31 July 1995


(d)

laboratory uses in conducting the test methods
for which it seeks accreditation.

(3) During the on-site assessment, supporting
documentation is to be made readily accessible
to the NVLAP assessor. The assessor reviews
the laboratory’s own detailed procedures to
perform tests of thermal insulation materials
according to the standardized test procedures for
which it seeks accreditation, the range of
specimens it can test, and the descriptions of the
maintenance and calibration of its specific
equipment. Such descriptions may be prepared
in a form convenient to the particular needs of
the laboratory, but all the elements required by
NVLAP procedures must be covered. The
documentation must be readily accessible to the
staff.

(4) The quality manual shall contain a
description of the procedures that the laboratory
uses to evaluate the uncertainty of its
measurements using within-laboratory or
replicate testing.

(5) The most recent publication of the
standards for the test methods for which the

- laboratory is accredited shall be available as

references and are to be followed in conducting
the test procedures. The test methods that may
be selected by the laboratory are listed in the
Test Method Selection List (Appendix D).

Personnel

(1) The laboratory shall maintain records on
each staff member, including a résumé of
qualifications; laboratory testing procedures to
which the person is assigned; and the results of
periodic testing performance reviews, which
may include intra-operator tests and between-
laboratory tests.

[NOTE: 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.]

(2) The laboratory shall have a description of
its training program for ensuring that staff are
able to perform tests properly.

(3) The laboratory shall ensure that each new
staff member is trained for the testing duties
assigned and that staff members are retrained
when they are assigned new responsibilities or
when test methods are updated.

(4) The laboratory shall evaluate the
competency of each staff member for each test
method the staff member is authorized to
conduct. An evaluation and observation of
performance shall be conducted annually by the
immediate supervisor, or a designee appointed
by the laboratory director, and must be
adequately documented. A record of the annual
evaluation of each staff member must be dated
and signed by the supervisor and the employee,
and retained in the personnel file.

The following examples list competency review
items:

@ general requirements of the test
methods;

(ii) specimen preparation, dimensional
measurements, mounting techniques;

@ii) use and maintenance of
environmental control apparatus, including
humidity cabinets;

(iv) environmental conditioning of
specimens;

(v) calibration of test machines;

(vi) determination of moisture content
and specific gravity;

(vii) calibration and reading of

load/deformation/strain recording
equipment;
(viii) operation of fire performance test

equipment;

(ix) _ thermocouple mounting, calibration,
and related instrumentation;

(x) drying ovens and furnaces;

(xi) description of specimen and test
setup;

NIST Handbook 150-15

July 1995


(4) 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, are to 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 proficiency
testing contractor, or to a destination specified
by NVLAP or the proficiency testing contractor.

(5) 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 artifacts, or as calibration-
check samples. However, in no case shall
these proficiency test samples be considered as
calibration standards or standard reference
materials and be used as substitutes for
calibration standards that are traceable to
national (i.e., NIST) or international standards
~ laboratories.

(6) Proficiency test data are analyzed using
statistical procedures to determine distributions
and parameters, such as averages, standard
deviations, and outliers. The results of the
proficiency testing are reported to the
participants in appropriate documents and
reports. The identity and performance of
individual laboratories remain confidential. Test
data from proficiency testing must be used in
monitoring the laboratory’s own __ test
performance.

After notification of unsatisfactory performance,
the laboratory must take corrective action to
resolve the deficiency in a timely manner,
similar to the process for on-site assessment
deficiency resolution. Failures may result in
revocation or suspension of accreditation.

The results of proficiency testing are also made
available to on-site assessors for use during
laboratory assessment visits. If problems are
indicated by proficiency testing, they are
discussed with appropriate laboratory personnel
responsible for developing and implementing
plans for resolving the problems.

Sec. 285.23 Granting and renewing accreditation

Laboratories granted NVLAP accreditation are
provided with two documents: a Certificate of
Accreditation and a Scope of Accreditation. Samples
of these accreditation documents for the TIM
program are shown in Appendix A. Note that the
certificate states that the criteria encompass the
requirements of ISO/IEC Guide 25 and the relevant
requirements of ISO 9002 (ANSI/ASQC Q92-1987).

Sec. 285.33 Criteria for accreditation
(©) Quality system, audit and review

(1) Under its quality system, the laboratory
shall implement policies and operational
procedures covering all the technical
requirements of this handbook. Periodic
reviews of the quality system shall reflect
adherence to NVLAP requirements and the
laboratory’s quality objectives. These reviews
should reflect positive aspects of the quality
system as well as deficiencies.

Examples of operational procedures that must be
included in the quality manual are:

@ procedures for receipt,
identification, and tracking of test samples;

(ii) procedures by which the laboratory
describes the thermal insulation materials
test samples and the criteria for their
acceptance or rejection;

(iii) procedures for interlaboratory
comparison and the  laboratory’s
participation in proficiency testing, a
summary of the results, and a description
of any corrective actions taken because of
the results; and

(iv) the personnel training and
competency evaluations which demonstrate
that the test procedures are being followed
correctly.

(2) NIST Handbook 150, Sec. 285.33(c)(2)
lists quality system requirements that must be
included in the quality manual. In addition, the
quality manual must contain or make reference
to the location of procedures or testing manuals
containing detailed descriptions of the
procedures, practices, and equipment that the

NIST Handbook 150-15

July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

01/TO5

01/TO6*

01/TO9

01/T10

01/T11*

01/712

ASTM C335

ASTM C518

ASTM C653

ASTM C687

ASTM C976

ISO 8302

RELATED MATERIAL PROPERTIES

01/VO2

01/V03

01/V04.

01/VO5

01/VO6

01/VO7

TAPPI 1419

TAPPI 1487

ASTM E96

ASTM C739
(Sec. 11)

ASTM C739
(Sec. 15)

ASTM C1104/C1104M

CANADIAN STANDARDS (SPECIFICATIONS)

01/W01

01/W02

CAN/CGSB-51.2-M88

CAN/CGSB-51.9-92

Steady-State Heat Transfer Properties
of Horizontal Pipe Insulation

Steady-State Heat Flux Measurements
and Thermal Transmission Properties by
Means of the Heat Flow Meter
Apparatus

Thermal Resistance of Low-Density
Blanket-Type Mineral Fiber Insulation

Thermal Resistance of Loose-Fill
Building Insulation

Thermal Performance of Building
Assemblies by Means of a Calibrated
Hot Box

Thermal Insulation - Determination of
Steady-State Thermal Resistance and

Related Properties - Guarded Hot Plate
Apparatus

Starch in Paper

Fungus Resistance of Paper and
Paperboard

Water Vapor Transmission of Materials

Cellulosic Fiber (Wood-Base) Loose-Fill
Thermal Insulation (Fungi Resistance)

Cellulosic Fiber (Wood-Base) Loose-Fill
Thermal Insulation (Starch)

Water Vapor Sorption of Unfaced
Mineral Fiber Insulation

Thermal Insulation, Calcium Silicate, for
Piping, Machinery and Boilers

Mineral Fibre Thermal Insulation for
Piping and Round Ducting

NIST Handbook 150-15

July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

(2)

(3)

Where no independent assurance of the quality of outside support services
or supplies is available, the laboratory shall have procedures to ensure that
purchased equipment, materials and services comply with specified
requirements. The laboratory should, wherever possible, ensure that
purchased equipment and consumable materials are not used until they have
been inspected, calibrated or otherwise verified as complying with any
standard specifications relevant to the calibrations or tests concerned [see
also (h)(8)].

The laboratory shall maintain records of all suppliers from whom it obtains
support services or supplies required for calibrations or tests.

(n) Complaints [see also (c)(2)(xvii)]

(1)

(2)

The laboratory shall have documented policy and procedures for the
resolution of complaints received from clients or other parties about the
laboratory's activities. A record shall be maintained of all complaints and of
the actions taken by the laboratory.

Where a complaint, or any other circumstance, raises doubt concerning the
laboratory's compliance with the laboratory’s policies or procedures, or with
the NVLAP requirements or otherwise concerning the quality of the
laboratory's calibrations or tests, the laboratory shall ensure that those areas
of activity and responsibility involved are promptly audited in accordance
with item (c)(3).

NIST Handbook 150-15 B-27 July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

(7) Reference materials shall, where possible, be traceable to national or
international standards of measurement, or to national or international
standard reference materials.

(h) Calibration and test methods

(1) The laboratory shall have documented instructions on the use and operation
of all relevant equipment, on the handling and preparation of items and for
calibration and/or testing, where the absence of such instructions could
jeopardize the calibrations or tests. All instructions, standards, manuals and
reference data relevant to the work of the laboratory shall be maintained
up-to-date and be readily available to the staff.

NIST Handbook 150-15 B-15 July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

GENERAL OPERATIONS CHECKLIST - COMMENTS AND DEFICIENCIES

Instructions to the Assessor: Use this sheet to document comments and deficiencies. For
each, identify the appropriate item number from the checklist. Identify comments with a
"C" and deficiencies with an "X." If additional space is needed, make copies of this page
(or use additional blank sheets).

Item No. Comments and/or Deficiencies

NIST Handbook 150-15 B-32 July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

(3) Where traceability to national standards of measurement is not applicable,
the laboratory shall provide satisfactory evidence of correlation of results, for
example by participation in a suitable program of interlaboratory comparisons
or proficiency testing [see also (b)(2)(x), (c)(2)(xiv), (c)(6){ii)].

NOTE: Traceability requirements may also be satisfied by:

(i) internationally accepted standards in the field concerned;
(ii) suitable reference materials;

(iii) ratio or reciprocity measurements; or

{iv) mutual consent standards which are clearly specified and mutually
agreed upon by all parties concerned.

(4) Reference standards of measurement held by the laboratory shall be used for
calibration only and for no other purpose, unless it can be demonstrated that
their performance as reference standards has not been invalidated.

(5) Reference standards of measurement shall be calibrated by a body that can
provide traceability to a national standard of measurement. There shall be a
program of calibration and verification for reference standards.

(6) Where relevant, reference standards and measuring and testing equipment
shall be subjected to in-service checks between calibrations and verifications.

NIST Handbook 150-15 B-14 July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

ON-SITE ASSESSMENT -
TEST METHOD REVIEW COMMENTS AND DEFICIENCIES

Instructions to the Assessor: Use this sheet to document comments and deficiencies. For
each, identify the appropriate item number. Identify comments with a "C" and deficiencies
with an "X.”" If additional space is needed, make copies of this page (or use additional blank

sheets).

_ Item Comments and/or Deficiencies as Noted on the On-Site Assessment -
Number — Test Method Review Summary

NIST Handbook 150-15 F-5 July 1995


NIST/NVLAP
Building 411, Room A162
Gaithersburg, MD 20899

Phone: (301) 975-4016
Fax: (301) 926-2884.

(b) The most recent publication of the standard(s)
for the test method(s) for which the laboratory is
accredited shall be available as reference(s). For the
TIM program, these standards (Appendix D) and
where they can be obtained are:

(1) American Society for Testing and
Materials (ASTM)
1916 Race Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103-1187

Phone: (215) 299-5400
Fax: (215) 977-9679.

(2) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The
16 CFR Part 1209, “Interim Safety Standard for
Cellulose Insulation" is available in the U.S.
Code of Federal Regulations.

(3) Technical Association of the Pulp and
: Paper Industry (TAPPI)

15 Technology Parkway South

Norcross, GA 30092

Phone: (404) 446-1400
Fax: (404) 446-6947.

(4) Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB)
Sales Unit
Ottawa, Canada K1A 1G6

Phone: (613) 941-8703
Fax: (613) 941-8705

Sec. 285.5 Definitions

Conductance, thermal: The time rate of steady
state heat flow through a unit area of a material or
construction induced by a unit temperature difference
between the body surfaces. Thermal conductance and
thermal resistance are reciprocals of one another.
[ASTM C168-90]

Critical elements: A compilation of summary
Statements of the key provisions of a standard test
method that guides individual assessors in applying a
common objective assessment of a laboratory’s ability
to conduct tests.

Density, apparent (of applied insulation): The
mass per unit volume of in-place mass thermal
insulation. [ASTM C168-90]

Quality assurance: All those planned and systematic
actions necessary to provide adequate confidence that
a product or service will satisfy given requirements
for quality. [ISO 8402:1994]

Quality control: The operational techniques and
activities that are used to fulfill requirements for
quality. [ISO 8402:1994]

Resistance, thermal, R: Quantity determined by the
temperature difference, at steady state, between two
defined surfaces of a material or construction that
induces a unit heat flow through a unit area.
Thermal resistance and thermal conductance are
reciprocals of one another. [ASTM C168-90]

Strength, transverse (or flexural): The breaking
load applied normal to the neutral axis of the beam.
[ASTM C168-90]

Thermal insulation: A material or assembly of
materials used to provide resistance to heat flow.
[ASTM C168-90]

Water vapor retarder: A material or system that
adequately impedes the transmission of water vapor
under specified conditions. [ASTM C168-90]

Sec. 285.6 NVLAP documentation
(a) Test Method Selection List

Depending on the breadth of its testing capabilities,
a laboratory may seek accreditation to all or only
selected methods offered in the TIM program. The
Test Method Selection List is provided to the
laboratory seeking accreditation as part of the
NVLAP application package.

Appendix D provides the Test Method Selection List
which contains standard test methods for the TIM
program. This list is updated periodically and is
available from NVLAP. The test methods in
Appendix D are placed in one of six groups as
follows:

(1) Corrosiveness;
(2) Mass, Density, and Dimensional Stability;

(3) Flammability;

NIST Handbook 150-15

July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

—— iii)

(iii)

(iv)

(v)

(vi)

(2)

—— ii)

—— iii)

(iii)

(iv)

(v)

have the elements of the quality system documented;

ensure that the quality documentation is available for use by the laboratory
personnel;

define and document its policies and objectives for, and its commitment to,
good laboratory practice and quality of calibration or testing services;

have the laboratory management which ensures that these policies and
objectives are documented in a quality manual and communicated to,
understood, and implemented by all laboratory personnel concerned;

ensure that the quality manual is maintained current under the responsibility
of the quality manager [see also (c)(2)(iv)].

Date of quality manual:

Date of latest update:

The quality manual, and related quality documentation, shall state the
laboratory’s policies and operational procedures established in order to meet
the NVLAP requirements. The quality manual and related quality
documentation shall contain:

a quality policy statement, including objectives and commitments, by top
management;

the organization and management structure of the laboratory, its place in any
parent organization and relevant organizational charts;

the relations between management, technical operations, support services
and the quality system;

procedures for control and maintenance of documentation [see also (c)(1)(vi),
QO;

job descriptions of key staff and reference to the job descriptions of other
staff;

NIST Handbook 150-15 B-5S July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

01/D26* 16 CFR-Part 1209.4

__ 01/27 ASTM C739 (Sec. 8)
__ 01/030 ASTM C585
01/D31 MIL-I-22344D

(Para. 4.6.3, 4.6.4)

FLAMMABILITY

01/FO1 TAPP! T461

01/FO2* ASTM E84

01/FO5 ASTM E136

01/FO7* 16 CFR-Part 1209.6

01/FO8* 16 CFR-Part 1209.7

— 01/FO9 ASTM C739 (Sec. 10)
—  01/F10 ASTM C739 (Sec. 14)
STRENGTH
01/801 ASTM C165'
(Proc. A)
(Proc. B)

Settled Density (Specimen Container
Cellulosic Fiber Loose-Fill)

Cellulosic Fiber (Wood-Base) Loose-Fill
Thermal Insulation (Density)

Inner and Outer Diameters of Rigid
Thermal Insulation for Nominal Sizes of
Pipe and Tubing (NPS System)

Insulation, Pipe, Thermal, Fibrous
Glass: Alkalinity and Hydrogen-ion
Concentration (pH)

Flame Resistance Treated Paper and
Paperboard

Surface Burning Characteristics of
Building Materials

Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube
Furnace at 750 °C

Critical Radiant Flux (Radiant Panel,
Cellulosic Fiber)

Smoldering Combustion (Smolder Box,
Cellulosic Fiber)

Cellulosic Fiber (Wood-Base) Loose-Fill
Thermal Insulation (Critical Radiant
Flux)

Cellulosic Fiber (Wood-Base) Loose-Fill
Thermal! Insulation (Smoldering
Combustion)

Compressive Properties of Thermal
Insulations

’ Pay only one test method fee, regardless of whether Proc. A or Proc. B or both are selected.

NIST Handbook 150-15

D-5

July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

NATIONAL VOLUNTARY LABORATORY ACCREDITATION PROGRAM

ON-SITE ASSESSMENT - TEST METHOD REVIEW

Instructions to the Assessor:

During the on-site visit you will be required to assess the laboratory's ability to conduct the
specific test methods for which it has applied for accreditation. In some cases this will involve

- many test methods. You may not have sufficient time to perform an in-depth assessment of
each method.

Use the attached sheets to indicate which test methods you assessed at the laboratory, and
the extent of your assessment. Indicate whether you performed an in-depth review, including
a full review of laboratory activities. These include sample control and preparation, procedure
review, observation of actual testing, environmental control check, equipment review,
calibration checks, record-keeping practices and report forms; or, that you observed selected
items to determine that the laboratory demonstrated the ability to conduct the test.

The specific requirements for each test method are detailed in the CRITICAL ELEMENTS, the
HANDBOOK, and/or the TEST METHOD. Any items required under "special considerations"
will be described either in the CRITICAL ELEMENTS, special instructions below, or in other
correspondence.

Fill out the ON-SITE ASSESSMENT - TEST METHOD REVIEW SUMMARY by writing in the test
method designation. Indicate on the summary the DEPTH of the assessment for each test
method you reviewed, using one of the symbols shown below:

OT - (Observed Test)

EA - (Examined Apparatus)

WITT - (Waiked/Talked Through)

LDP - (Listened to Description of Procedures)

All deficiencies must be accompanied by a comment.

Use the ON-SITE ASSESSMENT - TEST METHOD REVIEW COMMENTS AND DEFICIENCIES
sheets to write comments on what you observed. Preface each comment with the test
method designation to which the comment applies. Please be liberal with your comments so
that we have a good written record of your observations; the more information we have, the
better the accreditation decision we can make.

Special Instruction:

NIST Handbook 150-15 F-3 July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

(x)

(xi)

(xii)

(xiii)

(xiv)

(xv)

(xvi)

(xvii)

(xviii)

(xix)

(3)

any deviations from, additions to or exclusions from the calibration or test
method, and any other information relevant to a specific calibration or test,
such as environmental conditions [see also (c)(2)(xv), (h)(4)];

measurements, examinations and derived results, supported by tables,
graphs, sketches and photographs as appropriate, and any failures identified;

a statement of the estimated uncertainty of the calibration or test result,
where relevant;

a signature and title, or an equivalent identification of the person(s) accepting
responsibility for the content of the certificate or report (however produced),
and date of issue [see also (c){2)(vi)];

where relevant, a statement to the effect that the results relate only to the
items calibrated or tested;

a statement that the certificate or report shall not be reproduced except in
full, without the written approval of the laboratory;

a statement that the report must not be used by the client to claim product
endorsement by NVLAP or any agency of the U.S. Government;

the signature of an approved signatory for all test and calibration reports
endorsed with the NVLAP logo;

special limitations of use; and

traceability statement.

Where the certificate or report contains results of calibrations or tests
performed by subcontractors, these results shall be clearly identified
[see also (I)].

NIST Handbook 150-15 B-22 July 1995


vyvvyy

NVLAP LAB CODE:

(4)

(5)

(6)

Particular care and attention shall be paid to the arrangement of the
certificate or report, especially with regard to presentation of the calibration
or test data and ease of assimilation by the reader. The format shall be
carefully and specifically designed for each type of calibration or test carried
out, but the headings shall be standardized as far as possible [see also
{k)(1)].

Material amendments to a calibration certificate, test report or test certificate
after issue shall be made only in the form of a further document, or data
transfer including the statement "Supplement to Calibration Certificate (or
Test Report or Test Certificate), serial number ... (or as otherwise
identified)," or equivalent form-of wording. Such amendments shall meet all
the relevant requirements of item (j).

The laboratory shall notify clients promptly, in writing, of any event such as
the identification of defective measuring or test equipment that casts doubt
on the validity of results given in any calibration certificate, test report, or
test certificate or amendment to a report or certificate.

NOTE: Such notification shall quantify the magnitude of error created in the
calibration results. The laboratory shall notify customers promptly, in
writing, of any customer’s measuring and test equipment found significantly
out of tolerance during the calibration/verification process. Measurement
data shall be reported so that appropriate action can be taken.

NIST Handbook 150-15 B-23 July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

TIM SPECIFIC OPERATIONS CHECKLIST - COMMENTS AND DEFICIENCIES

Instructions to the Assessor: Use this sheet to document comments and deficiencies. For
each, identify the appropriate item number from the checklist. Identify comments with a "C"
and deficiencies with an "X." If additional space is needed, make copies of this page (or use
additional blank sheets).

Item No. Comments and/or Deficiencies

NIST Handbook 150-15 C7 July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

(f) Equipment and reference materials

(1)

(i)

(ii)

(2)

(3)

(4)

— ii)

The laboratory shall:

be furnished with all items of equipment (including hardware, software, and
reference materials) required for the correct performance of calibrations and
tests;

in those cases where the laboratory needs to use equipment outside its
permanent control, including rented, leased and client-owned equipment,
ensure that the relevant NVLAP requirements are met.

All equipment shall be properly maintained. Maintenance procedures shall be
documented. Any item of the equipment which has been subjected to
overloading or mishandling, or which gives suspect results, or has been
shown by verification or otherwise to be defective, shall be taken out of
service, clearly identified and wherever possible stored at a specified place
until it has been repaired and shown by calibration, verification or test to
perform satisfactorily. The laboratory shall examine the effect of this defect
on previous calibrations or tests.

Each item of equipment including reference materials shall, when
appropriate, be labelled, marked or otherwise identified to indicate its
calibration status.

Records shall be maintained of each item of equipment and all reference
materials significant to the calibrations or tests performed. The records shall
include:

the name of the item of equipment, software or reference material;

NIST Handbook 150-15 B-11 July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

01/D06

01/DO7

01/D08

01/DO09

01/D11

01/D12

01/013

01/014

01/D15

01/D16

01/D17

01/D18

01/D19

01/D23

01/D24

ASTM C209 (Sec. 14)

by D1037 (Sec. 107-110)

ASTM C272

ASTM C302

ASTM C303

ASTM C356

ASTM C411

ASTM C519

ASTM C520

ASTM D756 (Proc. A)

ASTM D756 (Proc. B)

ASTM D756 (Proc. E)

ASTM D1622

ASTM D2126

ASTM D2842

ASTM C739 (Sec. 12)

Cellulosic Fiber Insulating Board (Linear
Expansion)

Wood-Base Fiber and Particle Panel
Materials (Linear Variation with Change
in Moisture Content)

Water Absorption of Core Materials for
Structural Sandwich Constructions

Density of Preformed Pipe-Covering-
Type Thermal Insulation

Density of Preformed Block-Type
Thermal Insulation

Linear Shrinkage of Preformed High-
Temperature Thermal Insulation
Subjected to Soaking Heat

Hot-Surface Performance of High
Temperature Thermal Insulation

Density of Fibrous Loose-Fill Building
Insulations

Density of Granular Loose-Fill
Insulations

Weight and Shape Changes of Plastics
under Accelerated Service Conditions

Weight and Shape Changes of Plastics
under Accelerated Service Conditions

Weight and Shape Changes of Plastics
under Accelerated Service Conditions

Apparent Density of Rigid Cellular
Plastics

Response of Rigid Cellular Plastics to
Thermal and Humid Aging

Water Absorption of Rigid Cellular
Plastics

Cellulosic Fiber (Wood-Base) Loose-Fill
Thermal Insulation (Moisture Vapor
Absorption)

NIST Handbook 150-15

July 1995


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July 1995

F-4

NIST Handbook 150-15


ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The author acknowledges that the technical requirements for the Thermal Insulation Materials (TIM)
program in this handbook were developed, in part, based on the previous TIM "Insulation LAP
Handbook" (NBSIR 85-3184), authored by Wiley A. Hall, Jr., Robert L. Gladhill, Jeffrey Horlick, and
Harvey W. Berger.

The author gratefully acknowledges Vanda White of NVLAP for her editing, revising, and final
publishing of the handbook. The following reviewers are also acknowledged for their helpful reviews
and contributions: Paul Martin, Lawrence Galowin, and Walter Rossiter.


vvvvVYYVYVYYVYYVYYV YY YY VV V VV YY

NVLAP LAB CODE:

(vii)

(viii)

(ix)

ES

|

(xi)

(xii)

Adequacy of calibration system: The supplier shall establish and maintain
documented procedures to evaluate the adequacy of the calibration system
and to ensure compliance with these requirements.

Calibration sources: M & TE requiring calibration shall be calibrated or
verified by laboratories that comply with sections 285.33(b) through (n).

Records: These requirements shall be supported by records documenting
that established schedules and procedures are followed to maintain the
adequacy of all M & TE. The records for M & TE requiring calibration shall
include an individual record of calibration or verification, or other means of
control, providing a description or identification of the item, calibration
interval, date calibrated, identification of the calibration source, calibration
results (data and/or condition status) and calibration action taken (adjusted,
repaired, new value assigned, derated, etc.).

Calibration status: M & TE shall be labeled to indicate calibration or
verification status. The label shall identify specific date calibrated (day,
month, year, Julian date, or equivalent) and the specific calibration due date
or usage equivalent. Items not calibrated to their full capability or which
have other limitations of use, shall be labeled or otherwise identified as to
the limitations. When it is impractical to apply a label directly to an item, the
label may be affixed to the instrument container or some other suitable
means may be used to reflect calibration status. Tamper-resistant seals are
affixed to operator accessible controls or adjustments which if moved will
invalidate the calibration. The quality system shall provide instructions for
the disposition of equipment with broken tamper-resistant seals.

Control of subcontractor calibration: The supplier is responsible for assuring
that the subcontractor’s calibration system conforms to section 285.33 (I) to
the degree necessary to assure compliance with contractual requirements.
NVLAP accreditation of the subcontractor’s laboratory can serve as the basis
for compliance with this requirement.

Storage and handling: M & TE shall be handled, stored, and transported in a
manner which shall not adversely affect the calibration or condition of the
equipment.

NIST Handbook 150-15 B-30 July 1995


vvvYvYYYVYYYVYYY YY vv YY vv vV VV VY YY

NVLAP LAB CODE:

{o) Measuring and test equipment (M & TE)

(1)

{i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

(v)

NOTE: This section applies to the control of measuring and test equipment
(M & TE) used to assure that supplies and services comply with prescribed
customer requirements. It is based in large part on the requirements found in
government audit standards such as MIL-STD 45662A, and is found in Part II
of the ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994 (Draft) standard.

General requirements for M & TE

The supplier shall establish and document a system to control the
calibration/verification of M & TE.

M & TE used to determine compliance with customer technical specifications
shall be calibrated or verified in accordance with sections 285.33(b) through
(n).

The supplier shall have a program to recall for calibration or verification, or
remove from service, M & TE that has exceeded its calibration interval, has
broken calibration seals, or is suspected to be malfunctioning because of
mishandling, misuse, or unusual results.

All operations performed by the supplier in compliance with these
requirements shall be subject to customer verification at unscheduled
intervals.

The supplier shall carry out, or arrange to have carried out, periodic quality
auditing of the calibration and verification system in order to ensure its
continuing effective implementation and compliance with these requirements.

- Based on the results of the audits and any other relevant factors, such
as customer feedback, the supplier shall review and modify the system
as necessary.

- Plans and procedures for the audits shall be documented. The conduct
of the audit and any subsequent corrective action shall also be
documented.

NIST Handbook 150-15 B-28 July 1995


(kK)

(0) acceptance/rejection of samples of
thermal insulation materials submitted for
test;

(ii) comprehensive logs for tracking
samples and test activities;

iii) original data collected by the
laboratory;

(iv) calibration and verification data;
(v) data and results of quality control;

(vi) equipment and maintenance records;
and

(vii) test reports.

(3) Test records, sufficient to reconstruct test
reports, shall be kept for a period of 3 years
following the completion of testing, unless a
longer period is required by the client,
regulation, or the laboratory’s own procedures.

Certificates and reports

- (1) All test reports must contain sufficient

information for the exact test conditions to be
reproduced at a later time if a retest is
necessary. Reports intended for use only by the
vendor may conform to vendor/laboratory
contract obligations, but must be in accord with
NVLAP requirements.

(2) In many cases, raw data collected by
computer are collated, reduced, and analyzed
for incorporation in the test report. The
electronic transmission of the data and
development of the test report is generally
performed at the laboratory. However, at
times, the report may be written at an adjunct
facility that is located some distance from the
testing laboratory. In such a case, the
laboratory must have in place, procedures and
documentation for assuring the quality and
validity of the data transmission, and their
incorporation in the test report.

If organizations use several departments for
different testing functions, data collection, and
data processing, it is necessary that lines of
authority be defined and that no conflict exists.
The assessor will review these procedures and
documentation during the on-site assessment,

and also assure that all NVLAP procedures
regarding the writing and storage of reports are
followed. Depending upon the assessor’s
evaluations of the procedures, descriptions and
other documentation for assuring the validity of
the data transmission and subsequent report
writing, an assessment visit to the adjunct
facility may be required. When warranted, the
assessor will visit the adjunct facility at
additional cost to the laboratory before
accreditation is granted or renewed.

(m) Outside support services and supplies

The laboratory must verify or test incoming materials
and supplies that affect the quality and accuracy of
the test results. Examples include equipment
vendors, general laboratory equipment, data
processing and acquisition equipment, thermocouples,
and thermocouple wire.

NIST Handbook 150-15

July 1995
/


NVLAP LAB CODE:

THERMAL INSULATION MATERIALS
TEST METHOD SELECTION LIST

Check those test methods for which you are requesting accreditation and total the test
methods at the bottom of each page. The latest version of the test methods must be used
(see NVLAP Procedures Sec. 285.32(a)(5)).

An asterisk (*) beside the NVLAP Test Method Code indicates that proficiency testing is
required. If you request accreditation for one or more of these test methods, you will be
notified of the required proficiency testing.

NVLAP Test
Method Code

CORROSIVENESS

01/CO1

01/CO2

MASS, DENSITY, AND DIMENSIONAL STABILITY

01/D01

01/DO02

01/D03

01/D04

01/D05

Test Method
Designation

ASTM C739 (Sec. 9)

16 CFR-Part 1209.5

ASTM C136

ASTM C167

ASTM C209 (Sec. 6)

ASTM C209 (Sec. 13)

ASTM C209 (Sec. 13)

by D1037 (Sec. 100-106)

Short Title

Cellulosic Fiber (Wood-Base) Loose-Fill
Thermal Insulation (Corrosiveness)

Cellulose Insulation Test Procedures for
Corrosiveness (Loose-Fill)

Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse
Aggregates

Thickness and Density of Blanket or
Batt Thermal Insulations

Cellulosic Fiber Insulating Board
(Thickness)

Cellulosic Fiber Insulating Board (Water
Absorption, 2 hour)

Cellulosic Fiber Insulating Board (Water
Absorption, 24 hour)

Wood-Base Fiber and Particle Panel
Materials (Water Absorption and
Thickness Swelling, 24 hour)

NIST Handbook 150-15

July 1995


APPENDIX E

CRITICAL ELEMENTS

NIST Handbook 150-15 E-l July 1995


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A-3

NIST Handbook 150-15


PREFACE

NIST Handbook 150-15 presents the technical requirements of the National Voluntary Laboratory
Accreditation Program (NVLAP) for Thermal Insulation Materials (TIM) field of accreditation. It is
intended for information and use by staff of accredited laboratories, those laboratories seeking
accreditation, other laboratory accreditation systems, users of laboratory services, and others needing
information on the requirements for accreditation under the TIM program.

This publication supplements NIST Handbook 150, NVLAP Procedures and General Requirements, which
contains Part 285 of Title 15 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) plus all general NVLAP
procedures, criteria, and policies. The criteria in NIST Handbook 150 encompass the requirements of
. ISO/IEC Guide 25 and the relevant requirements of ISO 9002 (ANSI/ASQC Q92-1987). Handbook
150-15 contains information that is specific to the TIM program and does not duplicate information
contained in the Procedures and General Requirements. The numbering of the sections of this handbook
is patterned after Handbook 150; for example, Section 285.3 of Handbook 150 presents the description
and goal of NVLAP, whereas Section 285.3 of Handbook 150-15 presents the description of the TIM
program. Where there is no material specific to the field of accreditation, the section number is omitted.

Any questions or comments on this handbook should be submitted to the National Institute of Standards

and Technology/NVLAP, Building 411, Room A162, Gaithersburg, MD 20899; phone (301) 975-4016;
fax (301) 926-2884; e-mail NVLAP@enh.nist.gov.

iii


v

NVLAP LAB CODE:

(k) Certificates and reports

(1)

(2)
(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

(v)

(vi)

(vii)

(viii)

(ix)

The results of each calibration, test, or series of calibrations or tests carried
out by the laboratory shall be reported accurately, clearly, unambiguously
and objectively, in accordance with any instructions in the calibration or test
methods. The results should normally be reported in a calibration certificate,
test report or test certificate and should include all the information necessary
for the interpretation of the calibration or test results and all information
required by the method used [see also (k)(4)(i)].

NOTE: It is recognized that the results of each calibration do not always

result in the production of a calibration certificate or report. Whenever a
certificate or report is produced, the above requirements shall be met.

Each certificate or report shall include at least the following information:
a title, e.g., "Calibration Certificate,” "Test Report" or "Test Certificate”;

name and address of laboratory, and location where the calibration or test
was carried out if different from the address of the laboratory;

unique identification of the certificate or report (such as serial number) and of
each page, and the total number of pages;

name and address of client, where appropriate;

description and unambiguous identification of the item calibrated or tested
[see also (i)(1)];

characterization and condition of the calibration or test item;

date of receipt of calibration or test item and date(s) of performance of
calibration or test, where appropriate;

EXCEPTION: Although it is encouraged as good laboratory practice, the
requirement for inclusion of the date received is not mandatory for calibration

laboratories.

identification of the calibration or test method used, or unambiguous
description of any non-standard method used;

reference to sampling procedure, where relevant [see also (h)(5)];

NIST Handbook 150-15 B-21 July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

(3)

Records on the relevant qualifications, training, skills and experience of the
technical personnel shall be maintained by the laboratory.

- -{e) Accommodation (facilities) and environment [see also (i)(3)]

(1)

(2)

Laboratory accommodation, calibration and test areas, energy sources,
lighting, heating and ventilation shall be such as to facilitate proper
performance of calibrations or tests.

NOTE: Laboratory design will be, to the maximum extent practical, in
accordance with the guidelines: found in the NCSL Recommended Practice
#7, Laboratory Design, July 25, 1993.

The environment in which these activities are undertaken shall not invalidate
the results or adversely affect the required accuracy of measurement.
Particular care shall be taken when such activities are undertaken at sites
other than the permanent laboratory premises.

NOTE: It is expected that environments which do not meet generally
accepted norms, such as those found in NCSL Recommended Practice #7,
yet which exhibit the stability required to apply necessary correction factors,
will be specified by the laboratory for the purpose of assessment of
compliance with its own procedures to achieve its stated uncertainties.

NIST Handbook 150-15 B9 July 1995


National Institute of Standards and Technology
NIST Handbook 150-15

68 pages (July 1995)

CODEN: NIHAE2

U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON: 1995

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents
U.S. Government Printing Office
Washington, DC 20402-9325

NVLAP AND THE NVLAP LOGO.

The term NVLAP and the NVLAP logo are
Federally registered trademarks of the National
Institute of Standards and Technology and the
Federal Government, who retain exclusive rights
therein, Permission to use the term and/or the logo
is granted to NVLAP-accredited laboratories for the
limited purposes of announcing their accredited
status, and for use on reports that describe only
testing and calibration within the scope of
accreditation. NIST reserves the right to control
the quality of the use of the term NVLAP and of
the logo itself.


APPENDIX C

SPECIFIC OPERATIONS CHECKLIST

NIST Handbook 150-15 Cl July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

{i)

(ii)

iii)

(iv)

Where it is necessary to employ methods that have not been established as
standard, these shall be subject to agreement with the client, be fully
documented and validated, and be available to the client and other recipients
of the relevant reports [see also (k)(2)(x)].

Where sampling is carried out as part of the test method, the laboratory shall
use documented procedures and appropriate statistical techniques to select
samples [see also (k)(2){ix)].

Calculations and data transfers shall be subject to appropriate checks.

Where computers or automated equipment are used for the capture,
processing, manipulation, recording, reporting, storage or retrieval of
calibration or test data, the laboratory shall have written procedures which
ensure that:

the NVLAP requirements are complied with;

computer software, computers or automated equipment is documented and
adequate for use;

procedures are established and implemented for protecting the integrity of
data; such procedures shall include, but not be limited to, integrity of data
entry or capture, data storage, data transmission and data processing;

computer and automated equipment is maintained to ensure proper
functioning and provided with the environmental and operating conditions
necessary to maintain the integrity of calibration and test data [see also
(#1);

NIST Handbook 150-15 B-17 July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

(v)

include at the beginning of the report the name, address, and contact person
of the subcontracted laboratory(ies), and one of the following statements, as
appropriate:

if NVLAP-accredited

"This report contains data which were produced by a subcontracted
laboratory ACCREDITED (NVLAP LAB CODE) for the calibration or test
methods performed"

if not NVLAP-accredited

"This report contains data which were produced by a subcontracted
laboratory NOT ACCREDITED for the calibration or test methods performed."

The requirements of this section do not supersede any regulation, law,
contract specification, or other related conditions which require NVLAP.
accreditation.

{m) Outside support services and supplies

— 1)

Where the laboratory procures outside services and supplies in support of
calibrations or tests, the laboratory shall use only those outside support
services and supplies that are of adequate quality to sustain confidence in
the laboratory’s calibrations or tests.

NIST Handbook 150-15 B-26 July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

(ii)

(iii)

{iv)
(v)

(vi)
(vii)

(viii)

(ix)

(x)

the manufacturer’s name, type identification, and serial number or other
unique identification;

date received and date placed in service;

NOTE: For initial accreditation, the date received and the date placed in
service are not considered mandatory requirements for inclusion in laboratory
records, although this is encouraged as good laboratory practice.

current location, where appropriate;

condition when received (e.g., new, used, reconditioned);

copy of the manufacturer's instructions, where available;

dates and results of calibrations and/or verifications and date of next
calibration and/or verification; _

details of maintenance carried out to date and planned for the future;
history of any damage, malfunction, modification or repair;

measured value observed for each parameter found to be out of tolerance
during calibration/verification.

{g) Measurement traceability and calibration

—— (1)

All measuring and testing equipment having an effect on the accuracy or
validity of calibrations or tests shall be calibrated and/or verified before being
put into service. The laboratory shall have an established program for the
calibration and verification of its measuring and test equipment. The
program will ensure the recall or removal from service of any standard or
equipment which has exceeded its calibration interval or is otherwise judged
to be unreliable.

NIST Handbook 150-15 B-12 July 1995


(xii) balances and scales for mass
determination;

(xiii) dimensional measuring devices
(calipers, micrometers, etc.);

(xiv) heat flux meters and pyrometers;

(xv) automatic data logging and readout
instrumentation;

(xvi) ammeters, ohmmeters, voltmeters,
wattmeters, potentiometers;

(xvii) radiant panel;
(xviii) heat flow meters;
(xix) guarded hot plates; and

(xx) calculation of thermal parameters
(transmittance, conductance, conductivity,
resistance, etc.).

(5) Reference documents, texts, and current

scientific and industry periodicals shall be made

available to all technical staff to keep their
- knowledge up to date.

(f) Equipment and reference materials

All facilities and equipment used for performing the
applicable tests must conform with the requirements
of the standard test methods. For departures from
standard test methods and test equipment, the
laboratory must provide sufficient data to show
equivalency to that specified in the standard.

The laboratory workspace and any environmentally
controlled spaces (e.g., constant temperature-relative
humidity rooms or cabinets) are to be checked for
proper conditions, including monitoring devices.
Monitoring devices need to be checked that they are
calibrated and functioning properly to maintain the
required environmental conditions.

The equipment used for conducting the tests in the
TIM program shall be maintained and calibrated (or
verified) in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendation, as specified in the test method, or
as specified below, whichever results in shorter time
periods between calibrations:

Apparatus/Instrumentation Frequency
dimensional measuring devices

(calipers, micrometers, etc.) annually
drying ovens annually
furnaces annually
tensile/compression test machines

and load cells annually
scales and balances annually
heat flux meters annually
pyrometers annually
automatic data logging and readout* annually
potentiometers* annually
ammeters, ohmmeters, voltmeters,

and wattmeters* annually
thermocouple and related

instrumentation* annually
thermostats* annually
environmental conditioning units quarterly
humidity cabinets quarterly

radiant panel
heat flow meters**
guarded hot plates

per test method
per test method
per test method.

* Tf the calibration of the equipment is shown to vary
due to lack of modern solid-state electronics, then the
entry under "Frequency" shall be 6 months.

** Tf certification of measurement is required using
ASTM C518 (NVLAP Test Method Code 01/T06),
the calibration procedures and frequencies given in
Section 5.4.1 of that test method must be followed.

(g) Measurement traceability and calibration

(1) The laboratory’s calibrations may be
performed by properly trained staff using
calibrated standards, or through contract(s) with
a competent external calibration service. All
calibrations and characterizations must be done
against reference standards that are traceable to
national standards maintained by NIST or by a
foreign national standards authority that issues
reference or calibration materials. It is the
Tesponsibility of the laboratory seeking
accreditation to determine that, where
appropriate, calibration services use reference
standards traceable to NIST or a foreign
national standards authority. The use of a
NVLAP-accredited calibration laboratory fulfills
the foregoing traceability requirement.

NIST Handbook 150-15

July 1995


APPENDIX F

ON-SITE ASSESSMENT - TEST METHOD REVIEW

NIST Handbook 150-15 Fl July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

SPECIFIC OPERATIONS CHECKLIST

THERMAL INSULATION MATERIALS

Instructions to the Assessor: The checklist addresses specific accreditation criteria prescribed
in Section 285.33, Criteria for Accreditation, of the Thermal Insulation Materials (TIM) Program
Handbook. Included also are instructions and comments sheets used for observing actual
demonstrations of the performance of selected test methods. These criteria do not supersede

. the Criteria for Accreditation, based on Section 285.33 of the NVLAP Procedures and General
Requirements (NIST Handbook 150), which are addressed in the GENERAL OPERATIONS
CHECKLIST.

Place an "X" beside any of the following items which represent a deficiency. Place a "C"
beside each item on which you are commenting for other reasons. Record the item number
and your deficiency explanation and/or comments on the appropriate comment sheet(s). Place
a check beside all other items you observed or verified at the laboratory.

1 QUALITY SYSTEM

1.1 The quality manual (or supporting documentation) provides detailed procedures
(including descriptions of equipment) that the laboratory follows in conducting
thermal, physical, mechanical, and chemical measurements using the different
thermal insulation test methods for which it seeks accreditation.

1.2 The quality manual (or supporting documentation) lists the range (e.g., size,
shape, density, and property level) of test specimens that a laboratory can test
for each test method.

1.3. The quality manual describes practices for maintenance and calibration of the
equipment used in conducting the tests on thermal insulation materials.

2 PERSONNEL

Personnel competency for Thermal Insulation Materials testing includes applicable portions of
the following, as a minimum:

2.1 general requirements of the test methods;

2.2 specimen preparation, dimensional measurements, mounting techniques;
2.3. operation of environmental control apparatus, including humidity cabinets;
2.4 procedures for environmental conditioning of specimens;

2.5 determination of moisture content, specific gravity, or density;

2.6 operation of drying ovens and furnaces;

NIST Handbook 150-15 C3 July 1995


NVLAP LAB CODE:

3.2

Calibration Requirements

Test equipment, devices, and instruments meet the requirements of the appropriate
standards and are properly calibrated (and meet calibration conditions). Specific

calibration requirements for the TIM program are:

- in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation;

- the test method; or
- as specified in the following table;

whichever results in shorter time periods between calibrations.

Apparatus/Instrumentation

dimensional measuring devices
(calipers, micrometers, etc.)

drying ovens

furnaces

tensile/compression test machines
and load cells

scales and balances

heat flux meters

pyrometers

automatic data logging and readout*

Calibration or
Verification Frequency

annually

annually
annually
annually

annually
annually
annually
annually

ammeters, ohmmeters, voltmeters, wattmeters* annually

potentiometers*
thermocouple and related instrumentation*
thermostats*

environmental conditioning units
humidity cabinets

radiant panel
heat flow meters* *
guarded hot plates

annually
annually
annually

quarterly
quarterly

per test method
per test method
per test method

* If the calibration of the equipment is shown to vary due to the lack of modern
solid-state electronics, then the entry under Frequency shall be 6 months.

** If certification of measurement is required using ASTM C518 (NVLAP Test
Method Code 01/T06), the calibration procedures and frequencies given in Section

5.4.1 of that test method must be followed.

3.3. Thermal, Mechanical, Physical, Flammability and Chemical Properties

3.3.1 Samples are properly prepared, environmentally conditioned (including proper
moisture content), handled, and maintained before testing.

NIST Handbook 150-15 CS

July 1995


APPENDIX A

SAMPLE ACCREDITATION DOCUMENTS

NIST Handbook 150-15 Al July 1995