NISTHB 150-15-2020

NVLAP

THERMAL

INSULATION

MATERIALS

Timothy Rasinski

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https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.HB.150-15-2020
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NISTHB 150-15-2020

NVLAP

Thermal

Insulation

Materials

Timothy Rasinski

National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program

Standards Coordination Office

Laboratory Programs

This publication is available free of charge from:

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.HB.150-15-2020

May 2020

U.S. Department of Commerce

Wilbur L. Ross, Jr., Secretary

National Institute of Standards and Technology

Walter G. Copan, Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and Director
Certain commercial entities, equipment, or materials may be identified in this

document in order to describe an experimental procedure or concept adequately.

Such identification is not intended to imply recommendation or endorsement by the

National Institute of Standards and Technology, nor is it intended to imply that the

entities, materials, or equipment are necessarily the best available for the purpose. 

National Institute of Standards and Technology Handbook 150-15-2020

Natl. Inst. Stand. Technol. Handbook 150-15-2020, 17 pages (May 2020)

This publication is available free of charge from:

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.HB.150-15-2020
NVLAP AND THE NVLAP LOGO

The term NVLAP and the NVLAP logo are registered 

marks of the Federal Government, which retains 

exclusive rights to control the use thereof. Permission 

to use the term and symbol (NVLAP logo with 

approved caption) is granted to NVLAP-accredited 

laboratories for the limited purpose of announcing

their accredited status, and for use on reports that 

describe only testing and calibration within the scope 

of accreditation. NVLAP reserves the right to control 

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

symbol.
NIST Handbook 150-15:2020 iii

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Contents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3.3 Onsite assessment........................................................................................................................ 3

3.4 Proficiency testing ....................................................................................................................... 5

4 General Requirements........................................................................................................................... 5

4.1 Impartiality .................................................................................................................................. 5

4.2 Confidentiality............................................................................................................................. 5

5 Structural Requirements........................................................................................................................ 5

6 Resource Requirements......................................................................................................................... 5

6.1 General ........................................................................................................................................ 5

6.2 Personnel ..................................................................................................................................... 5

6.3 Facilities and environmental conditions...................................................................................... 6

6.4 Equipment.................................................................................................................................... 6

6.5 Metrological traceability.............................................................................................................. 6

6.6 Externally provided products and services.................................................................................. 6

7 Process Requirements ........................................................................................................................... 6

7.1 Review of requests, tenders and contracts................................................................................... 6

7.2 Selection, verification and validation of methods ....................................................................... 6

7.3 Sampling...................................................................................................................................... 6

7.4 Handling of test or calibration items ........................................................................................... 6

7.5 Technical records......................................................................................................................... 6

7.6 Evaluation of measurement uncertainty ...................................................................................... 6

7.7 Ensuring the validity of results.................................................................................................... 7

7.8 Reporting of results ..................................................................................................................... 7

7.9 Complaints................................................................................................................................... 7

7.10 Nonconforming work .................................................................................................................. 7

7.11 Control of data and information management............................................................................. 7
NIST Handbook 150-15:2020 iv

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8 Management system requirements........................................................................................................ 7

8.1 Options ........................................................................................................................................ 7

8.2 Management system documentation ........................................................................................... 7

8.3 Control of management system documents................................................................................. 7

8.4 Control of records........................................................................................................................ 7

8.5 Actions to address risks and opportunities .................................................................................. 8

8.6 Improvement................................................................................................................................ 8

8.7 Corrective actions........................................................................................................................ 8

8.8 Internal audits.............................................................................................................................. 8

8.9 Management reviews................................................................................................................... 8
NIST Handbook 150-15:2020 v

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Foreword

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

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

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

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

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

body;

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

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

NVLAP laboratory accreditation programs (LAPs).

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

NIST Handbook 150 and the referenced ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. They tailor the general criteria found 

referenced in NIST Handbook 150 and ISO/IEC 17025 to the specific tests, calibrations, or types of tests 

or calibrations covered by a LAP.

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

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

2019 edition incorporates changes resulting from the release of the 2017 edition of ISO/IEC 17025, General 

requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, and NIST Handbook 150, as well 

as editorial improvements. The 2020 edition of NIST Handbook 150-15 supersedes and replaces the 2006

edition.

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

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

handbook with respect to the previous edition:

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

• clause numbers 4 & 5 are now clauses 4 through 8 to align with the 2017 edition of ISO/IEC 17025

(hereafter referred to as ISO/IEC 17025);

• redundant requirements for specific equipment, certifications, records, etc. found in the various 

standards for test methods used in the program were removed.

This handbook is also available on the NVLAP website (https://www.nist.gov/nvlap).

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

Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 2140, Gaithersburg, MD, 20899-2140; phone: 301-975-

4016; fax: 301-926-2884; e-mail: nvlap@nist.gov.
NIST Handbook 150-15:2020 vi

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Introduction

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

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

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

accreditation programs.
NIST Handbook 150-15:2020 1

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1 General information

1.1 Scope

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

accreditation of laboratories under the NVLAP Thermal Insulation Materials Laboratory Accreditation 

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

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

of tests covered by the TIM LAP.

1.1.2 ISO/IEC 17025, NIST Handbook 150, this handbook, and test methods indicated on the (proposed) 

scope of accreditation constitute the collective body of requirements that must be met by a laboratory 

seeking NVLAP accreditation for the TIM LAP.

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

conducting onsite assessments, laboratories seeking accreditation, other laboratory accreditation systems, 

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

TIM LAP.

1.2 Organization of handbook

The numbering and titles of clauses four through eight of this handbook match those of ISO/IEC 17025. 

The primary subclauses in clauses 4 through 8 (e.g., 4.1, 4.2, etc.) are also numbered and titled to correspond 

with those of ISO/IEC 17025, even when there are no additional requirements.

1.3 Program description

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

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

dimensional stability; and related material properties. The TIM LAP accredits laboratories that use standard 

test methods from ASTM International (ASTM), Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), the Technical 

Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI), the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB), the 

International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Military Specifications (MIL), and other recognized 

test methods.

1.3.2 A listing of the test methods included in the program is given in the test methods and calibration 

parameter listing available on the NVLAP website. The list is grouped by the program “product testing”, 

then by “thermal insulation materials”. Once at the thermal insulation materials program level, the tests are 

grouped by:

• Canadian standards (specifications),

• corrosiveness,

• mass, density, and dimensional stability,

• flammability,

• related material properties,

• strength,
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• and thermal resistance.

1.4 References

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

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

specified by regulations or other requirement documents.

— NIST Handbook 150, NVLAP Procedures and General Requirements

— ISO/IEC 17025 General requirement for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories

— ASTM C168, Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation

1.5 Terms and definitions

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

C168 apply.

1.6 Program documentation

1.6.1 General

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

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

documenting the assessment to the NVLAP requirements found in ISO/IEC 17025, NIST Handbook 150

and this handbook. Checklists contain definitive statements or questions about all aspects of the NVLAP 

requirements for accreditation, and form part of the Onsite Assessment Report (see NIST Handbook 150). 

The current version of each checklist is available from NVLAP.

1.6.2 NVLAP General Criteria Checklist

All NVLAP programs use the NVLAP General Criteria Checklist (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) (formerly called 

the NIST Handbook 150 Checklist), which contains the requirements published in ISO/IEC 17025 and 

NIST Handbook 150. The checklist items are numbered to correspond to clauses 4 through 8 of ISO/IEC 

17025 and annexes A, B, and E of NIST Handbook 150.

1.6.3 NIST Handbook 150-15 Checklist 

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

requirements specific to thermal insulation materials testing, including testing requirements, with an 

emphasis on observing and performing tests, testing accuracy, instrumentation, calibration, personnel 

competency, and test reporting.

1.6.4 Test Method Review Summary 

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

test methods. The review of the test methods by the assessor ranges from observing tests to having 
NIST Handbook 150-15:2020 3

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

depth into which each part of the test method was reviewed (Observed Test, Examined Apparatus, 

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

1.6.5 NVLAP Lab Bulletins

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

requirements and to provide information about program additions and changes. Lab bulletins providing 

additions or changes to the current program will supersede the requirements of the current published 

handbook until the additions or changes are published in a revision of the handbook. Lab bulletins are 

posted on the program-specific handbooks page of the NVLAP website.

2 LAP establishment, development and implementation

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

3 Accreditation process

3.1 General

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

includes information pertaining to application for accreditation; onsite assessment; proficiency testing; 

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

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

3.2 Management system review

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

management system. 

3.2.2 Prior to the onsite assessment, the assigned assessor will review all relevant management system 

documentation against NVLAP requirements, including the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025, this handbook 

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

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

3.3 Onsite assessment

3.3.1 General information

3.3.1.1 The purpose of the onsite assessment is to determine the laboratory’s compliance with ISO/IEC 

17025, NIST Handbook 150, this handbook, its own management system, and to assess the capability and 

competence of the testing activities for which accreditation is being requested.

3.3.1.2 Testing performed at locations other than the primary facility covered under the accreditation will 

be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine the extent of onsite review necessary at the other locations.
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3.3.1.3 Prior to the onsite assessment, the NVLAP assessor will provide a preliminary agenda. The 

laboratory may not be granted accreditation or renewal if not prepared to conduct test demonstrations, have 

equipment in good working order, and be ready for examination according to the requirements identified 

in ISO/IEC 17025, this handbook and NIST Handbook 150.

3.3.1.4 The laboratory shall make available all supporting technical information. All relevant 

documentation shall be provided to NVLAP and its assessor(s) in English.

3.3.1.5 In addition to the checklists to help assure the completeness, objectivity, and uniformity of the 

onsite assessment, the assessor uses the NVLAP Test Method Review Summary form to review the 

capability of the laboratory personnel to perform testing for which accreditation is sought. The test method 

review ranges from observing tests to having laboratory staff describe the test procedures. The assessor 

notes the depth to which each part of the test method was reviewed and records the results of the review.

3.3.2 Typical onsite assessment

The NVLAP assessor performs the following activities during a typical onsite assessment:

a) Conducts an opening meeting with the laboratory to explain the purpose of the onsite visit and to 

discuss the schedule for the day(s). At the discretion of the laboratory manager, other staff may attend 

the meeting.

b) Reviews laboratory documentation not provided for review prior to the assessment, including 

management system records, equipment and maintenance records, record-keeping procedures, testing 

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

plans and records, and safeguards for the protection of sensitive and proprietary information. 

At least one laboratory staff member shall be available to answer questions; however, the assessor 

may request to review the documents and records alone. 

c) Examines equipment and facilities, observes the demonstration of selected test methods by the 

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

demonstrations requested may be selective or all-inclusive and shall include use of sample test 

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

The assessor will also review the test data/reports and examine the hardware/software for 

functionality and appropriateness.

d) Completes an Onsite Assessment Report, which contains the NVLAP Onsite Assessment Signature 

Sheet with Narrative Summary, NVLAP General Criteria Checklist (ISO/IEC 17025:2017), NIST 

Handbook 150-15 Checklist, and the Test Method Review Summary. The assessor will also enter any 

nonconformities and/or comments into the NVLAP interactive website (NIWS).

e) Conducts a closing meeting with the laboratory to explain the findings of the visit. At the closing 

meeting, the report shall be signed by the assessor and the laboratory’s authorized representative to 

acknowledge the discussion of the outcome of the onsite assessment. The authorized representative’s 

signature does not necessarily indicate agreement, merely receipt, and challenges may be made 

through NVLAP. The process for resolving nonconformities identified during the onsite is 

documented in NIST Handbook 150.
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3.4 Proficiency testing

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

accreditation process. 

3.4.2 Section 7.7.2 of ISO/IEC 17025 requires a laboratory “monitor its performance by comparison with 

results of other laboratories, where available and appropriate.” NVLAP is not aware of any widely available 

interlaboratory comparison for thermal insulation materials testing. Laboratories may choose to organize 

interlaboratory comparisons among themselves, but NVLAP does not require participation in 

interlaboratory comparison in the TIM program. If an appropriate interlaboratory comparison becomes 

available, NVLAP may require participation and will notify all laboratories of requirements.

3.4.3 Unsatisfactory performance or failure to participate in any prescribed proficiency testing, may 

result in suspension of laboratory accreditation for those test methods in question.

4 General Requirements

4.1 Impartiality

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in ISO/IEC 17025.

4.2 Confidentiality

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in ISO/IEC 17025.

5 Structural Requirements

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in ISO/IEC 17025.

6 Resource Requirements

6.1 General

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in ISO/IEC 17025.

6.2 Personnel

The laboratory’s technical director (or an appropriate supervisor) shall possess appropriate experience and 

expertise in thermal insulation materials testing. The technical director or supervisorshall have the technical 

competence and the supervisory capability to direct the work of professionals and technicians in thermal 

insulation material testing.
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-15:20206

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6.3 Facilities and environmental conditions

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in ISO/IEC 17025.

6.4 Equipment

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in ISO/IEC 17025.

6.5 Metrological traceability

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in ISO/IEC 17025.

6.6 Externally provided products and services

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in ISO/IEC 17025. 7 Process Requirements

7.1 Review of requests, tenders and contracts

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in ISO/IEC 17025.

7.2 Selection, verification and validation of methods

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in ISO/IEC 17025.

7.3 Sampling

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in ISO/IEC 17025.

7.4 Handling of test or calibration items

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in ISO/IEC 17025.

7.5 Technical records

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in ISO/IEC 17025.

7.6 Evaluation of measurement uncertainty

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in ISO/IEC 17025.
NIST Handbook 150-15:2020 7

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7.7 Ensuring the validity of results

The laboratory shall participate in any prescribed PT (See section 3.4). Any prescribed PT will be identified 

on the TIM program page on the NVLAP web site.

7.8 Reporting of results

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in ISO/IEC 17025.

7.9 Complaints

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in ISO/IEC 17025.

7.10 Nonconforming work

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in ISO/IEC 17025.

7.11 Control of data and information management

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in ISO/IEC 17025.

8 Management system requirements

8.1 Options

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in ISO/IEC 17025.

8.2 Management system documentation

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in ISO/IEC 17025.

8.3 Control of management system documents

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in ISO/IEC 17025.

8.4 Control of records

The minimum retention time for all records pertaining to the laboratory’s accreditation in the TIM program 

shall be 3 years.
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8.5 Actions to address risks and opportunities

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in ISO/IEC 17025.

8.6 Improvement

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in ISO/IEC 17025.

8.7 Corrective actions

There are no requirements additional to those set forth in ISO/IEC 17025.

8.8 Internal audits

8.8.1 An applicant laboratory shall at least one complete internal audit in accordance with ISO/IEC 

17025 prior to the first onsite assessment. The records will be reviewed by the NVLAP assessor before or 

during the onsite assessment.

8.8.2 Internal audits are separate and distinct from both management reviews (see 8.9) and NVLAP 

onsite assessments.

8.9 Management reviews

An applicant laboratory shall perform at least one complete management review in accordance with

ISO/IEC 17025 prior to the first onsite assessment. The records will be reviewed by the NVLAP assessor 

before or during the onsite assessment.