1、Designation: E 2335 04An American National StandardStandard Guide forLaboratory Monitors1This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 2335; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A numbe
2、r in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. Asuperscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.INTRODUCTIONThis guide is for use by laboratory monitors who observe interlaboratory testing performed byparticipating organizations that validate the
3、legitimacy of test methods and also establish a base of datafrom which precision and bias statements are to be written. Interlaboratory testing is done to determinethe validity of a test standard. Such testing requires diligence by adhering to the protocol establishedfor performing the test in order
4、 to minimize variability which often exists between laboratories.Because laboratories differ in size, organization, management, personnel, facilities and environmentthere is always a potential for introducing variability in test results.Laboratory monitors confirm that the participating facilities a
5、dhere to the test protocol as closely aspossible, thereby improving the chances of a successful interlaboratory study. The laboratory monitorobserves and assesses but does not perform the functions of an auditor or trainer; the laboratorymonitor does not provide accreditation of a laboratory. Labora
6、tory monitors should demonstrateexpertise in both the content and the intent of the test method. The laboratory monitor is responsibleto render a report to the appointing subcommittee. It is incumbent upon the laboratory monitor tomaintain objectivity when working with participating laboratories.Ful
7、l-scale product fire tests are expensive, especially full-scale tests of bedding and homefurnishings. The development of this standard is intended to ensure that the precision and biasdeveloped for E5 standards demonstrates a high level of statistical validity.Using a laboratory monitor as part of a
8、n interlaboratory test program is optional. However, if amonitor is used, all of the laboratories in the project are to be included.1. Scope1.1 This guide provides a general outline, for use by alaboratory monitor, to assess the qualifications of a laboratorywhich has requested to participate in a s
9、pecific ASTM inter-laboratory test.1.2 The preliminary assessment is based on observationsmade before initiation of any interlaboratory tests.1.3 The subcommittee, which appoints the laboratory moni-tor, specifies the minimum requirements which an organizationshould meet to qualify as a participant
10、for the interlaboratorytest. If a pretest is to be included, see details in Section 13.1.4 This fire standard can not be used to provide quantitativemeasures.1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is theresponsibility of the user
11、of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory requirements prior to use.2. Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2E 176 Terminology of Fire StandardsE 1537 Test Method for Fire Testing of Upholstered Furni-tureE 1822 Test Metho
12、d for Fire Testing of Stacked Chairs2.2 ISO Standards:ISO 13943 Fire Safety-Vocabulary3ISO/IEC 17025:1999(E) General Requirements for theCompetence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories32.3 Other Standard:American Association for Laboratory Accreditation GeneralRequirements for Accreditation of La
13、boratories, January199741This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire Standardsand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.15 on Furnishings andContents.Current edition approved Jan 1, 2004. Published February 2004.2For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website
14、, www.astm.org, orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org. For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.3Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1 rue deVaremb, Case postale 56, CH-1211, Gen
15、eva 20, Switzerland.4American Association for Laboratory Accreditation, 5301 Buckeytown Pike,Frederick, MD 21704.1Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.3. Terminology3.1 For definitions of terms used in this guide and associ
16、atedwith fire issues refer to the terminology contained in Termi-nology E 176 and ISO 13943. In case of conflict, the definitiongiven in Terminology E 176 shall prevail.3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.2.1 laboratory monitor, na representative of a subcom-mittee who is appointed
17、to determine if the qualifications,equipment, personnel, and level of skill at a test facility meetthe criteria necessary to participate in an interlaboratory testprotocol.4. Significance and Use4.1 These guidelines are intended to enable a laboratorymonitor to perform onsite assessments of laborato
18、ry facilities.Accepted facilities will then participate in an interlaboratorytest protocol to establish precision and bias for a particularASTM standard.4.2 This assessment is intended to determine that all of theparticipants have the necessary equipment, an understanding ofthe test method, and the
19、minimum level of skill necessary togather data which are to be used to establish precision and biasfor the particular standard.4.3 This guide is not intended to be used as a tool to qualifyor accredit laboratories to perform any tests. Refer to theReferenced Documents for further guidance on accredi
20、tationrequirements.5. Qualifications of a Laboratory Monitor5.1 The laboratory monitor should demonstrate a level ofexpertise about the test method for which the interlaboratorytest will be done.5.2 Technical understanding of the test method is imperativein order to understand the principles of the
21、measurements to bemade during the test procedure.5.3 The laboratory monitor should demonstrate objectivity.This includes not deriving any profit, commissions, or divi-dends from any commercial entity which performs the same orsimilar type test evaluations.6. Responsibilities of a Laboratory Monitor6
22、.1 Develop a checklist specific to the subject test method.6.1.1 This checklist is to serve as a guide for the inspectionof the laboratory during the initial qualification phase.6.2 The laboratory monitor performs an inspection of thetest laboratories to determine if the equipment conforms withthat
23、required to perform the test method, and if adequatetraining of the operators has been done.6.3 Verify that the data acquisition system used by thelaboratory is compatible with the data to be acquired; and thatanalysis of the data will provide results which are reliable andcomparable to data obtaine
24、d from other participants.6.4 Following completion of every laboratory inspection, anassessment report, based on the Checklist described in Section7, shall be completed and forwarded, with recommendations,to the sponsoring ASTM Subcommittee.7. Checklist7.1 The laboratory monitors checklist is to be
25、made avail-able to participating laboratories, in advance of the preliminaryassessment visit so that a self-evaluation is an option for theparticipating laboratory.7.1.1 The checklist is a one-time, test specific documentused as a guide by the laboratory monitor in assessing thefollowing:7.1.1.1 Man
26、agement of the laboratory,7.1.1.2 Test operator skill level,7.1.1.3 Condition and calibration of the laboratory facilitiesand equipment,7.1.1.4 Environmental conditions and facilities for condi-tioning specimens,7.1.1.5 Handling and storage of the test materials and anyreference materials, and7.1.1.
27、6 Appropriate handling of data to ensure that thevalidity of the data is not compromised.7.2 Each test method and associated interlaboratory testrequires development of a specific checklist. See Appendix X1for an example of a checklist used in an ASTM E5.15Interlaboratory Study.8. Management, Superv
28、isor, and Operators8.1 The environment established by management of thelaboratory is expected to demonstrate support for the objectivesof the interlaboratory test. The following demonstrate this typeof support:8.1.1 Have managerial staff that understands the purpose ofthe test, are supportive of the
29、 testing, and also have theauthority and resources needed to see that the interlaboratorytest is conducted as agreed, and in accordance with theestablished timetable.8.1.2 Specify and document the responsibility, authority,and interrelations of all personnel who manage, perform orverify work affecti
30、ng the quality of tests (chain of manage-ment).8.1.3 Provide supervision by persons who have a functionalknowledge of the test method, the apparatus, the objective ofthe test and the assessment of the results.8.1.4 Have a quality system describing its commitment togood laboratory practices and quali
31、ty of testing.8.1.5 Have procedures for control and maintenance ofdocumentation.8.1.6 Have supervisors and personnel involved in testingwho are trained and capable of performing the test.8.1.7 Have sufficient personnel for backups.8.1.8 Practice laboratory safety and good housekeeping.9. Laboratory
32、Physical Facilities and Environment9.1 Laboratory facilities shall demonstrate adherence torecognized laboratory protocols and procedures. See docu-ments referenced in Section 2 for guidance.9.2 Laboratory accommodations, test areas, energy sources,lighting, heating and ventilation shall be such as
33、to facilitateproper performance of the test and safety of operators.9.3 The environment in which testing is undertaken shallnot invalidate the results or adversely affect the requiredaccuracy of measurements.E23350429.4 The laboratory is to have facilities for the effectivemonitoring, control and re
34、cording of environmental conditionsas specified in the test method.9.5 There shall be effective separation between neighboringareas when the activities therein are incompatible.9.6 Access to and use of all areas affecting the quality oftesting shall be defined and controlled.10. Laboratory Equipment
35、 and Reference Materials10.1 Equipment shall meet the specifications of the testmethod.10.2 Equipment shall be properly maintained with docu-mentation, as appropriate.10.3 Each item of equipment shall have calibration records,as appropriate.10.4 Reference materials, if available, shall meet standard
36、sspecified for the test.10.5 Reference materials are to be properly stored andconditioned.11. Test Materials11.1 The laboratory system for identifying the items to betested shall ensure that there is no confusion regarding theidentity of such items at any time.11.2 Upon receipt, the condition of the
37、 test items, includingany abnormalities or departures from standard conditions asprescribed in the test method, are to be recorded.11.3 The laboratory shall have procedures and appropriatefacilities to avoid deterioration or damage to test items, duringstorage, prior to test specimen preparation and
38、 testing.11.4 Where items have to be stored, or conditioned underspecific environmental conditions, these conditions are to bemaintained, monitored and recorded.11.5 There shall be a procedure for receipt, retention andsafe disposal of test items. Confidentiality of the sources of testitems is to be
39、 maintained.12. Records12.1 The laboratory shall have a system for:12.1.1 Maintaining clear and concise records.12.1.2 If test results are to be transmitted by telephone,facsimile, or other electronic/electromagnetic means (for ex-ample, CD or DVD), follow a documented procedure thatensures the qual
40、ity of the transmission.13. Observation of Laboratory Qualification Testing13.1 Verify the test specimen preparation protocol is fol-lowed, that is, randomization of samples and test specimenpreparation.13.2 Verify the test protocol is being followed in performingthe test.13.3 Document observations
41、and report findings to themanaging Subcommittee or Task Group. Recommend whetherthe laboratory is adequately qualified to proceed with theinterlaboratory test program.APPENDIX(Nonmandatory Information)X1. EXAMPLE OF A CHECKLISTX1.1 An example of a checklist that has been used forinterlaboratory test
42、ing is shown below. The test method forwhich this list was prepared is Test Method E 1537, a full-scalefire test for upholstered furniture. Test Method E 1822 is a verysimilar test for stacking chairs. This interlaboratory test hasbeen completed and the results included in a Research Reporton file w
43、ith ASTM.Interlaboratory Test ProgramE 1537Laboratory Name: Date:Conditioning: Temp. 21 6 3C (70 6 5F) RH Less 55 6 5%Calibrations:Heat Release: Calibration burner: Sand PipeGas: Methane PropaneCalibration points: kW kWGas Flow Rates:Difference in test to calculated HRR not 5 %Time Delay for Sample
44、Line and Instruments:Duct Air Flow: Type of Sensor:Accuracy:Have Gas Analyzers been calibrated? Y/N DailyOxygen Measurement AccuracyCarbon Dioxide MeasurementCarbon Monoxide MeasurementGas Burner: Gas Type: Flow Rate: 13 L/minMass Loss: Was the load platform calibrated? Y/NE2335043What method:Smoke
45、Obscuration: Type of System: White Light LaserWas the smoke system calibrated? Y/NAt what points?Method used to reduce sooting:Test Configuration: Option A 2.44 m 3 3.66 m, centered 0.76 m doorSpecimen location:Option B 3.05 m 3 3.66 m, corner 0.97 m doorSpecimen location:Option C Open CalorimeterSp
46、ecimen location:Mass Loss Thermal Barrier:Burner: SquareDoes burner meet specification? Y/N Comments:Have burner holes been checked? Y/NAre burner holes clean? Y/NTest Procedure:Initial Conditions: Temperature: 15C (60F) RH 0.5 m/sPosition of burner: mm (50 mm back) mm (25 mm bottom)Burner exposure
47、time: s (80s) Clock: Y/NData logger scan rate: s 1/6 sDid exhaust hood collect all products of combustion? Y/NGeneral Observations:Provide a chart of the organizational structure of the laboratory. Include management responsibilities and identify individuals responsible for direct super-vision of th
48、e test method.Briefly list the qualifications of the test personnel. What is the experience level of each operator? Is there a current copy of the test procedure availableto the test operators?Indicate the calibration history of the key test equipment, gauges and other measuring devices. Are these t
49、raceable to a national reference standard?Describe how test specimens are received and logged into the laboratory. How are they stored prior to testing? Is the storage space clean and dry, if itis not conditioned?How is the test data collected? What provisions are taken to ensure that the test data is not compromised?ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentionedin this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risko
