Updates

Publication of ISO/IEC 17025: 2017

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  The new version of ISO/IEC 17025, the international standard for testing and calibration laboratories, was published on 30 November 2017, and has been adopted as a Singapore Standard.  A copy of this standard is available for purchase at Toppan Leefung Pte Ltd.  Accredited laboratories are encouraged to purchase a copy to understand the changes and opt for an early transition to this revised standard.   SAC’s Transition Policy The Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) has adopted ILAC’s recommendation to give accredited laboratories a 3-year transition period. Laboratories who are not accredited to ISO/IEC 17025: 2017 standard after 29 November 2020 will not be allowed to issue SAC-accredited reports or certificates.

  • With effect from 1 April 2018, assessment for applicant laboratories will be based on ISO/IEC 17025: 2017.
  • With effect from 1 April 2019, all assessments for existing accredited laboratories shall be based on ISO/IEC 17025: 2017.
  • SAC will issue a new Certificate of Accreditation to the laboratory upon successful transition.
  • Laboratories who are not accredited to ISO/IEC 17025: 2017 by 29 November 2020 will not be allowed to issue accredited reports and certificates, and will be suspended by SAC.

The Difference Between OHSAS 18001 & ISO 45001

There are many differences, but the main change is that ISO 45001 concentrates on the interaction between an organization and it’s business environment while OHSAS 18001 was focused on managing OH&S hazards and other internal issues. But the standards also diverge in many other ways:  

  • ISO 45001 is process-based – OHSAS 18001 is procedure-based
  • ISO 45001 is dynamic in all clauses – OHSAS 18001 is not
  • ISO 45001 considers both risk and opportunities – OHSAS 18001 deals exclusively with risk
  • ISO 45001 includes the views of interested parties – OHSAS 18001 does not