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Achieving and maintaining AASHTO Accreditation is a cornerstone for just over 2,000 laboratories in the construction materials industry. The latest episode of our podcast, " Mastering AASHTO R 18: Common Pitfalls," delves into the intricacies of AASHTO R 18 conformance, the basis of the AASHTO Accreditation Program. This episode uncovers common problem areas and offers actionable strategies to help labs excel in quality management.

The discussion begins by highlighting the most frequent nonconformities observed in laboratories, such as calibration record-keeping, training and competency evaluation, and internal audits. Calibration-related issues top the list, emphasizing the need for accurate and timely documentation. Training and competency evaluations are also critical, with many labs struggling to keep up with the required records. By analyzing a two-year data set, hosts Brian Johnson and Kim Swanson provide insights into the prevalence of these issues and the importance of robust quality management practices.

One of the key takeaways from this episode is the significance of thorough onboarding checklists and competency matrices. These tools can streamline the training process and ensure that technicians are well-prepared to handle equipment calibration and other essential tasks.

Effective communication and resource allocation are also central themes in this episode. We discuss the nuances of management reviews and internal audits, clarifying their distinct roles and importance. Management reviews, often confused with internal audits, are described as a comprehensive "state of the union" for the laboratory, presenting quality-related issues and operational aspects to top management. This process ensures informed decision-making and efficient resource allocation, ultimately leading to better compliance and improved lab performance. By spreading out management reviews and internal audits, labs can achieve a more thorough evaluation and foster continuous improvement.

The episode also addresses the challenges of maintaining accurate organizational charts and position descriptions. These documents are crucial for tracking personnel and ensuring compliance with certification requirements.

Another significant aspect discussed is the policies and practices surrounding the accreditation process for new laboratories. There is a six-month leeway for conducting management reviews and internal audits for new laboratories, but it is important not to perform these activities on the same day. This approach ensures a more thorough and effective evaluation, promoting a culture of continuous improvement.

Throughout the episode, the importance of proficiency samples, reporting test methods, and maintaining up-to-date standards is emphasized. These practices are essential for consistent and effective quality management, ensuring that labs meet the rigorous requirements of AASHTO accreditation.

In summary, this episode offers valuable insights and practical strategies for laboratories striving to achieve and maintain AASHTO Accreditation. By focusing on calibration record-keeping, training and competency evaluations, effective communication, and thorough management reviews and internal audits, labs can significantly enhance their performance and compliance. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, this episode provides the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of AASHTO R 18 and elevate your lab practices to the next level. .

Important Note: Buzzsprout Cohost AI was used as a resource when creating this post.