| <<< Back to
NRTL Updates - NRTL Update #3 (October 8, 1998) |
Printing Instructions
|
NRTL Update #3 (October 8, 1998)
|
We continue to get feedback from you that you like these occasional updates on issues of interest to the NRTLs. Thanks for your input. If you have suggestions for topics to cover, etc., please let me know.
- Copies of Marks
In the last update, we asked you to provide us with copies of your marks for use in training our compliance officers. Thanks to all of you who replied so promptly. For those we didn't receive, we have been trying to use the graphic of your mark found on your web pages. Unfortunately, the quality when using this approach is often marginal. If we don't have a copy of your mark, you may get a call from us asking again. We really would appreciate your help in this regard so we can ensure that our compliance officers have the latest information on the laboratories recognized under our program.
- MRA Implementation
At the time of the last update, we expected that the MRA would be in effect by now. However, some problems have occurred related to the medical devices annex. FDA is asking that several items be removed from the annex, and the European Commission has indicated that this would require returning to the Council for agreement--a process that will take at least 2 months. There are discussions ongoing on these issues, but they don't relate to the electrical annex.
We have agreed to go to Brussels in December to conduct a workshop on the NRTL Program. While the MRA is not likely to be in effect by that time, it seems important to ensure that our European colleagues are familiar with the requirements of our program as the process to designate labs to be considered for recognition proceeds.
- March 9, 1995 Programs
A little reminder from our field staff about compliance with the March 9, 1995 notice. That notice identifies 9 NRTL procedures, and 8 of them provide the basis for the acceptance of services performed by someone other than the NRTL itself. Your original recognition only covers the basic procedure, where all product testing and evaluation is performed in-house by the NRTL that will certify the product. You must apply specifically to request the other 8 programs for accepting services provided by others. Procedure number 9 includes subcontracting follow-up activities, calibration activities, and equipment maintenance. It is difficult for a laboratory to function without recognition for procedure 9.
- Other Activities
We have a number of items in the pipeline for review that we hope will be completed sometime soon. These include a written policy on independence, as well as completion of the standard operating procedures and some other things that have been outstanding. We will let you know as these become available.
- Contacts
Many of you have been sending all of your letters and materials to us by overnight mail. If you are going to do this, please be sure to put the room number on the address (N3655). Some that have not had room numbers have not reached us for several days. On a practical note, there is rarely anything that has to reach us as quickly as overnight. We handle applications, etc. in the order they arrive, and a few days difference in arrival time is not likely to have much effect on those priorities.
If you have inquiries regarding the status of your applications, please feel free to call or e-mail either Bernard or Kathleen to get that information.
Jennifer Silk
Director
Office of Technical Programs and Coordination Activities
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
|
| |
|
