The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) on January 02, 2026, issued the Guide for Preparing Management System Document/Quality Manual for Testing/Calibration Laboratories.
Testing and Calibration Laboratories must comply with ISO/IEC 17025, which sets out the general requirements for competence. When preparing a Management System Document or Quality Manual, laboratories should ensure that all elements of ISO/IEC 17025 are addressed, even if the document structure goes beyond the guidance provided.
The level of detail in the Management System Document will vary depending on the laboratory’s field and nature of activities. The document should either include or clearly reference related documents such as procedures, work instructions, and forms.
The main purpose of the Management System Document is to make laboratory processes clear, accessible, and easy to use. Poorly designed documentation leads to frustration and non-use, while a well-structured documentation system promotes consistent use and effective problem-solving. Using a standard structure across manuals, procedures, and instructions is considered good practice.
During preparation of the Management System Document, active involvement of personnel is essential. Management should nominate representatives from different functional areas and appoint a person responsible for the overall quality management system. Each laboratory section should document its activities and the steps involved, ensuring alignment with the organization’s common objectives and effective team functioning.
The detailed guide has been attached to the document below.
[Notification NABL 160A]
