Question 3 [10 marks]

Even when the laboratory has implemented a quality management system, there may still be nonconformity during routine operation, root cause analysis is the most important process to determine the cause(s) of nonconformity. To avoid or reduce the likelihood of reoccurrence of the problem, corrective actions shall then be implemented based on the root cause(s) found.

(a) The following nonconformities were observed from a laboratory, identify the most appropriate relevant clause with requirement in ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and suggest the possible root cause(s) of these nonconformities.

i) An electrical testing laboratory has purchased a new digital multi-meter (DMM). The DMM came with a Certificate of Compliance issued by the manufacturer. While there was no evidence showing the competence of the manufacturer in performing the calibration, the laboratory used this DMM to measure test results after performing some function checks on it.