Sampling plans and chain of custody
Define ownership, expected evidence, monitoring and escalation before relying on this control.
World time
Managed Services / COHSEW knowledge
Labs & Testing
Decision-ready results supported by suitable methods, traceability and technical review.
Objective
What this area means for safer, healthier and more responsible operations.
Reliable testing begins before the sample reaches a laboratory. COHSEW helps define the question, sampling strategy, method performance, decision rule, chain of custody, quality control and reporting needed for the intended use.
COHSEW principleUse competent, risk-based assurance to prevent harm, verify control and support continual improvement.
Priority controls
Where organisations should focus.
Priorities must be adapted to the organisation, activity, location, affected people and applicable legal requirements.
Method selection, validation and uncertainty
Define ownership, expected evidence, monitoring and escalation before relying on this control.
Quality control and proficiency testing
Define ownership, expected evidence, monitoring and escalation before relying on this control.
Interpretation, conformity statements and reporting
Define ownership, expected evidence, monitoring and escalation before relying on this control.
How COHSEW supports you
From risk question to measurable assurance.
Our specialists help organisations select proportionate methods, preserve independence and turn technical evidence into action.
- 01Match detection limits to the decision
Agree the scope, accountable owner, evidence and success measures, then review effectiveness over time.
- 02Use competent laboratories with appropriate scope
Agree the scope, accountable owner, evidence and success measures, then review effectiveness over time.
- 03Report limitations, uncertainty and deviations clearly
Agree the scope, accountable owner, evidence and success measures, then review effectiveness over time.
Authoritative guidance
Continue with the primary sources.
These external resources informed this page. Always confirm current national law, regulator guidance and contractual requirements for your location.
01ISO/IEC
ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory competence
Open official source ↗02International Laboratory Accreditation CooperationLaboratory and inspection accreditation
Open official source ↗03International Laboratory Accreditation CooperationILAC MRA and signatories
Open official source ↗Information on this page supports awareness and programme design. It is not legal, medical or regulatory advice, does not reproduce the full text of any standard and does not replace competent assessment of your specific circumstances.
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