Fundamentals of Metrology

The Fundamentals of Metrology seminar will introduce the participant to the concepts of measurement systems, units, measurement uncertainty, measurement assurance, traceability, basic statistics and how they fit into the laboratory Quality Management System. Additional topics covered will include overall Laboratory Management and Laboratory Quality Management Systems as well as specific discussions of the requirements for proficiency testing, calibration report generation, software verification and validation and management reviews. Topics will be covered using a variety of measurement disciplines and case studies so that the participants will be able to apply the concepts to any measurement discipline upon completion. Topics will be covered in a mixture of training styles including lecture, hands-on exercises, case studies and discussion.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:

• Identify and use reference materials to ensure good quality, accurate, traceable measurement results;
• Explain highlights and key concepts of each topic (noted on the Table of Contents and the detailed learning objectives – attached) (to each other and to your managers and show how these topics fit in to a management system using ISO/IEC 17025 as the basis.
• Have and know how to implement several simple tools, job aids, and references to use and improve your laboratory operations.

Technology Requirement(s):

You will need to bring a 10-digit scientific calculator to use during this seminar. Participants MUST be familiar with the use of the hand-held scientific calculator. Additionally, use of a laptop or tablet PC is required to succeed in the seminar. Participants must have access to Microsoft Word and Excel (versions 2003, 2007 or 2010 are acceptable) and be able to open and use template Excel workbooks that will be provided on either CD-ROM or USB media. You must also be able to save/store files to USB media devices or CD-RW to facilitate printing. Internet access is not provided during the seminar.

Materials & Supplies:

A number of notebooks and course materials will be provided.

Prerequisite(s):

Required prerequisites include having a demonstrated knowledge of basic mathematics (pre-test) and completion of a number of reading assignments.

Pre-work:

In addition to completing and submitting the Math Exercises, please read:

• "NPL Beginner's Guide to Measurement" (http://www.npl.co.uk/publications/a-beginners-guide-to-measurement.)
• "Beginner's Guide to Measurement in Mechanical Engineering" (http://www.npl.co.uk/publications/guides/beginners-guide-to-measurement-in-mechanical-engineering)
• ISO/IEC 17025 (either the standard itself, or versions available in NIST Handbook 143, Program Handbook (http://www.nist.gov/pml/wmd/labmetrology/upload/FINAL_H_143_formatted_10_pt_font_toc.pdf)
• For reference, download NIST Special Publication 811 "Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI)" (http://physics.nist.gov/cuu/pdf/sp811.pdf)

Pre-work Deadline:

Submit the math test (pre-work) according to instructions by COB on December 8, 2014.

Post-work:

Fundamentals of Metrology, Laboratory Auditing Program (LAP) Problems – required for State Weights and Measures Laboratories (not applicable for other participants.)

Minimum Requirement(s):

Successful completion requires that participants fully participate in all classroom and laboratory exercises, turn in or present accurate work assignments, and be present for the entire course. There will also be a Final Exam on the last day of the class. The Final Exam will contribute 50 percent of the grade and the class and laboratory exercises will be 50 percent of the grade. A passing grade on both portions is required to obtain a training certificate that indicates "successful completion" (e.g., getting a 100 percent on the final will not be an excuse to participate minimally in classroom and laboratory.) Successful completion qualifies the participant to participate in the Mass, volume and length seminars, though those may have additional prerequisites.

Audience:

State laboratory personnel who have responsibilities for developing, implementing, and/or improving the quality management system in their laboratory as well as those who are seeking OWM recognition and/or accreditation or improvements to support recognition/accreditation. This course is also available for non-weights and measures participants.

Cost:

The current fee for this seminar is $2,200. Registration fees for State weights and measures regulatory officials and metrologists are funded by NIST OWM.

Instructor(s):

Georgia L. Harris and
Jose Anibal Torres-Ferrer
Office of Weights and Measures
(301) 975 - 4014