Section 186.110   Scope and Applicability

a)         A laboratory accredited by the Agency pursuant to this Part must comply with the standards adopted at the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC).  The NELAC uniform standards are contained in the following five chapters and related appendices:

1)         The Glossary, set forth in Appendix A to Chapter 1, contains the definitions of terms that are used throughout the NELAC standards to assure the consistency of their use and interpretation.

2)         Chapter 2 sets forth the criteria for the proficiency testing (PT) program.  Laboratory participation in PT programs fulfills one part of the quality assessment requirements of NELAC.  The PT programs in which a laboratory must participate to become accredited are defined, as well as the criteria for samples, PT providers, and acceptance limits.

3)         Chapter 3 describes the essential elements that are to be included in an on-site assessment and the requirements for an accrediting authority conducting on-site assessments.  Chapter 3 also describes the qualifications and requirements for assessors as well as the program elements to ensure uniform and consistent implementation of the NELAC standards.

4)         Chapter 4 describes the accreditation process the laboratory must follow to be recognized as a NELAC laboratory.  The chapter also defines the period of accreditation and the process for maintaining, awarding, and revoking accreditation.

5)         Chapter 5 and the related appendices describe the elements of the laboratory quality system.  This chapter details the quality assurance/quality control requirements to ensure that all accrediting authorities will evaluate laboratories consistently and uniformly.

6)         Chapter 6 establishes the procedures and operating requirements established by NELAC for an accrediting authority to become nationally recognized, and provides the policies and criteria that an accrediting authority must meet to apply for and maintain recognition.

b)         Nothing in this Part shall prevent laboratories from performing any quality control or other tests when the State has not required such tests to be performed by an accredited laboratory.

c)         Unless the contrary is clearly indicated, all references to "Sections" in this Part are to the Ill. Adm. Code, Title 35: Environmental Protection.  For example, Section 186.105 of this Part is 35 Ill. Adm. Code 186.105.

d)         Unless the contrary is clearly indicated, all references to singular nouns include the plural noun, and all references to plural nouns include the singular, for example the word "laboratory" also includes multiple "laboratories."

(Source:  Amended at 26 Ill. Reg. 12167, effective July 29, 2002)