In a bid to establish the authenticity of test results obtained from National Water and Sewerage Corporation laboratories, the Water Quality Department considered it necessary to have a method validation and measurement of uncertainties training where necessary instruments or equipment used by these laboratories for performing measurements and tests are calibrated.
The primary reason for calibration is to know the accuracy of measurements. Look at it this way, equipment may get damaged during handling and it is also possible that the readings given by the instrument may drift with the use of the instrument or because of its age. If faulty equipment carries out measurements, then conformity of the product to the specification itself becomes questionable.
Equipment should therefore be calibrated at the time of purchase and thereafter at regular intervals depending upon their use let alone some instruments which may need to be calibrated every time before use.
All this has prompted a second phase of a 12-day training for 12 Water Quality Staff in ISO Certification, method Validation and calibration techniques.
The Director of Business and Scientific Services, Dr Rose Kaggwa was at the helm of the training and she highlighted the need to develop curricula for the competency-based training and capacity development offered in NWSC. She was also particular about sustainable procurement measures being implemented; with considerations to usability and shelf life.
At the climax of this training, staff will formulate proper assessment tools that will conform with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards.
Written By: Allan Mwesiga
