Our quality system meets the laboratory-specific ISO/IEC 17025 standard. The quality system of the Quad-Lab is driven by a continuous improvement approach based on:
the expertise and involvement of all staff, who are trained to implement quality policies and procedures;
reliable and sensitive technical means;
a document system adapted to the organization of our laboratory;
steering dashboards and warning and prevention tools.
Principles of quality management
The ISO/IEC 17025 establishes general proficiency requirements for testing and/or calibration, including sampling.
This standard is based on a number of quality management principles, including strong customer focus, management motivation and commitment, process approach and continuous improvement. Helps ensure that customers receive consistent, good quality products and services.
Audits
An essential component of ISO/IEC 17025 is to verify the proper functioning of the quality management system. The company may perform this verification through internal audits or request an independent certification body to verify its compliance with the standard, but it is not required to do so. It may also invite its clients to audit the quality system on their own behalf.
The quality system of a company can be certified according to a standard but this only guarantees its continuous improvement. Accreditation serves to recognize that the company also conducts its business in accordance with internationally accepted rules and ethics.
The Cofrac (French accreditation committee) thus brings in addition to the recognition of the conformity of the quality system, that of the competence and impartiality of the company’s staff. It only issues an accreditation for a specific area or competence, for a fixed renewable period during which surveillance audits will take place.
The laboratory is COFRAC accredited on a list of specific compounds. The scope of accreditation can be consulted on www.cofrac.fr under accreditation reference N° 1-1578. Learn more about accreditation
European recognition agreements of our accreditation
The European Accreditation of Laboratories (EA) is an association of national accreditation bodies in Europe, officially recognised by their national governments. They evaluate and verify the international standards of organizations that provide certification, verification, inspection, control and calibration services.
The French accreditation body (COFRAC) being a member of the EA, our accreditations are recognized at European level. This recognition at the European level strengthens our clients’ confidence in the competence, independence and neutrality of our controls.
International recognition agreements of our accreditation
The French accreditation body (COFRAC) being a member of the International Association of Accreditation Organizations (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation – ILAC), our accreditations are internationally recognized. You can find a list of countries that are members of ILAC and mutually recognize the accreditation of member countries on http://ilac.org/
Claim process
Quad Lab is committed to satisfy its customers, and wants to deal with complaints with complete transparency.
The Quad-Lab’s corporate social responsibility policy
For several years, the Quad-Lab has been committed to a true social responsibility policy, constantly improving.
Our commitment is based on different axes.
Human rights:
The management of the Quad-Lab laboratory pays great attention to the respect of fundamental principles and ensures that no discrimination is made both during recruitment and in the life of the company.
Human and social resources:
The human resources policy is formalized and structured. Many tools have been put in place to promote social dialogue and well-being in the company («released» management, monthly meetings and lunches, siesta room, annual team building). These tools are also regularly evaluated to ensure their relevance.
All employees are invited to reflect on the main topics of the company by setting up thematic working groups: salary policy, communication (website, social networks), strategy.
Occupational Health and Safety:
Occupational health and safety is an area in which we have invested heavily.
Complete redesign of the single document, including a thorough chemical risk analysis;
Strong reflection on collective protection equipment, especially through the construction of our new premises: capture of pollutants at source, specific ventilation according to processes, development of specific parts for storing dangerous products, Technicians’ offices are completely separated from the laboratory to limit exposure to pollutants and noise, etc.;
Continuous involvement of staff through regular training in emergency situations and the organization of monthly “minutes of awareness”.
With the desire to improve the quality of life of its employees, Quad-Lab was awarded at the 4th edition of the «Responsible Chemistry» Trophies, organized by UIC Centre Val de Loire and Ile de France, by being a winner of the Trophée santé.
Environment :
Respect for the environment is at the heart of our laboratory’s internal policy.
We wanted to build an eco-designed building: concrete structure, green roof, free cooling ventilation, choice of materials without volatile organic compounds;
We apply a complete computerization in order to target the “0 paper” and carry out a careful sorting of the waste, followed by its valorization through the selection of “responsible” service providers;
Our teams are constantly thinking about reducing the use of chemicals: investing in “less-consuming” appliances.
Values and Ethics:
The Quad-Lab laboratory is organized around a charter of values worked out and defined with all employees. This framework of values is fundamental and governs the operation of the company. It is also being revised with the new employees, so that it follows as closely as possible the evolution of the company. Customer service, continuous improvement, transparency and honesty are today key values of our laboratory.
Community and local development:
Every year, the Quad-Lab also participates in the village de la chimie,, with the aim of raising young people’s awareness of the professions of chemistry, and why not to create vocations!
The Quad-Lab laboratory is also vigilant on the choice of its service providers and is therefore naturally signatory to the “Charter for responsible supplier relations”.
Finally, the Quad-Lab was evaluated as a “confirmed CSR commitment” by EcoVadis.
