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KMID : 0895420140240040501
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Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Enviromental Hygiene
2014 Volume.24 No. 4 p.501 ~ p.508
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A Study for Qualitative Performance of Asbestos Inspection/Analysis Labs in Korea
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Choi Sung-Won
Kwon Ji-Woon
Baek Jung-Eun
Jang Kwang-Myong
Kim Dae-Jong
Kim Hyun-Wook
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Abstract
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Objectives: This study identified the general characteristics of asbestos inspection/analysis laboratories in Korea and confirmed the actual situations in terms of technical aspects from these characteristics. In addition, given the background of the current problem, it offers preliminary data for determining future plans for improvement.
Methods: A questionnaire was developed and distributed to the asbestos inspection/analysis laboratories that used the ISO/IEC 17025 for asbestos sampling and testing by UKAS(United Kingdom Accreditation Service) and the Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme(KOLAS). A total of 202 institutions in Korea were selected for the study and 145(71.8%) questionnaires were returned.
Results: The number of personnel of the surveyed institutions averaged 4.2±2 and 79.3% operated with less than five persons. In terms of education, the capital and other densely populated areas showed a high level of education(p<0.05). The level of education and facilities were determined by the magnitude of the institution(p<0.05). Institutions managed by highly educated directors were well-stocked with education and facilities(p<0.05). Institutions which had directors with considerable experiences received high scores overall and in particular higher scores in terms of education and facilities(p<0.05). At the level of the bottom five percent, the factor of education was 40.4% while the factor of measurement 49%, the factor of analysis 59%, the factor of facilities 61%, and the factor of survey 81%, respectively.
Conclusions: To improve the quality of the institutions, in the short term, the problems identified in this study can be used to revise the related regulations. In the long term, a grading system of survey institutions needs to be established through the introduction of an accreditation system. However, the ongoing support of a government agency is required, including holding seminars and open education, suggesting guidelines for operation of asbestos inspection/analysis labs, and other means.
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KEYWORD
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asbestos, asbestos inspection/analysis lab, accreditation, quality control
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