Bainbridge Island, Wash. - July 2, 2010 - Gravitec System’s Bainbridge Island testing laboratory has been accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025 international standard for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. Gravitec has spent over a year reviewing and documenting management and laboratory practices in an effort to attain this accreditation which was effective June 30, 2010.
The ISO 17025 standard requires a quality management system and demonstration of the competence of staff, equipment and procedures. Gravitec underwent a rigorous audit process and was required to meet a number of management and technical requirements to become accredited to the standard by ACLASS, an internationally recognized accreditation body.
This accreditation is a significant milestone for Gravitec because it will allow them to serve as a third-party testing provider, required by the ANSI/ASSE Z359.7 national voluntary consensus standard. ANSI/ASSE Z359.7 (Qualification & Verification Testing of Fall Protection Products) mandates that all fall protection and rescue equipment bearing the ANSI Z359 stamp be tested and certified to its respective ANSI standard by an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory.
“Ultimately, we do not view this accreditation as a culmination of our efforts, but as another step in our commitment to continual improvement,” said Gravitec President Randall Wingfield, adding, “The exacting approach to quality that is required to become accredited places the responsibility for the success of the laboratory on all staff, not just a select few. We are pleased and proud that everyone’s efforts have been recognized.”
Since 1986, Gravitec has been committed to fall protection and rescue in industrial settings. Gravitec provides a full range of fall protection and rescue services including training, engineering, consulting, equipment sales and testing. For more information about Gravitec's services, call 1.800.755.8455.