American National Standards audits

The two most prevalent quality management systems used by manufacturers of diverse products, including Li-ion (high-end and commercial) batteries are developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Aside from stating the most appropriate testing and/or processing procedures, these standards are auditable, weU documented to readily verify adherence. 

While many of the Center s structure and operating details have yet to be resolved, the program will be run by the separately-funded standards and certification arm of the American Petroleum Institute, which receive regular audits and accreditation by the American National Standards Institute atid the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board. 

The ANSI ZIO standard is an American national standard, released in late 2005 (and currently undergoing revision). The OHSAS 18001 standard is a British-based standard, originally published as a specification in 1999, that is being used increasingly in the U.S. and internationally. Both of these industry standards follow the Plan-Do-Check-Act model and both are designed to work well with ISO 9000 and 14000 series standards. In addition, both are performance-based. A major difference between the two is that the OHSAS standard was designed for use with an audit/certification process. 

One aspect of the FBI/DNA Advisory Board standards is a requirement for accreditation. The National Forensic Science Technology Center and the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) accredit crime laboratories. ASCLD/ LAB requirements include minimal educational credits and experience, proficiency testing twice a year per analyst, and annual audits. All testing requires a technical and an administrative review. An additional NDIS audit is required by the FBI. ludicial scrutiny provides another layer of critical review of those cases heard in court. Defense review and challenge, however, vary greatly. 

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