Qatargas’ state-of-the-art laboratory at Ras Laffan
Qatargas’ state-of-the-art laboratory has been awarded a major international quality accreditation. The ISO-17025 certification from one of the most reputable accreditation bodies in the world, The Netherlands-based RvA, came after years of “hard work” from Qatargas during which the laboratory, based in Ras Laffan, implemented a Quality Management system, specifically designed for laboratories.
“This standard is considered best practice in the field of laboratories,” Qatargas said.
Commenting on this accomplishment, Qatargas chief safety, environment and quality officer Toufik Benmosbah said, “This is yet another feather in the cap of achievements for Qatargas. We are committed to providing a high quality service in everything we do. Our lab includes state-of-the-art analytical equipment which meets the highest standards of safety and quality. This accreditation will ensure that the outcome of analytical tests performed by Qatargas Lab on our products is accurate and precise and they meet the toughest international standards.”
Qatargas lab employees
Qatargas chief operating officer (Operations) Mats Gjers said, “We are proud that the Qatargas Lab has got this accreditation after some hard work. This recognition is definitely going to reflect in enhancing product quality throughout the LNG production chain. Our strong commitment to operating excellence and innovation in delivering LNG to the world is clearly manifested in this accomplishment.”
Qatargas head (Laboratory) Mohamed Bakhit al-Naimi said, “Qatargas’ state-of-the-art laboratory was built within the Qatargas plot at Ras Laffan taking into consideration the massive expansion that has been undertaken by the company over the past few years.
“On average, the labs conduct in the region of 45,000 tests per month. The laboratory provides full analytical services on a very wide range of aspects to the Qatargas assets including Offshore, Qatargas 1, Qatargas 2, Qatargas 3, Qatargas 4, Laffan Refinery, Common Sulphur facility, Ras Laffan Terminal Operations and various environmental tests.”
Explaining the way forward, Peter Beck, head of quality in Qatargas, said, “The accreditation is going to be repeated every year and it is our intention that at every visit we will add new tests to the existing scope.”
The ISO/IEC 17025 was first issued in 1999 by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the International Electro technical Commission (IEC). It is the single most important standard for calibration and testing laboratories around the world. Laboratories that are accredited to this international standard have demonstrated that they are technically competent and able to produce precise and accurate test data.