Envirolab comes first in prestigious proficiency testing scheme

May 22 

Envirolab, a fully owned, independent subsidiary of the RSK ENSR Group, has outperformed 32 other laboratories to achieve a near perfect score in R.T. Corp’s world-renowned Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) analysis proficiency testing (PT) scheme.

The independent inter-laboratory comparison, which is specifically designed for the Environment Agency Monitoring Certification Scheme (MCERTS) holders, is seen as an essential tool for demonstrating the efficacy of a quality assurance system.

Soil analysis data from each participating lab was subjected to numerous statistical analyses to determine a final ‘Z score’, with a score of zero representing the most accurate outcome. While typical results varied from + 1 to – 1, Envirolab achieved a score of – 0.05.

“This is a major accolade and justifies our focused investment in equipment and training over the past 18 months", said Director Ian Strudwick.

Envirolab’s chart-topping performance follows a £200,000 investment in new equipment and the distinction of becoming the first UK laboratory to receive full United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accreditation for Speciated TPH analysis.

“The outcome of this proficiency testing scheme was exceptionally good news for us. It’s as close as it gets to the certified value and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to quality”, said Associate Technical Director Dr. Andy Buck, who added that the achievement was down to a combination of state-of-the-art equipment, a robust testing methodology and the dedicated nature of the team.

Note to editors

For further information contact Ian Strudwick or Dr. Andrew Buck:
Email: istrudwick@rskensr and abuck@envlab.co.uk
Telephone: 01928 726 006 (Ian Strudwick) and 0161 368 4921 (Andrew Buck).

Cheshire-based Envirolab provides a specialist analytical service for a variety of organic and inorganic analytes in many diverse matrices. Clients include consultants, regulatory authorities, food and feed manufacturers and other laboratories. As one of the UK’s most qualified laboratories, Envirolab holds UKAS accreditation for most of its testing procedures, is MCERTS accredited and is certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001.

RSK ENSR – one the UK’s most qualified and experienced health, safety and environmental consultants – works across the energy, property, water, manufacturing, government, and transport sectors. With 300 staff throughout 12 strategic locations in the UK, and with rapidly expanding operations in Europe, The Gulf and Caspian regions, RSK ENSR aims to provide global expertise on every client’s doorstep. RSK ENSR is one of the few environmental consultants to have achieved certification to the ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 standards for quality, environmental and health and safety management.