Gwangyang Steelworks Obtains KOLAS Reassessment Accreditation

Acquisition of 123 International Standards in Metal, Physics, Steel, Mining, and Water Quality Fields

Expected to Enhance Customer Satisfaction by Securing International Credibility in Testing and Analysis

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik] POSCO Gwangyang Steelworks (Director Kim Ji-yong) announced on the 28th that it has obtained international accredited testing recognition from the Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (KOLAS) for 123 international standards across five fields including metals.

Gwangyang Steelworks underwent document and on-site audits by KOLAS in February and July, respectively, evaluating the general requirements and compliance regarding the eligibility of the testing institution, such as personnel qualification standards for test institution operation, facilities and environmental conditions, and equipment operation status.

Subsequently, in September, after deliberation by the KOLAS Accreditation Committee, Gwangyang Steelworks was officially and finally recognized for its testing capabilities in the fields of metals, physics, steel, mining, and water quality based on a compliant quality system and technical competence.

With this KOLAS reassessment (renewal), Gwangyang Steelworks can now issue accredited test reports according to various standards and technical regulations within the recognized scope to customers. This is expected to play a significant role in enhancing customer satisfaction by providing reliable test results to client companies.

Since first receiving KOLAS recognition in March 2000, Gwangyang Steelworks has undergone post-management every two years and reassessment every four years for certifications in two major categories (mechanics and chemistry) and five middle categories (metals and related products, physical testing, steel, mining and ceramic-related products, and water quality).

If critical defects are found during evaluation, depending on the number, it can lead to cancellation of recognition in the middle category field (1 case), cancellation of institutional recognition (2 cases), and administrative sanctions and fines (3 cases).

Additionally, since the suspension of issuing accredited test reports requested by customers and cancellation of accredited testing institution recognition can also damage credibility, continuous acquisition of KOLAS reassessment recognition is important.

Based on this KOLAS reassessment (renewal) recognition, Gwangyang Steelworks plans to systematically supplement and improve its systems as an accredited testing institution in preparation for increasingly broad customer requirements, strengthened KOLAS recognition standards and scope, and related laws and regulations.

Gwangyang = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik hss79@asiae.co.kr

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