Proficiency testing service, Proftest SYKE
SYKE has acted as the national environmental reference laboratory since 2001 according to the Finnish Environmental Protection Act. As the national reference laboratory, SYKE is responsible for ensuring the reliability of the data produced for research, monitoring and permit control, comparable in terms of quality and fit for purpose. The scope of the reference laboratory includes sampling as well as chemical and ecotoxicological testing of waters and solid samples. SYKE also provides reference laboratory services for biological analyses. Proftest SYKE services include various proficiency and intercomparison tests for laboratories as well as field measurements. SYKE’s proficiency testing providing services was accredited according to ISO Guide 43 (PT01) in 2006. In 2010 the proficiency testing service was re-accredited according to ISO/IEC 17043 (2010) and since then the accreditation has been maintained. At the same time trademark Proftest SYKE was launched.
Proftest SYKE services extend from the environmental samples to drinking and swimming pool waters, solid fuels, and samples for housing and health studies (see Annual scheme 2020). About 350-380 participants take part in the rounds depending on the provided tests annually. Operations have been developed in a customer-oriented manner and based on our own observations. The test participants can evaluate their performance and compare that with the other laboratories. Further, they can show the validity of their results to e.g. their customers and accreditation bodies. End users of the results (such as regulators and decision-makers) also make use of the quality information provided by the service.
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Metrology - calibration laboratory and Designated institute
SYKE laboratory started to develop activities in the area of metrology in chemistry during 2007-2008 aiming to improve traceability of chemical measurements in Finland. One of the main goals was to provide traceable assigned values for proficiency test samples and through knowledge transfer to train laboratories for issues related to metrology. SYKE developed highly traceable and low uncertainty analytical method for measurement of metals in water by isotope dilution ICP-MS technique. International experts assessed metrological competence of SYKE and Finnish accreditation service (FINAS) granted a status as calibration laboratory in 2010. Same year SYKE made a contract with Finnish national metrology institute (MIKES) to act as metrological Designated Institute participating in the CIPM MRA in the field of chemical measurements in water environment in Finland. Nowadays, SYKE works within the European Association of National Metrology Institutes (EURAMET) and have participated in several EU EMRP and EU EMPIR joint research projects as well as the work of European metrology network. Activities of SYKE metrology and calibration laboratory are presented in the ENVICAL SYKE website.
Quality and reliability of results are the main issues when assessing e.g. suitability of new methods or instruments for water quality monitoring purposes. Measurement results must be traceable, and uncertainty known. Metrological knowledge/support is needed in entire value chain of environmental information production and SYKE laboratory has given presentations and organized trainings to improve competence of operators. Metrology has been a key part in many international capacity building projects established by SYKE. In 2017, SYKE coordinated the project, where Finnish know-how was needed in designing the technological institution and environmental reference center for Chile.
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Digitalization of measurements
The Ministry of the Environment commissioned SYKE to study and improve the quality of new digital field measurements in 2014, as one of the key aspects hindering their wider adaptation is quality assurance. Technical development was initiated in 2016 as an integral part of the implementation of new strategy of the laboratory centre. As the national reference laboratory, SYKE is responsible for ensuring the reliability and comparability of the data produced for research and monitoring.
There is a considerable demand for the use and development of new technologies and also for personnel who can work in the interface between research substance and technology. Technology offers a wide range of possibilities, but the solutions must be tested and provided by someone neutral. The new digitalization technologies developed by SYKE laboratory has enabled the use of new environmental monitoring technologies in meaningful ways for several experts across the environmental administration as a part of their work. SYKE’s laboratory has become one of the leading UAV-experts (unmanned aerial vehicles) in the environmental administration providing training and services for numerous clients like ELY-centers (Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment), cities and different SYKE projects. The core of the digitalization activity, SYKE EnviCal Manager (ECM) IoT-platform, was developed specifically for research purposes and was introduced in Vesitalous journal and has users from a dozen of organizations like University of Eastern Finland.
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Certification of field personnel
This certification process was set up by the initiative from the Ministry of the Environment by SYKE in 1995. Today the national certification system is a widely acknowledged quality assurance procedure in Finland. About 600 persons are certified in one or more of the following fields:
- Water sampling and measurement
- Soil samples and samples of solid wastes
- Drinking and recreational waters
- Measurement of air quality
- Hydrological measurements
- Biological sampling from waters
- Measurement and evaluation of noise
- Nature inventories
The quality of field work has improved both in governmental monitoring programs as well as in private companies. More than 80 % of the certified persons work in private companies, where companies benefit from this procedure, because of the competitive advantage certified sampling personnel is providing. Education of field personnel in Finland has improved significantly due to the certification system. The importance of educated sampling personnel for gaining representative samples and correct results in environmental projects and monitoring programs are well acknowledged and emphasis on education and training of sampling personnel and other field workers are enhanced.
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SYKE Standardization
SYKE is involved in standardization work both nationally and internationally. SYKE acts as ‘standard-writing body’ based on co-operation agreement between SYKE and the Finnish Standards Association (SFS). The first co-operation agreement was concluded already in 1973. Under the agreement, SYKE is responsible in Finland for drawing up standard methods in environmental sector. SYKE represents Finland in many technical committees in CEN and ISO frameworks. SYKE has also set up national mirror committees, which include dozens of national experts giving comments annually in 200-300 standard methods under preparation or revision.
The background to successful standardization work lies not only in a managing of testing methods, but also in the active international networking and strong research in the environmental field. ISO and CEN have published hundreds of standards and related documents in environmental sector that represent globally recognized guidelines and frameworks based on international collaboration. Built around consensus, they are essential tools to increase trust between international community and to help governments, industry and consumers contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Participation in the work of international standardization organizations and technical committees is extensive, and is of national significance in ensuring that Finland is represented and able to present – in future standards and in reviews of current standards – Nordic aspects that are required e.g. by the environmental conditions in northern countries.
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