This workshop on uncertainty estimation will describe the statistical framework and methods needed to develop uncertainty statements based on the “ISO Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement”.  Methods for uncertainty estimation will be illustrated with many practical examples form different metrological areas.  The workshop will also include hands-on examples to be analyzed by the participants.  The hands-on examples will be done using propagation of uncertainty formulas, the Kragten spreadsheet, an easy-to-use computational tool for propagation of uncertainty, and other open-source uncertainty calculators. 

Pre-requisites:  
1. Laptop computers with Microsoft Excel are required to do the hands-on exercises.  Participants who have access to a laptop should bring one.  Some extra laptops are also available for those who cannot bring their own.  Please contact the instructors in advance if you will need a laptop.  

2. Participants should have some experience with the use of Microsoft Excel for the analysis of data.  As part of the hands-on exercises, it will be necessary for participants to be able to copy and paste spreadsheet contents and to enter simple formulas.  Advanced knowledge of Excel is not required.  

For further information:  
Will Guthrie (301) 975-2854, willguthrie@nist.gov 
 

Achieving laboratory accreditation can seemingly take a long time and is a lot of work.  What should a laboratory do to prepare for an initial accreditation?  Step through the application process.  What happens to your quality manual once it's submitted?  What should you expect during an on-site assessment?  What should you expect from your assessment team?  What happens when your lab has nonconformities?  How do you respond to the accreditation body?  Will you ever have a perfect assessment?  Walk through the process as approached by NVLAP.  We will share with you tips and hints and discuss common tripping points.  
How certain are you about your uncertainties?  What is metrological traceability and why should anybody care?  Work through some practical examples with us.  How can proficiency testing impact your accreditation?  Learn about the requirement for proficiency testing, how it is used to validate claims of measurement uncertainty, and how it is approached by NVLAP.
 
What about Accrediting Bodies, do they have to answer to a high authority?  What are the benefits of being accredited by a recognized body?  Reduced costs and market acceptance jump to the forefront.  Learn the ins and outs of the Mutual Recognition Arrangements and how they can benefit your business.  

This two-day tutorial will be interactive with a combination format consisting of presentations, working through examples, group exercises, and with ample opportunity for questions and answers.  

For further information:  
Barbara Belzer (301) 975-2248, barbara.belzer@nist.gov 
Thomas Hettenhouser (301) 975-2013, thomas.hettenhouser@nist.gov 
Dana Leaman (301) 975-4679, dana.leaman@nist.gov 
Sherrie Wentzel (301) 975-3994, sherrie.wentzel@nist.gov 
 

In this seminar, we will discuss contact thermometers commonly used in industry for applications that use platinum resistance thermometers, thermistors, thermocouples, and liquid-in-glass thermometers.  

Lecture topics covered will include:
• Thermometer overview of each type, characteristics, and expected uncertainties;
• Selecting a thermometer for a specific application;
• Creating a calibration uncertainty budget and a temperature measurement uncertainty budget,
• Selecting alternatives to mercury-filled thermometers,
• Calibration techniques and measurement validation methods,
• Alternatives to traditional calendar recall dates for recalibration,
• Statistical process control and maintaining traceability to NIST,
• The step-by-step development of a Scope of Accreditation (e.g. uncertainty budgets) for different temperature calibration services,
• An assessor’s point of view during an on-site technical assessment, and
• Proficiency tests for achieving accreditation.

Laboratory session will include:
• Using an ice melting to check the calibration status of your thermometer
• Determining the uncertainty of a dry-well block calibrator
• Exploring the measurement differences and uncertainties between alternative thermometers

For further information:
Greg Strouse (301) 975-4803, gregory.strouse@nist.gov