Outstanding operation of the MCERTS scheme

Sira was acknowledged for the outstanding operation provided for the Environment Agency monitoring certification scheme (MCERTS), when 6 new manufacturers were recently awarded certification

Sira Environmental - one of the new business divisions at Sira - was recently acknowledged for its expert provision of the Environment Agency Monitoring Certification Scheme (MCERTS), when 6 equipment manufacturers were awarded certification of compliance with the MCERTS performance requirements.

The awards, which took place at the Source Testing Association annual dinner, reflect Sira's competence in delivering a robust certification service for manufacturers and users of monitoring instrumentation.

The Environment Agency MCERTS scheme is operated on behalf of the Agency by Sira Environmental.

MCERTS aims to improve the quality of monitoring data and provides the industry with a proven framework for choosing monitoring systems and services that meet the exacting performance requirements of the Environment Agency.

The scheme is unique in that it makes available to manufacturers an accredited Certification Scheme which is formally recognised in the UK and internationally.

Sira's expert management of the scheme has already brought 33 MCERTS-certified products to market.

UKAS accreditation assures users of certified instruments and services that they meet performance requirements set out in current international standards and compliance with the growing requirements of EC Directives.

It also assures users of certified instruments, systems and services that they comply with relevant national regulations and requirements, e.g the Agency's Operator Monitoring Assessment (OMA) requirements, and also enables users to buy into the Sira reputation as an excellent provider of independent certification services.

Sira plays a key role in reviewing manufacturers applications for MCERTS to determine the appropriate performance standard, range of tests and processes to be covered.

Manufacture of the instrument must be controlled by an appropriate quality management system such as ISO 9001 or through an independent audit conducted by Sira.

When the tests are complete the test report is reviewed by an independent certification committee to establish the range of applications and processes covered.

The product conformity certificate lists the valid range of applications and processes together with the certification range(s) and any limitations of use.

Full details of all certificates issued can be found on the Environment Agency web-site at www.mcerts.net.

The Sira-operated scheme also provides for the certification of personnel engaged in manual stack emission monitoring.

There are 500 personnel currently registered with Sira, of whom 180 are MCERTS-certified.

To achieve full certification, a candidate must meet prescribed health and safety criteria, have sufficient relevant experience and pass examinations at 2 levels together with a technical endorsement in an appropriate category.

20 successful candidates were awarded their personnel competency certificates at the STA event with the highest level of certification available - level 2 and the full range of four technical endorsements.

Sira is heavily committed to providing expertise in the development, commercialisation and support of instrumentation, certification and measurement solutions.

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