How to achieve MCERTS the easy way

Manufacturers of environmental monitoring products who don't go through the Environment Agency Monitoring Certification Scheme could risk being forced out of UK and International environmental markets

Manufacturers of environmental monitoring products who don't go through the Environment Agency Monitoring Certification Scheme (MCERTS) could risk being forced out of UK and international environmental markets.

Bob Cooper, deputy chief executive of Sira Certification Service, explains why MCERTS products are in demand.

1 Operators using MCERTS products can keep Environment Agency inspectors happy by proving their reported monitoring data is reliable: This is important because the Environment Agency plans to carry out audits of operator self-monitoring: "Not having MCERTS is like driving an old car without an MOT certificate: Police are more likely to pull you over if you're in an older car but the MOT certificate proves the vehicle is fit for purpose," Cooper says.

2 MCERTS assures operators their equipment is monitoring their discharges properly - otherwise they can under or over-pay tariffs or charges: "Operators save money using MCERTS equipment because they get it right the first time," Cooper says.

3 IPPC permits issued to operators now require MCERTS products to be used where they are available: "If an operator doesn't install MCERTS equipment, they are breaking the terms of the permit and can face legal action," Cooper says.

4 MCERTS equipment meets increasingly stringent national and European regulations, and promotes public confidence in monitoring data: "Operators can be assured they meet new regulatory requirements wherever they originate," Cooper says.

Therefore, it's beneficial for manufacturers to get certified as quickly as possible.

Following feedback from manufacturers, the MCERTS scheme has been simplified by cutting out unnecessary bureaucracy, speeding up the process and minimising costs.

There are seven steps to achieving certification easily, quickly and cheaply.

* Discuss with Sira.

The manufacturer discusses the process with Sira, who runs MCERTS on behalf of the Environment Agency, and Sira provides a quote to complete the certification.

It speeds up the process if Sira receives all relevant product information eg sales literature, service manuals, software details, schematic drawings, independent testing data and information on the existing ISO 9000 system.

* Accept quote and programme.

When the manufacturer accepts the quote, Sira appoints a committee to decide on the testing required.

The programme is discussed with the manufacturer and documented ready for a test house to use.

* Contract lab.

The manufacturer obtains quotes and independently contracts a lab or uses existing data to demonstrate the product meets MCERTS requirements.

It helps if the manufacturer keeps Sira informed of progress during the testing.

* Report test results to Sira: The manufacturer presents a report containing all the test results to Sira.

* Sira assesses: Sira assesses the test results against MCERTS requirements.

* QMS audit: Sira conducts a QMS audit to ensure the manufacturer produces equipment that performs consistently.

* Bingo: The MCERTS certificate is issued and lasts for five years.

The time and cost involved in achieving certification can vary according to how much existing data is available on the product.

Aquamatic, a wastewater sampler manufacturer, received an MCERTS certificate within two weeks at a cost of GBP2700.

Aquamatic MD, Jeremy Smith says the certification is a very positive investment for the company.

"For an extra edge in the marketplace, MCERTS could be a big asset to many businesses," Smith says.

Sira has already received 150 applications from manufacturers, so it's becoming increasingly important for all manufacturers to get their products certified.

Manufacturers can find out more about the process by contacting Sira by phone, or by visiting the Sira stand at the MCERTS conference at the Bretby Conference Centre, Burton-Upon-Trent, 12-13 October 2005.

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