Strengthening Technical Collaboration between iCAB and the Research and Training Center for Occupational Safety and Health

 
In line with the strategic objectives of the iCAB Policy Think Tank in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour, the Iran Confederation of Accredited Bodies (iCAB) is pursuing a new service initiative aimed at structuring laboratory and technical inspection services nationwide.

This initiative was discussed during a joint meeting attended by senior officials of the Research and Training Center for Occupational Safety and Health, the President of iCAB, and the Chair of iCAB’s Market Development Committee. The central focus of the discussion was the establishment of a “comprehensive service cycle” encompassing sampling, analysis, reporting, and verification.

Under this approach, iCAB seeks to:

Systematically identify and introduce laboratories holding valid accreditation;
Organize sampling processes from production lines or workplaces through qualified and competent sampling personnel;
Facilitate coordination between accredited laboratories and supervisory authorities;
Prevent duplication and fragmentation in service delivery;
Support the expansion of accredited scopes and accelerate authorization processes through engagement with the National Accreditation Center of Iran.
This service model may cover areas such as workplace pollutant measurement, testing of personal protective equipment (PPE), safety footwear, firefighting foam, boilers, elevators, cranes, and forklifts, enabling more effective utilization of the national capacity of accredited laboratories.

Within this framework, iCAB will assume the role of a technical regulator and facilitator, ensuring transparent, monitorable, and standards-aligned interaction between the Research and Training Center, accredited laboratories, and other stakeholders—without engaging in operational competition. The approach will remain aligned with the regulations of the Iran National Standards Organization and relevant national regulatory frameworks.

It was further agreed that a joint working group will be established to harmonize technical indicators, tariff structures, and supervisory mechanisms, enabling the initiative to transition from the consultation phase into operational implementation.

iCAB emphasized that this cooperation model may serve as a national reference framework for other technical domains, fostering optimal utilization of the extensive capacity of accredited laboratories across the country.