Vol. 20, No.

2 The Newsletter of the Measurement Quality Division, American Society for Quality June 2006

OUR MQD EXHIBIT BOOTH

ASQ WCQI
May, 2006

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 The Standard
Vol 20, No. 2, June 2006
Editor and Publisher
Jay L. Bucher
6700 Royal View Dr.
De Forest, WI 53532-2775
Voice: 608-277-2522
Fax: 608-846-4269
Email: yokota-69@charter.net
or jay.bucher@promega.com
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Submit your draft copy to Jay Bucher, with a
request for a quotation. Indicate size desired.
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the requester must submit a photo or graphic
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rates apply:
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Advertisements will be accepted on a ‘per
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be available at present. Advertising must be
clearly distinguished as an ad. Ads must be
related to measurement quality, quality of
measurement, or a related quality field. Ads
must not imply endorsement by the Measure-
ment Quality Division or ASQ.
Letters to the Editor
The Standard welcomes letters from mem-
bers and subscribers. Letters should clearly
state whether the author is expressing opin-
ion or presenting facts with supporting infor-
mation. Commendation, encouragement,
constructive critique, suggestions, and alter-
native approaches are accepted. If the con-
tent is more than 200 words, we may delete
portions to hold that limit. We reserve the
right to edit letters and papers.
Information for Authors
The Standard publishes papers on the qual-
ity of measurements and the measurement of
quality at all levels ranging from relatively
simple tutorial material to state-of-the-art.
Papers published in The Standard are not
referred in the usual sense, except to ascer-
tain that facts are correctly stated and to as-
sure that opinion and fact are clearly distin-
guished one from another. The Editor re-
serves the right to edit any paper.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAIR’S COLUMN ......................................................................3
HELP WANTED COLUMN..........................................................3
WORLD METROLOGY DAY ......................................................5
CHAIR-ELECT’S COLUMN ........................................................6
WCGI 2006 IN PICTURES............................................................7
THE LEARNING CURVE...........................................................10
METROLOGY JOB DESCRIPTION INITIATIVE ....................13
ACCREDITATION NEWS..........................................................15
MQD OFFICERS..........................................................................18
REGIONAL COUNCILORS........................................................19
NCSL INTERNATIONAL 2006 FLYER ....................................21
MQD CCT CHALLENGE COIN ................................................22
½ FROM THE DESK OF THE EDITOR/PUBLISHER
As this edition gets ready to be posted, our illustrious
Chair, Graeme Payne, is diligently working to get our
new CCT challenge coin distributed to all the individu-
als who have passed their CCT exams over the past
three years. It is the intent of MQD to have everyone
that receives their CCT to also receive one of these
rare, and very unique coins. A picture of both sides of
the CCT challenge coin can be see on page 22. With a
little luck, and the delivery person is on time, hopefully,
most should receive theirs during the month of June.
Our new Chair-elect was kind enough to provide us with a little bit of ad-
vise on RCA (root cause analysis) from a perspective that is not often
thought of. Thanks, Rick, for the timely, and appropriate information.
I would like to again extend an invitation to our readers to let us know of
any particular topics you would like to see covered. Also, please submit
any articles that you would like to share with our readers. After all, this is
YOUR quarterly newsletter. We’re here to serve you. Thanks for reading.
The Standard is published quarterly by the Measurement Quality Division of
ASQ; deadlines are February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15. Text infor-
mation intended for publication can be sent via electronic mail as an attachment in
MS Word format (Times New Roman, 11 pt). Use single spacing between sen-
tences. Graphics/illustrations must be sent as a separate attachment, in jpg format.
Photographs of MQD activities are always welcome. Publication of articles, prod-
uct releases, advertisements or technical information does not imply endorsement
by MQD or ASQ. While The Standard makes every effort to ensure the accuracy
of articles, the publication disclaims responsibility for statements of fact or opinion
made by the authors or other contributors. Material from The Standard may not be
reproduced without permission of ASQ. Copyrights in the United States and all
other countries are reserved. Website information: MQD’s homepage can be found
at http://www.asq.org/measure. © 2005 ASQ, MQD. All rights reserved.
MQD Page 3

CHAIR’S COLUMN I will close this with a sincere Thank You to all of
By Graeme C. Payne the members who have served the Division in a
This is a time of celebration volunteer capacity during the 2005-2006 year.
for ASQ and the Measure- They are doing the necessary work of the Division
ment Quality Division! on behalf of YOU, our very important members.
ASQ just had their 60th an-
nual World Congress in Graeme C. Payne
Milwaukee. The Division Chairperson
was chartered by ASQ 15
years ago this month. I
would like to throw a party,
but with members through-
out North America and in HELP WANTED!
53 other countries (and no
budget for it) it would be somewhat difficult. Measurement Quality Division has immediate
openings for these highly rewarding leadership po-
This is also a time of change. First, Robert Graham sitions. You are already a Valued Member, why
will be succeeding Bill McCullough as the Divi- not go to the next level and become a Member
sion's representative to the Standards committees, Leader?
with Dan Harper continuing as an alternate. I want
to thank bob for taking that on, and wish Bill well Events & Programs Committee
in his other endeavors.
Members plan and implement events that the
Another major change will be the legal structure of Division participates in and programs of Divi-
the Division's organization and management. This sion conferences. Typical events include
is something that is happening to all Divisions and WCQI, NCSL, MSC, the MQD & Inspection
interest groups, not just our Division. Divisions Division joint conference, and others that may
will soon start operating under a Division Manage- come up.
ment Agreement (DMA) that will replace the By-
laws that have been in place for many years. The Audit Committee
DMA is modeled on the Section Operating Agree-
ment that your Sections have been using for almost Members perform annual audits of the Divi-
two years. The change was driven by pressures to sion financial management practices. (Cannot
improve management efficiency, some require- be a currently serving officer, or an immediate
ments to change because of the new ASQ bylaws past Chairperson or Treasurer.)
that were approved last year, and certain considera-
tions of New York state corporate law and Internal Strategic Planning Committee
Revenue Service regulations. (ASQ is incorporated
in New York, and is listed by the IRS as a section Members develop long-range plans for the
501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.) The DMA Division.
was approved by the ASQ Board of Directors at
their meeting just before the World Congress. Membership Committee
When we implement it, you will not notice much
difference at first. But it gives the member leaders Members initiate personal contact with new,
more freedom to make changes as needed, without renewing and departing members. Analyze
going through a long process that had many things and report membership data and trends.
requiring approval by the ASQ Board of Directors
simply because the policy was in our Bylaws and (Continued on page 4)
amendments to them required Board approval.

Vol. 20, No. 2 The Newsletter of the Measurement Quality Division, American Society for Quality June 2006
MQD Page 4

(Continued from page 3) gions. Volunteers are needed for Regions 02,
Examining Committee 06, 08, 10, 11, 13 and 25 (International).
(Your region number is the first two digits of
Members recommend Division members for your four-digit Section number.)
advancement to ASQ Fellow or higher levels.
Members of this committee must be an ASQ
Honorary member, ASQ Fellow or a Senior Contact Graeme Payne
Member. (770-931-4004 or Graeme.ASQ@gksystems.biz)
or any other officer or committee chair.
Nominating Committee

Members recruit and nominate Division mem-

bers for all leadership positions. The Chair-
Elect and Immediate Past Chair are automatic
members of this committee, but others are
needed as well.
Spreading the Word
Dilip Shah presented an overview of the Measure-
Education Committee
ment Quality Division (Including the CCT exam,
Metrology Handbook and the Metrology Job De-
Member plan and implement the Division's
scription Initiative) to the Indianapolis ASQ sec-
education strategies. Members may also act as
tion on April 12, 2006.
liaison with education efforts of other organi-
zations, scholarship committees, and the edu-
Dilip Shah made presentations on the MQD/
cation community.
NCSLI Metrology Job Description and Quality
Assurance Analysis Tools & Techniques at the
Vice Chair – Member Services
Heath, Ohio NCSLI regional meeting on April 20,
2006
This new officer position will manage Division
functions in the area of service to the mem-
Dilip Shah presented an overview of the CCT
bers. The member leader in this position man-
exam to the Syracuse, NY and Long Island, NY
ages the work of member service committees
NCSLI regional meetings on April 25 and 26, 2006
including Certification, Education, Events &
respectively.
Programs, and Publications.

Vice Chair – Outreach

This new officer position will manage Division

functions in the area of outreach to existing FYI
and potential members. This includes working
with our Regional Councilors for geographic-
based member units of ASQ, liaison with other The Joe Simmons Scholarship Fund has
organizations with similar interests such as their own web site now. It can be
NCSL International and Measurement Science accessed at:
conference, and so on.

Regional Councilors http://simmons-scholarship.com/

Regional Councilors are the local interface
between the Division leadership team and the
Sections and other organizations in their Re-

Vol. 20, No. 2 The Newsletter of the Measurement Quality Division, American Society for Quality June 2006
MQD Page 5

Metrology and World Metrology Day (20th May)

Metrology is the science of measurement, embracing both experimental and theoretical
determinations at any level of uncertainty in any field of science and technology.

Measurement science is not, however, purely the There shall be standard measures of wine,
preserve of scientists. It is something of vital im- beer and corn… throughout the whole of our
portance to us all. The intricate but invisible net- kingdom, and a standard width of dyed russet
work of services, suppliers and communications and cloth; and there shall be standard weights
upon which we are all dependent rely on metrology also.
for their efficient and reliable operation. For exam- Clause 35, Magna Carta, 1215
ple:
• the economic success of nations depends upon reliable manufacturing processes;
• satellite navigation systems and international time correlation make accurate location possible –
allowing the networking of computer systems around the world, and permitting aircraft to land in
poor visibility;
• human health depends critically on the ability to make accurate diagnosis, which is only another
form of measurement.

All forms of physical and chemical measurement affect the quality of the world in which we live. Wrong
or inaccurate measurements can lead to wrong de-
When you can measure what you are speaking cisions, which can have serious consequences,
about, and express it in numbers, you know costing money and even lives. It is important there-
something about it; but when you cannot ex- fore to have reliable and accurate measurements.
press it in numbers, your knowledge is of a To this end, metrologists are continuously involved
meager and unsatisfactory kind. It may be the in the development of new measurement tech-
beginning of knowledge, but you have niques, instrumentation and procedures, to satisfy
scarcely, in your thoughts, advanced to the the ever-increasing demand for greater accuracy,
stage of science. increased reliability and rapidity of measurements.
Lord Kelvin
For non-metrologists to have confidence in the re-
liability and accuracy of the measurements made by scientists, it is essential that any local or national
measuring system is calibrated, and that the calibration may be traced to a more fundamental and inter-
nationally accepted system of standards. For example, that the weighing scales in a local supermarket
are calibrated against standard weights kept at a national metrology laboratory and these national weight

Immersion in water makes the straight seem bent; but reason, thus confused by false appear-
ance, is beautifully restored by measuring, numbering and weighing; these drive vague notions
of greater or less or more or heavier right out of the minds of the surveyor, the computer, and
the clerk of the scales. Surely it is the better part of thought that relies on measurement and
calculation. Plato (The Republic)

standards are calibrated against an international standard of mass. One thus has a chain of calibrations,
which allows the measurements in the supermarket to be traced to an internationally accepted and ac-
credited set of standards. The consumer can therefore have confidence and trust in the local systems of
weights and measures. A confidence that is reinforced when they are able to see that the weights and
measures used in their own country are equivalent to the weights and measures used in other countries,
(Continued on page 6)

Vol. 20, No. 2 The Newsletter of the Measurement Quality Division, American Society for Quality June 2006
MQD
CHAIR-ELECT’S COLUMN
By Richard Roberson
I am a PMEL technician. I work as a contractor at
Tinker AFB Oklahoma. I joined ASQ a few years
back, to help with the writing of the CCT. The first
thing I noticed was: where are all the PMEL peo-
ple? There seemed to be people from cal labs of
every type, from all over the country. Lots were
“former” PMEL, but it isn’t the same. We can’t
really have a conversation about the new PAMS, or
the new changes to 00-20-14. There must be hun-
dreds of PMEL techs just in the United States. If
you fit into this category, drag some of your co-
workers to a local meeting. If you haven’t been to
one, they can be very interesting. Most also have
free food (this will get the PMEL guys there).
Working with all the “other” calibration techni-
cians, we can lean a lot from each other, and im-
prove the quality of both our work.
This leads to my topic for this time: Root cause
analysis. Everyone has heard it thousands of times,
but the results never seem to change. Every AF-
METCAL evaluation, most quality programs get
the same comment: “weak RCA” or the always
welcome “adequate”. In a contract or civil service
lab, the level of experience is usually so great, that
most nonconformities end up attributed to human
error. This is where the RCA needs to be exam-
ined further. I have seen many RCA that decide
that it was a simple mistake and that’s it, we’re
done. What’s wrong with that? We’re looking for
the ROOT cause. WHY did that human make that
error? Was it close to time to go home? Was he
doing three things at once? The error doesn’t hap-
pen all the time, what was different about this
time? We can make additional RCA codes to ex-
pand on the cause, to help organize the results.
HO1a=rushed at end of day; HO1b=distracted by
working multiple items; etc. By getting the true
causes in the record, and using additional codes to
track them, you can help reduce and even eliminate
some of these errors; and you’ll be able to make
some nifty charts to show off the next time AF-
METCAL drops by.
Vol. 20, No. 2 The Newsletter of the Measurement Quality Division, American Society for Quality
Page 6
If anyone would like to make a suggestion for an-
other column, tell me how bad this one was, or just
a general comment, just e-mail me at
richardroberson@sbcglobal.net.
World Metrology Day (continued from page 5)
and that all are based on a single international stan-
dard.
Metrology is an old science, which has evolved
over many centuries and is today represented by a
cleavage into metrology and legal metrology.
Whereas metrology is of importance to all those
engaged in the various chains of measurement,
calibration and accreditation, legal metrology's
primary focus is on measurements that directly
affect consumers. Thus the physicists who main-
tain the international prototype of the kilogram (the
last physical artifact which defines a base unit and
against which all other measuring systems in the
world are ultimately calibrated) in Sèvres, France,
seeking to better understand why its weight fluctu-
ates by very small increments are metrologists and
are far removed from the concerns of legal metrol-
ogy. However, the technicians who calibrate
weighing scales in shops and markets are directly
concerned with legal metrology, even though they
are also metrologists.
However much metrology and legal metrology
deal with very different levels of precision, they
both deal with closely related problems. Both me-
trology and legal metrology being essential in en-
suring that as wide a constituency as possible has
confidence in, and is protected by precision meas-
urements. The potential consequences of inaccu-
rate data related to commerce and medicine will
affect us all, demonstrating that metrology is one
of today's key sciences.
The preceding information comes from BIPM’s
(Bureau International des Poids et Measures) web
site (http://www.bipm.org/en/practical_info/faq/
welcome.html#)
June 2006
MQD Page 7

MQD Chairperson Graeme Payne

In the Division’s exhibit booth

The Measurement Quality Division was an exhibitor at the 60th World Congress on Quality and
Improvement. Graeme Payne, the Division Chairperson, spent most of his time representing
your Division in the exhibit hall. Member Bob Graham gave a presentation in one of the ses-
sions, and Immediate Past Chair Dilip Shah moderated several sessions. Several other members,
including Region 3 Councilor Eduardo Heidelberg and Past Chair Dan Carlson stopped by to
say "Hello".

Vol. 20, No. 2 The Newsletter of the Measurement Quality Division, American Society for Quality June 2006
MQD Page 8

Dilip Shah (left) and Bob Graham (right)

On the exhibit floor

MQD member Bob Graham

Taking a turn in the booth
Vol. 20, No. 2 The Newsletter of the Measurement Quality Division, American Society for Quality June 2006
MQD Page 9

Graeme Payne (MQD Chair), Robert Graham (MQD session Presenter) and Dilip
Shah (MQD Past Chair) at the MQD booth in Milwaukee during the 2006 World
Conference on Quality and Improvement.

Vol. 20, No. 2 The Newsletter of the Measurement Quality Division, American Society for Quality June 2006
MQD Page 10

THE LEARNING CURVE in depth.

By Phil Painchaud What I did do however, was to adopt a sampling
technique approach after I had satisfied my social
This is the forty-fifth in an unin-
obligations of looking up old friends and commis-
terrupted series of harangues,
erating with them on the sad state of the world. In
often magniloquent, chartered to
my sampling I deliberately selected those booths
be on the general topic of Me-
that were offering new or uncommon products and
trology Education. Readers fre-
had one or more visitors in intense conversation
quently confuse this mandate
with the attendant(s). I was careful not to become
with one of Calibration Train-
involved in those conversations, but rather took a
ing—which it is most definitely
“fly-on-the-wall” approach and listened intently to
not, and for which the author
these conversations. I never before realized that we
claims no transcendent attrib-
had so many “experts’ and “profound authorities”
utes. Thus by both dictate as well as by qualifica-
among our general attendees! It seemed that nearly
tion, he must adhere to the chartered subject. Un-
everyone who approached an exhibitor offering a
fortunately, there are times, such as possibly, now,
new product (some of which were in only prelimi-
there is a dearth of news on the specified topic and
nary phases of development and not as yet mar-
he is forced to digress per his whims. This may be
keted) knew more about the pros and cons of the
another such occasion. As usual, it is in the format
device than did the people showing it! In many
of an open letter to our Boss, the Editor-Chief of
case they were loudly and emphatically vocally
this periodic journal.
demonstrating their ignorance.
Dear Boss:
I am reminded of an expression attributed to the
renowned Nineteenth Century German scientist
As I write this column (April 23), the 2006 Meas-
and philosopher, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe:—
urement Science Conference has come and gone. It
“In der Beherrschung zeigt sich erst der Meister”
was a little later than customary this year due to
(In self control the master reveals himself)
logistics problems, however, as you know, it was a
In several cases, I observed the real masters, qui-
great success. It was good to have the company of
etly standing aside and sometimes enjoying a quiet
you, Graeme, Dilip, and Duane all doing some duty
chuckle. Why is it that so many people, in their
in our MQD booth. That allowed me to be able to
search for information, cannot simply ask direct
do something that I am seldom able to do—i.e., get
questions? Why do they have to open their interro-
out and visit some of the other exhibitors booths
gations with authoritative sounding pronounce-
and attend a few sessions of interest. There was
ments confirming their real ignorance of the sub-
one session of particular interest on Metrology
ject?
Education; I will discuss it later in this column. My
visits to many display booths is of my immediate
Maybe I can answer my own question—it goes
concern.
back to a matter that we have covered in this col-
umn before—the true purpose and mission of edu-
There was an extreme range of variety among these
cation—any education, Metrology Education in-
exhibits—new measurement devices, and old de-
cluded, is to teach you to recognize what you do
vices rehashed—services offered, both working
not know; where to find that information; how to
level calibration and repair as well as higher level
interpret the information after you have located it;
standards and certifications—publications, both
and how to apply that interpretation to your prob-
text books and periodic journals—and of course
lem at hand. Naturally, if you have a retentive
educational institutions and professional associa-
memory, you will remember that interpreted solu-
tions. And there were enough exhibits to keep a
tion and be able to apply it to other pertinent prob-
diligent inquirer busy full time for the entire dura-
tion of the conference. Naturally, I did not have (Continued on page 11)
time available to visit each and study its offerings
Vol. 20, No. 2 The Newsletter of the Measurement Quality Division, American Society for Quality June 2006
MQD
(Continued from page 10)
lems in the future. Thus you can avoid “reinventing
the wheel” by retracing work that others may have
done years before. When you start on a new prob-
lem, no matter how new and original the concept
may be, always research the history of the work
that any others may have done in the past and that
in any way even remotely approaches your assign-
ment.
I can recall an experience I had many years ago
when I headed the Corporate Metrology organiza-
tion for a major defense contractor. An engineer-
ing group had a need to measure DC microvolts
more precisely than they could with the bench in-
struments regularly available to them. Instead of
coming to us and presenting their problem to my
Development and Analysis Unit (our name for our
Metrology Engineering Department), they decided
to tackle the problem themselves. After spending
many hundreds of man-hours and gosh knows how
many of your tax dollars, they devised a solution.
They brought their solution to us asking for equip-
ment to implement it; exclaiming that now they
could measure micro-volts better than any one else
in the facility, my Metrology organization in-
cluded! My senior technologist, George Vincent (I
have talked about him before) was with me at the
time. He took one look. “All you have done is re-
peat Poggendorff’s experiments of 1841!” he dis-
gustedly exclaimed. I reached for my copy of For-
est Harris’s classic text, ELECTRICAL MEAS-
UREMENTS. Sure enough, right there in Chapter
Six, Page 144, was what they had just ‘invented’. I
took them into our Reference Standards Labora-
tory and showed them our Otto Wolff KDE-8
Nanovolt Potentiometer that could measure DC
voltage 10³ times more precisely and at least two
orders of magnitude more accurately that the jury
rig that they were attempting to use. By the way; an
off-the-shelf Leeds & Northrup Model K-3 Potenti-
ometer, which we had several available for issue,
was more that adequate for their needs.
Here was a prime example of lack of application of
basic educational principles:—Failure to Re-
search the History of the Task and Failure to
Follow Standard Operating Procedures and So-
licit Help from the Designated Authority. Re-
search would have showed them that their problem
Vol. 20, No. 2 The Newsletter of the Measurement Quality Division, American Society for Quality
Page 11
had been solved in Germany 120 years before.
Stubborn pride and a misplaced arrogant sense of
technological superiority had prevented them from
requesting assistance and had resulted in a serious
loss of schedule, man-hours, and money. When he
heard about it, the Director of Engineering took
steps to minimize the potential of its reoccurrence.
This brings us to the other matter that I said we
would discuss, the MSC Session on Metrology
Education. Here I found not only a flagrant attempt
to “Reinvent-the-Wheel” by not recognizing previ-
ous work in the area, but a total lack of well and
clearly defined objectives. The entire session was
involved in plans to build a top heavy, very bureau-
cratic organizational structure. There was no con-
sideration or recognition of any of the institutions
that have already set up pathways for educating
Metrologists and/or training paraprofessionals in
the Measurement Sciences. There was no recogni-
tion of the (now defunct) Master’s level program at
George Washington University; or of the very cur-
rent four year Batchelor’s level curriculum at the
California State University—Dominguez Hills (or
of the (now defunct) program at California Poly-
technic State University—San Luis Obispo); or of
the current two year Associate level course at But-
ler, or of the current program at Ridgewater in
Minnesota.
When I asked, “Specifically, for what are you at-
tempting to educate or train potential candidates?”
I could get no satisfactory answer. There were no
clearly defined objectives; i.e., no definitions of the
specific specialists that they wanted to develop.
“Why?”, I asked. It was intimated that this task
might be worked on later after the bureaucratic
structure was created. I replied, “Why work on it
at all? Definitions for individuals working in the
Measurement Sciences were developed at public
expense years ago. They should be available in the
public domain for the asking.” All I received was
icy silence. I went on to explain that the CALI-
FORNIA PROFESIONAL METROLOGY
COMMITTEE, an agency of the California Legis-
lature, between 1963 and 1971, using all of the re-
sources of the State, had done just that. They had
developed a comprehensive set of definitions of
workers in the Measurement Sciences in three ma-
(Continued on page 12)
June 2006
MQD Page 12

(Continued from page 11)

jor levels of three sub-divisions each, covering 33 Phil Painchaud
distinct technical disciplines. A by product of the 1110 West Dorothy Drive
efforts of this very elite body was that program at Brea, CA. 92821-2017
the California Polytechnic State University at San Phone: 714-529-6604
Luis Obispo. Again I was ignored. I tried to explain FAX: 714-529-1109
that if you are trying to educate or train individuals E-Mail:
for specific objectives, you must first succinctly painchaud4@cs.com or olepappy@juno.com
define those characteristics and attributes you re-
quire that individual to possess before you can
write a job description for what you want them to
do with those attributes.

The Session Facilitator then changed the discussion

subject to how to fund any projects that they may
create. There was the usual talk about scholarships
and book donations, etc. I attempted to point out
those cash donations such as scholarships and so
forth, are a one time thing—once spent, the money
is gone. Why not make contributions that have lon-
gevity? Again blank stares. I went on to explain an
incident that occurred at Butler ten years ago.

A benefactor had made a sizable contribution of

‘closely held corporate stock’ (the kind that is not
traded on any open market, but rather is traded be-
tween individual shareholders). Since this type se-
curity has no open market value, its value is the so
called ‘Book Value’ as is determined annually by
the auditors at tax time. This ‘Book Value’ can be
much greater than the actual price for which the MQD Teleconference Minutes
shares may have exchanged. In this particular case No minutes available since the attendance did not
the ‘Book Value’ was nearly four times greater that result in a quorum.
what the donor had paid for the shares. The donor
got tax relief for the full “Book Value” at the time
of the donation. The Butler Trustees wisely chose
not to try to sell the shares, but rather have used
them continually over the past decade, at full
‘Book Value’, for their part of “Matching Dona- 2006 ~ 2007 Officers
tions” by other donors. The original donation be- Position Name
came part of a continuing fund that eventually built
a ten million dollar Science and Technology Chair Graeme Payne
(including Metrology) Building. A Chair of Me- Chair Elect Rick Roberson
trology was established to commemorate the origi-
nal donation which is still there and still working as Secretary Chris Grachanen
matching funds. Treasurer Jay Bucher

Well Boss, I think that I have done enough “soap

boxing” for this session. If anyone wants to argue
with me, I am still at the same old stand.

Vol. 20, No. 2 The Newsletter of the Measurement Quality Division, American Society for Quality June 2006
MQD Page 13

METROLOGY JOB DESCRIPTION CALIBRATION ENGINEER

INITIATIVE Apply measurement science, mathematics, physics,

By Chris Grachanen and engineering to design and develop systems,
equipment, and methods for calibrating electrical,
The Metrology Job Description (MJD) dimensional, optical, physical, mechanical, envi-
Initiative has been Completed! ronmental, and/or chemical inspection, measure-
ment, and test equipment (IM&TE). Analyze and
Results of the MJD solve calibration problems using advanced mathe-
Initiative survey matical and engineering knowledge. Use statistics
were compiled and to analyze measurement standards and processes.
summarized by Pro- May develop software to assist in calibration labo-
fessional Examina- ratory and/or departmental processes. Recom-
tion Services (PES) mend calibration standards and IM&TE. Maintain
and used as the basis calibration laboratory and/or quality systems.
for creating draft job Perform laboratory and/or departmental admini-
descriptions for Calibration Technician, Calibration stration and management.
Engineer and Metrologists. These drafts were com-
mented, revised and approved by the MJD Initia- METROLOGIST
tive core team comprised of:
Apply measurement science, mathematics, and
Jay Bucher Promega Corporation physics to develop, document, and maintain cali-
Christopher L. Grachanen Hewlett-Packard Inc. bration systems, procedures, and methods for elec-
Shawn B Mason St. Jude Medical trical, dimensional, optical, physical, mechanical,
Gloria J Neely US Navy Naval Surface environmental, and/or chemical inspection, meas-
Warfare Center urement, and test equipment (IM&TE) based on
Graeme C. Payne GK Systems, Inc. analysis of measurement problems, and accuracy
Don Ruth US Army TMDE and precision requirements. Evaluate new calibra-
Howard Zion Transcat tion methods and procedures. Use statistics to
analyze measurement standards and processes.
The following job descriptions were submitted to Recommend calibration standards and IM&TE.
the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Maintain calibration laboratory and/or departmen-
Statistics (the department responsible for Standard tal accreditation, and quality systems. Perform
Occupation Classification (SOC) system) laboratory and/or departmental administration and
management.
CALIBRATION TECHNICIAN
On 04 Apr 2006 I received the following e-mail
Apply knowledge of measurement science, mathe- acknowledgement from the SOC:
matics, physics, and electronics to calibrate in-
spection, measurement, and test equipment Dear Mr. Grachanen-
(IM&TE) in the electrical, dimensional, optical,
physical, mechanical, environmental, and/or Your email request and fax was received by
chemical disciplines to ensure measurement accu- SOC@bls.gov. Your suggestions have been added
racy. Identify and utilize appropriate measurement to a list of suggestions that other individuals and
procedures. Perform corrective actions to address organizations have made. Once the Federal Regis-
identified measurement problems. Adapt equip- ter Notice (FRN) is posted and the comments to the
ment, standards, and procedures to accomplish FRN are received, all of the suggestions will be
unique measurements. Maintain calibration stan- given to the SOC revision workgroups. Please feel
dards. Perform laboratory and/or departmental (Continued on page 14)
housekeeping.

Vol. 20, No. 2 The Newsletter of the Measurement Quality Division, American Society for Quality June 2006
MQD Page 14

(Continued from page 13)

free to email us at soc@bls.gov with any further questions. Thank you for your interest in the SOC.

Needless to say I will be closely monitoring the progress of the SOC workgroup to make sure the MJD
Initiative job description are included in the new SOC revision.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the hundreds of individuals that got involved on the MJD
Initiative core team, submitting job descriptions and taking the MJD Initiative survey. Without your in-
volvement I know changing the SOC to include Metrology / Calibration job descriptions would still be
in the wishful stage. Thanks for making a difference.

Christopher L. Grachanen

If you take a look at the following picture , let me tell you ... it is not animated. Your eyes are
making it move. To test this, stare at one spot for a couple seconds and everything will stop
moving. Or look at the black center of each circle and it will stop moving. But move your
eyes to the next black center and the previous will move after you take your eyes away from
it.... Weird

Vol. 20, No. 2 The Newsletter of the Measurement Quality Division, American Society for Quality June 2006
MQD Page 15

Accreditation News nizes other laboratory accreditation cooperations

Compiled by Dilip Shah that are in full conformance with the standards of
the International Organization for Standardization
NVLAP announces its intention to withdraw from NA- (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Com-
CLA. mission (IEC), including ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO/
IEC 17011, and that verify conformance to these
The following information was posted on the NVLAP standards by evaluation and assessment of peer
web site: accreditation bodies. Both ILAC and APLAC meet
these requirements for NIST recognition.
“NVLAP Withdraws from the
NACLA MRA” NVLAP must look to increase efficiencies and re-
duce redundancy in its participation in laboratory
Effective April 15, 2006, NVLAP will no longer be accreditation cooperations in order to minimize the
a signatory to the National Cooperation for Labora- burden on its accredited laboratories and on
tory Accreditation (NACLA) Mutual Recognition NVLAP staff. Under current conditions, NVLAP
Arrangement (MRA). A copy of the letter sent to can no longer justify the costs of continued NA-
NACLA to inform them of NVLAP's intent to CLA MRA participation.
withdraw from the MRA may be viewed at: NA-
CLA Withdrawal Letter.at http://ts.nist.gov/ts/ Annex B of NIST Handbook 150, NVLAP Proce-
htdocs/210/214/docs/NACLA-Withdrawal- dures and General Requirements, states that all
Letter.pdf NVLAP-accredited laboratories must demonstrate
traceability of measurement results directly through
The reasons for NVLAP’s decision to withdraw a national metrology institute (NMI) or through an
from the MRA are explained in this news bulletin. accredited calibration laboratory. An accredited
NVLAP is a fee-supported program and, as such, calibration laboratory is defined as one that has
has been forced to look closely at resources avail- been accredited by NVLAP or an accreditation
able compared to expenses incurred, both in effort body (AB) with which NVLAP has a mutual rec-
and in dollars. Of primary focus must be the return ognition arrangement.
on the investment made by NVLAP’s accredited
laboratories. Broad recognition of the test and cali- Beginning April 15, 2006, results from laboratories
bration results generated by the accredited labora- accredited only by those ABs that have signed the
tories is currently achieved through NVLAP’s sig- International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation
natory status in the International Laboratory Ac- (ILAC) MRA will be acceptable for the purpose of
creditation Cooperation (ILAC) MRA and in the traceability of measurement results. Please note
Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation that ABs that are signatories to the Asia Pacific
(APLAC) MRA. NVLAP has also participated in Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (APLAC),
the NACLA MRA in order to comply with the the European Laboratory Accreditation Coopera-
NIST requirement that designated conformity as- tion (EA), or another recognized regional organiza-
sessment bodies (CABs) supporting trade agree- tion MRA have also signed the ILAC MRA. To
ments for telecommunications and information date, NACLA is not a recognized regional organi-
technology products be accredited by a NACLA zation and its signatory members have not been
MRA signatory. Outside of this requirement, there invited to sign the ILAC arrangement.
has been little interest expressed by the NVLAP-
accredited laboratories that NVLAP maintain sig- Given the deadline noted in the previous para-
natory status in the NACLA MRA. graph, results previously accepted from a calibra-
tion laboratory accredited by a non-ILAC signatory
In order to support continued manufacturer access AB will remain acceptable until the current calibra-
to a broad base of designated CABs, NIST has tion cycle expires. This means, for example, that it
broadened its recognition of qualified accreditation (Continued on page 16)
cooperations. In addition to NACLA, NIST recog-

Vol. 20, No. 2 The Newsletter of the Measurement Quality Division, American Society for Quality June 2006
MQD Page 16

(Continued from page 15)

is not necessary to have instruments recalibrated by
a laboratory accredited by an ILAC MRA signatory
AB until that instrument is due. At that time cali-
bration services must be procured from an NMI or
from a calibration laboratory that has been accred-
ited by an ILAC signatory AB. Where accredited
calibration services are not available, paragraph
B.3.4 of Annex B of NIST Handbook 150:2006
(paragraph B.2.4 of the 2001 edition) applies with
no change. Assessors will review this requirement
during the next on-site assessment of your labora-
tory. Please contact your NVLAP Program Man-
ager should you have any questions.”

Vol. 20, No. 2 The Newsletter of the Measurement Quality Division, American Society for Quality June 2006
MQD Page 17

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

A2LA Accredits Two Inspection Bodies

2006-03-22 – Frederick, Maryland - The American Association for Laboratory Accredita-
tion

A2LA has announced that the first two Inspection Bodies that have applied for accreditation
have been assessed and successfully met the stringent international requirements.

The requirements for an inspection body assessment are stated in ISO/IEC 17020-1998 General
criteria for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspections as well as the IAF/
ILAC-A4:2004 Guidance on the Application of ISO/IEC 17020. These accreditations demon-
strate technical competence for a defined scope and operation of a quality management system.

Congratulations go out to Gaming Laboratories International, Inc (GLI) (http://

www.gaminglabs.com), Lakewood, NJ and Progressive Engineering, Inc (PEI) (http://
www.p-e-i.com/), Goshen, IN.

GLI is the world’s first private gaming device and systems testing laboratory and inspection
body and offers services in inspecting, testing, auditing and consulting for the world wide gam-
ing industry.

PEI serves customers from all parts of the United States and in all phases of the construction
industry. The company works with local contractors and nationally known product suppliers,
modular manufactured housing, and recreational vehicle manufacturers. Product listing services
are provided to manufacturers of products.
A2LA is a nonprofit, non-governmental, public service, membership society. Its mission is to
provide comprehensive accreditation services for laboratories, inspection bodies, proficiency
testing providers, and reference material producers. Services are available to any type of labo-
ratory or inspection body, product certification body, reference material provider and profi-
ciency testing provider whether private or government. A2LA is the largest multi-discipline
accreditation body in the United States, and the second largest in the world.

Source: A2LA
Website: http://www.a2la.org
Contact: Steve Medellin at 301-644-3228
E-Mail: smedellin@a2la.org

Vol. 20, No. 2 The Newsletter of the Measurement Quality Division, American Society for Quality June 2006
MQD Page 18

MEASUREMENT QUALITY DIVISION OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Chair, Examining Chair Joe Simmons Scholarship
Graeme C. Payne Norm Belecki
GK Systems, Inc. 7413 Mill Run Dr
4440 Weston Drive SW, Suite B Derwood, MD 20855-1156
Lilburn, GA 30047 USA Voice (301) 869-4520
Voice: (770) 931-4004 / Fax (866) 887-9344 E-mail: n.belecki@ieee.org
E-mail: Graeme@gksystems.biz

Standards Committee Representative

Chair-Elect
Richard D. Roberson
Volunteer Opportunity!
10301 Clinkenbeard Rd NE
Norman, OK 73026
Voice (405) 321-8580 Historian
E-mail: richardroberson@sbcglobal.net Keela Sniadach
Promega Corp.
5445 East Cheryl Parkway
Secretary, Certification Chair, Website Madison, WI 53711
Manager, NCSL International Representative Voice (608) 298-4681 / Fax (608) 277-2516
Christopher L. Grachanen E-mail: keela.sniadach@promega.com
Manager, Houston Metrology Group Hewlett-
Packard
P. O. Box 692000 MS070110 ASQ Division Administrator
Houston, TX 77269-2000 Ms. Jeannette Cooke
Voice (281) 518-8486 / Fax (281) 518-7275 Voice (800) 248-1946
E-mail: Chris.Grachanen@hp.com E-mail: JCooke@asq.org

Treasurer, Publication Chair, Newsletter

Editor/Publisher, Share Point Administrator
Jay L. Bucher
Bucherview Metrology Services
6700 Royal View Dr.
De Forest, WI 53532-2775
Voice (608) 277-2522 / Fax (608) 846-4269
E-mail: yokota-69@charter.net
jay.bucher@promega.com

Immediate Past Chair, Nominating Chair

Program Chair
Dilip A. Shah
E = mc3 Solutions
197 Great Oaks Trail #130
Wadsworth, Ohio 44281-8215
Voice (330) 328-4400 / Fax (330) 336-3974
E-mail: emc3solu@aol.com, dashah@aol.com

Vol. 20, No. 2 The Newsletter of the Measurement Quality Division, American Society for Quality June 2006
MQD Page 19

ASQ MEASUREMENT QUALITY DIVISION REGIONAL COUNCILORS

Regional Councilors represent the Division to members and Sections in their
geographic areas. Regional Councilors are appointed for renewable two-year
terms, and are advisory members of the Division leadership team.

Region 1 (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT) Region 9 (IN, KY, OH)
Mr. Jun Bautista Mr. Ryan Fischer, ASQ CCT
Genzyme Laboratory Accreditation Bureau
P New Haven, IN 46774
E-mail: Jun.Bautista@genzyme.com E-mail: rfischer@l-a-b.com

Region 2 (NJ, NY, PA)

Region 10 (OH, MI)
Volunteer Opportunity!
Volunteer Opportunity!

Region 3 (CT, NJ, NY)

Region 11 (NC, SC, TN, VA)
Mr. Eduardo M. Heidelberg Volunteer Opportunity!
Pfizer
Parlin, NJ 08859
E-mail: eheidelb@yahoo.com Region 12 (IL, MN, ND, SD, WI)
Dr. Donald S. Ermer
Region 4 (Canada) ASQ Fellow; Eugene L. Grant Medal (2001)
University of Wisconsin—Madison
Mr. Alexander T. C. Lau Madison, WI 53706
ExxonMobil E-mail: Ermer@engr.wisc.edu
Whitby, ON L1R 1R1
E-mail: alex.t.lau@exxonmobil.com
Region 13 (CO, IA, KS, MO, NE, SD, WY)
Region 5 (DC, DE, MD, PA, VA) Volunteer Opportunity!
Mr. Richard A. Litts Region 14 (AR, LA, NM, OK, TX, part of
Litts Quality Technologies Mexico)
Downington, PA 19335
E-mail: info@littsquality.com Mr. R. Keith Bennett
TRANSCAT
Kingwood, TX 77339
Region 6 (AK, CA, HI, ID, MT, OR, UT, WA, E-mail: kbennett@transcat.com
WY)
Volunteer Opportunity! Region 15 (AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, Puerto Rico)
Mr. E. Bryan Miller
Region 7 (AZ, CA, NV, part of Mexico) ASQ Fellow
Mr. Randy D. Farmer Bryan Miller Consulting
Metrology Solutions Florence, AL 35633
Chula Vista, CA 91913 E-mail: milleb@mindspring.com
E-mail: farmerrd2@cox.net Region 25 (all other countries)
Region 8 (OH, PA) Volunteer Opportunity!
Volunteer Opportunity!

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Vol. 20, No. 2 The Newsletter of the Measurement Quality Division, American Society for Quality June 2006