In this section we provide technical/practical information that seed sector staff may find useful. It is simple to follow instructions for technical staff in seed production and quality control.

How to No 25: Quality Manual for Seed Testing Laboratory

In our last issue of Seed Info we described the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines for developing and using them. Similarly, working instructions known as Standard Administrative Procedures (SAPs) can be developed for laboratories for managerial tasks using the same guidelines and principles. In this issue we describe the 'Quality Manual' for seed testing laboratories.

The Quality Manual is simply the quality management standards i.e. ISO Guide 25 translated into a set of working documents for a given laboratory. ISO Guide 25 provides detailed guidelines for establishing an Integrated Quality Management System in all laboratories involved in quality control.
A typical Quality Manual contains four levels (Figure 1):
· Policies providing general information including the location, affiliation, purpose and quality policy of the laboratory. It also explains the areas of competence and the expertise available as well as the management structure and responsibilities in the laboratory. The policy statement should clearly spell out the proven competences for which the laboratory is accredited
· Working instructions and procedures defining how, who, why and when to do what (SOPs and SAPs) in the laboratory. The documents provide detailed and verifiable written methods for performing and controlling all the processes involved in generating and delivering goods and services that will meet the client specified requirements.
· Tools containing checklists, log books, test recording forms, certificates, etc used by the laboratory
· Non-in-house developed reference materials such as ISTA rules and handbooks