AASHTO re:source Q&A Podcast S6 E03: The Evolution of Accreditation with Peter Unger

Pete Unger takes us behind the curtain of the global laboratory accreditation system that quietly protects our everyday safety. With nearly five decades of experience, Pete reveals how a problem with redundant product testing in the 1970s sparked an international movement that revolutionized how we ensure quality in construction materials and beyond.

The conversation unravels the fascinating evolution of laboratory standards from early negotiations between the US and Denmark to today's sophisticated global network. Pete, who helped write the original ISO Guide 25 (predecessor to ISO/IEC 17025) and chaired ILAC for nine years, shares insider perspectives on how these systems developed and why they matter. His firsthand accounts of international diplomacy and standards development provide rare insights into a system most people never think about.

What makes this discussion particularly compelling is Pete's candid explanation of how accreditation prevents dangerous practices. He recounts troubling examples of laboratories that would test just one concrete cylinder but report values for three - shortcuts that could lead to catastrophic structural failures. These stories highlight the real-world importance of proper testing oversight, especially in construction where lives depend on accurate results.

The episode also demystifies complex topics like Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) and Multilateral Agreements (MLAs), explaining how they facilitate international trade while maintaining quality standards. Pete's work with organizations like the Canadian Lumber Standards Accreditation Board demonstrates how these agreements eliminate redundant testing of products crossing borders, saving money without compromising safety.

Whether you work in quality assurance, construction, international trade, or simply care about the safety of the buildings and bridges you use daily, this conversation offers valuable perspective on the hidden systems that protect public safety. As Pete emphasizes, accreditation isn't about bureaucracy – it's about ensuring that when test results matter, they're reliable every time.