Terms and Conditions

1. Purpose of the Scheme

The BIRA Proficiency Testing Scheme (“BIRA”) is designed to support participating laboratories and organisations by providing inter-laboratory comparison samples, data analysis, and summary reporting for benchmarking and learning purposes.

The Scheme is intended to promote technical understanding, continuous improvement, and discussion of analytical performance. It is not a certification, accreditation, or compliance audit.

2. Nature of the Results

Results provided under the BIRA:

1. are comparative and indicative only
2. reflect performance at a point in time
3. are influenced by sampling, handling, transport, analytical methods, and reporting practices

Participants acknowledge that BIRA results do not represent absolute truth, regulatory compliance, or fitness for any specific commercial or legal purpose.

3. Participant Responsibilities

Participants agree to:

1. analyse samples using their normal routine methods
2. follow any reasonable instructions provided with samples
3. report results accurately and in good faith
4. notify the Scheme organiser of any known issues that may materially affect results

Participants remain solely responsible for their own laboratory practices, quality systems, interpretations, and decisions made using Scheme outputs.

4. Use of Results

Results must not be represented as certification, accreditation evidence, or regulatory approval unless independently validated by an appropriate authority.

5. Limitations of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law BIRA organisers, directors, officers, employees, and contractors accept no liability for:

1. errors or omissions in sample preparation, data analysis, or reporting
2. misinterpretation or misuse of Scheme results
3. any direct, indirect, or consequential loss arising from participation

Participation in the Scheme is undertaken at the participant’s own discretion and risk.

Nothing in these Terms excludes liability that cannot legally be excluded under Australian Consumer Law.

6. No Professional or Regulatory Advice

Information provided through BIRA does not constitute professional advice, regulatory guidance, legal, commercial, or accreditation advice.

Participants should seek independent advice where results may affect regulatory submissions, commercial decisions, or contractual obligations.

7. Confidentiality

Individual participant results will be treated as confidential. Reports will typically present anonymised or coded results. BIRA will not disclose identifiable participant data to third parties without consent, except where required by law.

8. Intellectual Property

BIRA  materials, reports, methodologies, and data analysis frameworks remain the intellectual property of the Scheme organiser. Participants retain ownership of their own raw analytical data.

9. Scheme Changes and Availability

The BIRA organiser may from time to time modify sample design, reporting formats, or schedules, suspend or discontinue a round where circumstances require.

Reasonable efforts will be made to communicate changes promptly.

10. Acceptance of Terms

Participation BIRA constitutes acceptance of these Terms & Conditions.