METHODOLOGY FOR A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO IDENTIFYING, ASSESSING AND MINIMISING POTENTIAL RISKS IN TESTING LABORATORIES

Abstract

The study focuses on the risks arising from the activities of a testing laboratory that assesses the technical condition of wheeled vehicles. The quality of these assessments is affected by the reliability of the results and compliance with established standards, and it is here that the risks arise. Studies have shown that these risks are often systemic and affect management effectiveness. Each stage — identification, analysis, assessment and management of risks — requires mandatory documentation to ensure transparency, reproducibility and the possibility of an external audit. The materials consider the risks that arise in testing laboratory processes. The impact of these risks on management quality, vehicle safety and the stability of road transport infrastructure is analysed. Risks are defined as a complex and multifaceted phenomenon requiring a systematic approach to analysis and management that takes into account their nature, sources of occurrence, and potential consequences for laboratory activities. A multifactor risk analysis model is proposed to qualitatively improve the activities of the Educational, Scientific and Production Motor Vehicle Laboratory (NNVAL). It provides a quantitative assessment of risk levels. Its effectiveness is confirmed by its compliance with international standards, particularly DSTU EN ISO/IEC 17025:2019. The model improves the reliability of results and reduces the level of risk by 15–20%.The research results can be implemented in testing laboratories, technical control bodies, and motor vehicle infrastructure enterprises. NNVAL forms an annual risk management plan as part of its activities, which allows for short-term analysis of potential