O o d h e a d p u b L i s h I n g L i m I t e d

2.7
Standardisation of measurement systems
The most important issue with any measurement, or measurement technology,
is to achieve a predictable consistency of the results. Consistency can only
be obtained after standardisation of sampling and testing processes, and to
do this, data must be collected on:
• sampling and sample preparation variation;
• calibration techniques for test instruments;
• between-instrument comparisons;
• repeatability of measurements on the same wools; and
• between-laboratory effects.
With this data, a test method can be established, the precision of the test
calculated and, if required by industry, a standard test method issued.
The International Wool Textile Organisation or IWTO (also known as the
Federation Lanière Internationale) was established in 1928 as an arbitration
body for the international trade of wool and wool products, and was born out
of an arbitration agreement signed between the representative bodies of the
British and French wool-textile industries in 1927.
IWTO soon realised that in order for contracts to be fully specified, objective
techniques for measuring wool characteristics and invoice weights were
required, thereby minimising the likelihood of a dispute but also providing
an objective basis for arbitration should a dispute arise. Consequently IWTO
now plays a central role in fostering the development of internationally
accepted test specifications for raw wool, wool sliver, yarns and fabrics.
Membership of IWTO is based on national committees from member
countries, each of which appoints delegates to attend each meeting. The
membership of each national committee is decided by the industry in the