For many workplaces, it is paramount to keep a record of tool calibration and proof that instruments are meeting manufacturer or health and safety specifications. A good quality calibration partner can help you keep track of your tools and ensure they are all calibrated. You should have a quality records system in place for your organisation, which usually includes documentation and control of devices.
You should have a master list of all the tools that need calibration
This list should include all the tools that need to be calibrated. For each device, please include the number, manufacturer, serial number, location (shop floor or in storage), calibration data, calibration interval (if applicable) and next calibration date. This list allows the responsible maintenance personnel to manage the tools and their calibration.
Determine the identification of the tools
There should be a procedure defining which tools must be labelled with their calibration requirements. Devices that do not need calibration can have stickers telling people this and others telling users to "Calibrate before using".
Even the highest quality tools can go off-specification over time; this is why regular calibration is required. Calibration takes a lot of time and money. But imagine having to recall all the cars in your automotive industry or suffering an aeroplane crash because of a malfunctioning tool!
You should have a calibration procedure for each type of tool.
In some cases, many tools are calibrated internally by transfer standards in the industry. For example, transfer standards can be reference thermometers for ovens, and calibration gauge blocks for dimensional calibrations such as callipers, rulers and tapes. The internal calibration procedures must be documented and validated within a quality system to ensure they are operating correctly and producing accurate results.
There are different calibration records, and they must be kept for each tool. If you need to export data that could help you identify when to recalibrate your instruments, these records will be beneficial.
You should have a procedure for the usage, handling and storage of the tools
Manufacturers recommend using specific instructions regarding how you use each tool. Tool storage must also be up to code. It's essential to have procedures to deal with equipment, like how they should be handled and stored; this will help increase the lifespan of your tools.
Need your tools calibrated?
Does your business have tools that need calibrating? Haven’t calibrated your equipment in a few years, or ever? We highly recommend booking your equipment for a mobile testing service to keep your tools operating accurately. Contact Tekcal to arrange a service today by calling us at +44 (0) 1482 242 123 or dropping us an email at info@tekcal.co.uk.