We are having trouble with this clause. 7.6 states that "measuring equipment shall d) Be safeguarded against adjustments that would invalidate the measurement result." How can I safeguard equipment like calipers and dial gages that can be adjusted by any operator on the floor? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.:bonk:

Generally, my experience with this has been to take whatever reasonable safeguards that can be made to control unauthorized adjustments.

The zero button on a caliper is a normal/routine operation, and in my opinion, does not need to be controlled. You might consider a small wax drop or something on the zero hole for a micrometer, as I consider that adjustment not normal/ routine. If you do, then disregard that suggestion.

Safeguards are to deter an individual from 'tweeking' pots/switches/etc. that don't need to be tweeked.

Calipers and such, that can be "zeroed" by anyone at anytime can be handled by training and written procedures/work instructions, or you can disable the ability to reset by placing a guard on the equipment. We had faceplate manufactured to guard the reset functions on micrometers at the last plant I was with. They were plexiglass covers that had tiny holes drilled so that you could only reset the mic with a paperclip or other small diameter object. This kept people with big finger syndrome from inadvertently resetting the gage. We only allowed calipers to be used by technical personnel with special competency requirements. (lab techs, maintenance machinists)

Tamper evident seals where possible and appropriate (like thread gauge ring adjusters sealed with wax, or pressure transducer cases sealed with a tear label), training elsewhere.

That's how we do it.

Tamper evident seals where possible and appropriate (like thread gauge ring adjusters sealed with wax, or pressure transducer cases sealed with a tear label), training elsewhere.

That's how we do it.

Yes. And sometimes "safeguards" are present in the system, as opposed to being physically attached to a device. For example, the system documentation might include a policy that states that people who spuriously adjust measuring devices will be beaten with sticks. The burden of proof then falls on the auditor (or other skeptical observer) to show that the safeguard isn't effective in the absence of objective evidence to the contrary.

For example, the system documentation might include a policy that states that people who spuriously adjust measuring devices will be beaten with sticks.

where did you get a copy of my procedure?

I use an inspector's laquer to cover the gib screws on calipers. I also cover the screws holding the back on indicators. This covers the cal lab but doesn't necessarily prevent adjustment, but the auditors love it. I have yet to find a method to prevent "I don't know" from making adjustments. This is the individual that is blamed for ALL malfunctions of gages on the production floor.

Hope this helps.