:bigwave:Hi there. I've recently come across some equipment (oscilloscopes, verniers, DDM, etc) stored in an uncontrolled (atmosphere) area at work.
The equipment is labled 'calibration date to start when next used'.
ie annually calibrated May 2008, is in storage until July 2008, cal due date re-defined to July 2009
Surely this is unacceptable?
If the equipment is externally annually calibrated May 2008, then the cal due date remains at May 2009!?
I'm due an audit soon & am after some solid evidence, but have been unable to find any within ISO 9001:2008.:frust:

Is the instrument accuracy likely to degrade while in storage? If so, then that wouldn't be good practice. If it won't degrade, then why not extend the due date?

Since your audit is ISO 9001:2008, look at what it says in 7.6a:
Where necessary to ensure valid results, measuring equipment shall a) be calibrated or verified, or both, at specified intervals, or prior to use...I know of several companies that have policies similar to what you've described. Some measuring equipment doesn't have a due date at all - because the calibration frequency (specified interval) is based on how many times the equipment is used. In this case they maintain a log of each time the equipment is used.

Is the instrument accuracy likely to degrade while in storage? If so, then that wouldn't be good practice. If it won't degrade, then why not extend the due date?

Since your audit is ISO 9001:2008, look at what it says in 7.6a:
I know of several companies that have policies similar to what you've described. Some measuring equipment doesn't have a due date at all - because the calibration frequency (specified interval) is based on how many times the equipment is used. In this case they maintain a log of each time the equipment is used.

I agree with Howste. The calibration process should be the result of a risk assessment. A lot of this will depend on the device's sensitivity to changes over time. Calibration is a fairly expensive process, so it is smart practice to look at each device (or family of devices), determine their specific use, frequency of use, environment, etc. and then decide on a calibration frequency; OR as Howste cited PRIOR TO USE.

Stijloor.

Another fairly common practice I've seen for plug gages and thread gages is to calibrate, then coat with plastic/wax. As long as the coating is intact, then the gages are considered to be in calibration. Once the coating is cut off, the calibration cycle clock starts ticking.

We use a delay procedure for our spare calibrated pressure gages. Once a gage is put into use, the clock starts.

We also use dual gages in our system and rotate sending out the "due" gage for recal and replacing it with the spare gage. Our dual gages are for cross check purposes and will indicate gage problems, if they occur. Waiting for recal time from third party is not an issue.

It sounds a little redundant with the extra gages, however, our production for hydrostatic and pneumatic testing is also safeguarded and will indicate if malfuntions or error occurs. The dual integrity in our system also gives our operators more running comfort with accurate test data.

Mike :cool:

:bigwave:Hi there. I've recently come across some equipment (oscilloscopes, verniers, DDM, etc) stored in an uncontrolled (atmosphere) area at work.


How uncontrolled is the area, could they have been used? could they have fallen etc.
IMO the best option is to keep a log of equipment that is "quarantined" for lack of use which allows you to extend the time according to the log.
"A specified interval" can be "a specified interval" whilst in use.

:bigwave:Hi there. I've recently come across some equipment (oscilloscopes, verniers, DDM, etc) stored in an uncontrolled (atmosphere) area at work.
The equipment is labled 'calibration date to start when next used'.
ie annually calibrated May 2008, is in storage until July 2008, cal due date re-defined to July 2009
Surely this is unacceptable?
If the equipment is externally annually calibrated May 2008, then the cal due date remains at May 2009!?
I'm due an audit soon & am after some solid evidence, but have been unable to find any within ISO 9001:2008.:frust:

The whole thing about ISO 9001 is it outlines broad principles but leaves the details to you! :agree1:

Taking your example. ISO doesn't know how you are going to use your oscilloscopes etc but you do. Calibration looks at a piece of equipment and checks it against a standard to see if it is still accurate. When you are looking at when and how to calibrate you consider whether the piece of equipment changes with use or over time (Some items drift), IF you are happy that the equipment only changes with use then 'delaying' the start of a cakibration period is fine if it is in storage. If it drifts over time then no, it isn't. If you need any help contact your equipment manufacturer.

Interesting points on top of those raised here are found in the discussions on this same topic and in the thread: Can Calibration Due Date start upon issuance of the device to production. (http://elsmar.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=21324)

:D Thanks to all who have given me good food for thought here.

:D Thanks to all who have given me good food for thought here.

Will you share the outcome of this situation? ;)

Stijloor.

I certainly will, again thanks

I am familiar with a practice where we had two sets of high precision gauge blocks. We always had one set calibrated, quarantined, well preserved and locked up while the other set was in use. When other set was due for calibration, it was sent out and the "shelf" set was put into the service. The old "in use" came back from calibration and was put on the shelf until needed.

These sets would sit on the shelf for about 5 months between calibration and first use. This practice was acceptable to all of our aerospace customers.

The whole thing about ISO 9001 is it outlines broad principles but leaves the details to you! :agree1:

Taking your example. ISO doesn't know how you are going to use your oscilloscopes etc but you do. Calibration looks at a piece of equipment and checks it against a standard to see if it is still accurate. When you are looking at when and how to calibrate you consider whether the piece of equipment changes with use or over time (Some items drift), IF you are happy that the equipment only changes with use then 'delaying' the start of a cakibration period is fine if it is in storage. If it drifts over time then no, it isn't. If you need any help contact your equipment manufacturer.

This sounds good and logical, but be careful that you procedure does not lock you into a process that does not allow this. When delaying the start of the calibration period you may need a documented justification.

Phil