Calibration of equipment in an A2LA accredited testing laboratory

S

shawnann

#1
Sorry if this has been asked before, but I didn't notice it in any searches.

We are starting out to become A2LA accredited for doing testing and I have a question regarding calibration. One of the tests we are planning on being certified to do is a thickness test. We will be using an Elcometer that we purchase from the manufacturer and we also have it calibrated by that manufacturer. Since the equipment is being calibrated by the manufacturer, do they need to be A2LA accredited?

I was talking to someone from A2LA regarding us getting started and wanted to make sure I had all the information we needed and he had mentioned that we need to make sure the company that does the calibration services for us has the A2LA logo or that they reference ISO/IEC 17025 on their lab calibration certifications. The previous certifications we've received from them do not show either of these things and when I called to ask if they were A2LA accredited, the guy just said, "No, we are the manufacturer".

I emailed the guy from A2LA regarding this, but have not heard anything back and I really need to know if we need to find a new company to do our calibrations or if this is something that is acceptable since the company we deal with is the manufacturer of the equipment.

TIA!
 
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J

JAltmann

#2
Re: Calibration of equipment

You need to have it calibrated by an accredited 17025 source that also has a current MRA (mutual recognition agreement) with the A2LA.
 
#3
Re: Calibration of equipment

Shawnann:

This type of response is (unfortunately) all too familiar! Being the manufacturer doesn't give them any special dispensations. Indeed, they often don't have a clue other than basic calibration 'blocking and tackling'!

You will need to ensure that, if not actually accredited, that they can provide details of the basis of their cal. like uncertainty, traceability etc., much as you would be required to provide.
 
S

shawnann

#4
Re: Calibration of equipment

You will need to ensure that, if not actually accredited, that they can provide details of the basis of their cal. like uncertainty, traceability etc., much as you would be required to provide.
So technically we could still use them, but it could turn out to be a bigger hassle providing all the proof an auditor would require than to just find another calibration company that is accredited.

:thanx:
 

Hershal

Metrologist-Auditor
Staff member
Super Moderator
#5
It may be easier to find another lab, but depending on what they produce that may be a challenge.....

Go to www.aplac.org to find the signatory bodies that A2LA will recognize. In your area it is likely that you will run into L-A-B, ACLASS, NVLAP, IAS, and SCC/CLAS (Canada), all of which are accepted by A2LA, and so look for a lab accredited by one of them, or of course by A2LA.....
 
D

D.Scott

#6
Re: Calibration of equipment

So technically we could still use them, but it could turn out to be a bigger hassle providing all the proof an auditor would require than to just find another calibration company that is accredited.

:thanx:
I am not disputing the previous posts as I may not have up-to-the-minute information.

I would like to make a few comments based on my certification as a 2pCP auditor. For those who are unfamiliar, 2pCP is the Second Party Calibration Lab Program set up by the AIAG and Big 3 to facilitate an inexpensive way to approve and list (not register) calibration labs as refered to in the automotive standard.

First, unless there has been a recent update, certification of calibration by the OEM is acceptable so long as they meet the calibration requirements and are traceable to a national/international standard. Most OEMs will provide a certificate of calibration when asked. Be advised though that they sometimes charge extra for one as they may have to have the calibration subcontracted.

It should also be noted that in the case of certain "unique" equipment, a calibration lab might not be available with the equipment covered in their scope. In this event calibration/verification may be done by the OEM.

Secondly I would like to caution you on the use of A2LA as a "requirement". A2LA is one of a number of sources to audit and recommend a lab for certification. The comment "You need to have it calibrated by an accredited 17025 source that also has a current MRA (mutual recognition agreement) with the A2LA." is misleading. I am sure the poster didn't mean that A2LA was the only approved source.

I would appreciate input from some of our calibration guys here so we are all on the same page. Please remember I am not active in this auditing field and things may have changed.

Dave
 
D

Daniel Walker - 2011

#7
If you have a unique piece of equipment that cannot be calibrated by anyone other than the manufacturer, then you may have a legitimate argument for your AB. The ultimate answer is to clarify with them.

If this piece of equipment is not that unique, and labs are readily available (17025 Accredited by an ILAC MRA signatory), then your AB will most likely require that you get a 17025 accredited certificate.

Again, you must get clarification from A2LA, or your Accreditation Body of choice, before you decide.
 
S

shawnann

#8
I'm still waiting word from A2LA regarding this to see what exactly they say. I can't see why the the company that manufacturs the elcometers wouldn't be allowed to calibrate their own equipment and not be A2LA accredited, but then again I don't see why they wouldn't get accredited.

If I don't hear back from them within the next couple days, I'll email them again.

:thanx: for your comments and responses!
 
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