Can you defer a calibration start date on equipment which is in storage?

T

Tiger24

#1
: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:
 
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howste

Thaumaturge
Super Moderator
#2
Re: Can you defer a calibration start date on equipment which is in storage

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:
ISO 9001:2008 said:
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.
 

Stijloor

Staff member
Super Moderator
#3
Re: Can you defer a calibration start date on equipment which is in storage

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.
 

howste

Thaumaturge
Super Moderator
#4
Re: Can you defer a calibration start date on equipment which is in storage

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.
 
M

Mike Scott

#5
Re: Can you defer a calibration start date on equipment which is in storage

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:
 

Howard Atkins

Forum Administrator
Staff member
Admin
#6
Re: Can you defer a calibration start date on equipment which is in storage

: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.
 

Paul Simpson

Trusted Information Resource
#7
Re: Can you defer a calibration start date on equipment which is in storage

: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.
 
T

Tiger24

#9
Re: Can you defer a calibration start date on equipment which is in storage

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