J
J.R. Strickland
Calibration by OEM vs Accredited Laboratory
We have an ongoing (going on 4 years now) argument with our Registrar regarding the use of OEM equipment manufacturers vs accredited labs. The note in Section 4.11.2.b.1 states that "Where a qualified laboratory does not exist for a given piece of equipment, calbration services may be performed by the original equipment manufacturer". Our Registrar has interpreted this to mean we must show evidence that a qualified laboratory does not exist prior to utilizing the original equipment manufacturer for calibration services. This issue really came to light during one of our surveillance audits when the assessor inquired as to the "accreditation" of the calibrator of a particular piece of mechanical measuring equipment. The situation is that the OEM had a local field representative that could drive in from about 50 miles away and perform the cal. The nearest "accredited" lab was on the west coast. Not needing to be a rocket scientist to determine the cost implications and assuming the OEM field representative knows his/her own equipment better than some 3rd party, we took the field rep approach. Our auditor says we should have flown the person in from CA. Our position has been,and continues to be, calibration by the original measurement equipment manufacturer should be acceptable, without searching for a "qualified laboratory".
Any comments, different interpretation approaches from different registrars, other pearls of wisdom would be appreciated.
------------------
We have an ongoing (going on 4 years now) argument with our Registrar regarding the use of OEM equipment manufacturers vs accredited labs. The note in Section 4.11.2.b.1 states that "Where a qualified laboratory does not exist for a given piece of equipment, calbration services may be performed by the original equipment manufacturer". Our Registrar has interpreted this to mean we must show evidence that a qualified laboratory does not exist prior to utilizing the original equipment manufacturer for calibration services. This issue really came to light during one of our surveillance audits when the assessor inquired as to the "accreditation" of the calibrator of a particular piece of mechanical measuring equipment. The situation is that the OEM had a local field representative that could drive in from about 50 miles away and perform the cal. The nearest "accredited" lab was on the west coast. Not needing to be a rocket scientist to determine the cost implications and assuming the OEM field representative knows his/her own equipment better than some 3rd party, we took the field rep approach. Our auditor says we should have flown the person in from CA. Our position has been,and continues to be, calibration by the original measurement equipment manufacturer should be acceptable, without searching for a "qualified laboratory".
Any comments, different interpretation approaches from different registrars, other pearls of wisdom would be appreciated.
------------------