I would like some advice from someone (anyone) who can let me know if my current practices for tape measure verification is sufficient for the TS 16949 standard....
Background info:
Tape measures are used to measure the widths of steel coils. This measurement goes on the customer's paperwork. Steel coils range in widths from 35" to 65". Tightest width tolerance (per ASTM requirements) is 3/16".
Current practice:
1. When new tapes arrive at our facility (Komelon brand), they are pulled out against a Starrett 72" certified steel rule. Each inch increment is verified for accuracy, then issued to operators on the shop floor.
2. The operators inspect the tapes at the beginning of each 12-hour shift for any damage such as kinks, wear and tear, etc, that would invalidate measurement results. During this inspection, they also test the accuracy of the tape's end piece with a certified Mitutoyo 1" gage block. If there is any kind of damage along the operating range of the tape or the end piece, they are instructed to discard the tapes and get a new one.
3. If the tapes last that long (mill environments can be rough!), then the tapes are brought back to the lab and pulled out against the 72" certified rule again after 2 years. If they pass, they are reissued; if not, they are disposed of and corrective action is taken place if it is suspected that material has been measured incorrectly.
Suggested practice by QMS dept:
The 1" block is not enough. Instead, operators should be using certified 72" steel rules at each shift (instead of the 2-year interval currently in place).
Arguments against suggested practice by QMS:
1. The certified steel rules are relatively expensive ($600-700 each), compared to the 1" blocks (about $15 each).
2. MSA studies (specifically stability) has indicated that the current process is stable enough to not require modification to the 2-year verification interval on the 72" rule.
3. Claims/complaint/internal hold data does not suggest any width issues arising from out-of-spec tape measures.
4. It's a tape measure, for goodness sakes. If it's good when you bought it and doesn't become damaged, then it remains good.
If anyone can point me to a clause in any standard or ISO guidance material where our current practices are noncompliant, then please do so. I am also a TS 16949:2002 certified lead auditor; I'm not sure why QMS department is unsatisfied with our verification process for tapes. I have also searched ISO 10012:2003 and have found nothing in there that suggests we are noncompliant. Am I overlooking something somewhere?
HELP!!