What if - Measuring Instrument not release for calibration

[LesPiles]

Hello everyone,



In my organization, our quality department is responsible for the calibration program.

Normally everything works fine.

Recently we asked the user of measuring equipment (an RD department member – not sure if this detail is worth mentioning or not) to give us an instrument so that we can send it to a cal laboratory (calibration is subcontracted). However, the engineer holds the equipment. Usually, in such cases, we usually rent another instrument (which allows the user to release the instrument to us).

What is currently bothering us is that the user would like to retain the equipment for a maximum of one (1) month... It seems to me that renting an equipment for only one (1) month does not seem reasonable.



On the other hand, an audit by the registrar is planned during this month and – of course – we wouldn’t want to have a NC relating to this issue.

The question is: “During this month, what should we do?” »

A) Indicate “Out of calibration” on the measuring instrument.

B) Notify the user that we transfer the risk (he will become responsible if the instrument provides false measurements);

C) …



Thanks !



LesPiles

 

[Jen Kirley]

I believe you are saying the RD people will need this instrument in the coming month. Is that correct?

If yes, will they still need it when the month is over?

When is the calibration coming due?

 

[SeanN]

More details are required to give advice to your specific situation. As an option, treat it as a planned deviation. Do the risk assessment as needed. Well document everything for the audit.

 

[qusys]

Hello everyone,



In my organization, our quality department is responsible for the calibration program.

Normally everything works fine.

Recently we asked the user of measuring equipment (an RD department member – not sure if this detail is worth mentioning or not) to give us an instrument so that we can send it to a cal laboratory (calibration is subcontracted). However, the engineer holds the equipment. Usually, in such cases, we usually rent another instrument (which allows the user to release the instrument to us).

What is currently bothering us is that the user would like to retain the equipment for a maximum of one (1) month... It seems to me that renting an equipment for only one (1) month does not seem reasonable.



On the other hand, an audit by the registrar is planned during this month and – of course – we wouldn’t want to have a NC relating to this issue.

The question is: “During this month, what should we do?” »

A) Indicate “Out of calibration” on the measuring instrument.

B) Notify the user that we transfer the risk (he will become responsible if the instrument provides false measurements);

C) …



Thanks !



LesPiles

How do you manage the calibration program of your tools? How do you track the due dates for them and how you manage the external calibration supplier? Is it important this tool for RD scope and could it be for reference only for their measurement scope?

 

[luckyphil78]

How expensive is this item?

Maybe purchase a second device and have it ready to use so when it's time to calibrate the first item, you can swap them over.

Having the second device may also act as a spare if the first item was to break or fail calibration.