In today’s ever-changing technical landscape it is vital more than ever that measuring equipment used throughout all industries are accurate when relaying information of a physical quality or nature. Precision and reliability are key to providing correct measurements, which are indispensable and essential for decision-making and task performance in a number of professions including the medical field and automotive, agricultural and engineering industries.
All measuring instruments, therefore, need to be quantified with a high standard of verification in order to produce reliable data readings for accurate and decisive action. The verification process known as Calibration is used to authenticate and confirm the readings of any given tool or instrument matched against a particular standardised benchmark. Measuring equipment that does not reach a specific level of tolerance will require some form of Calibration, which ensures it is then working according to manufacturer’s guidelines and international standards.
Calibrating Equipment for maintaining Process Safety
To maintain a safe process when using any measuring equipment, for example, pressure, weight and electricity it is extremely vital to ensure the volume being measured is precise in relation to product maintenance safety standards. If this is not adhered to problems will arise that have the potential to cause dangerous and hazardous issues in relation to safety. Take for example an engineer replacing a safety valve using a torque tool such as a wrench, which has not been calibrated accurately then there is a considerable risk to safety as the force measurement will be inaccurate and a precise analysis of data would not be able to be recorded.
There are many other instances where instrument calibration are vital, for example the use of gas detectors to measure the precise concentration of gases in spaces such as landfills, shipping containers, mines and the oil/petroleum industry. Faulty data analysis from un-calibrated equipment would be catastrophic if inaccurate leading to the incorrect measurement of gas levels, which could lead to a build of toxic gases and the possibility of explosions or suffocation.
Accurate Calibration Will Minimize the Loss of Revenue
In any industry either commercial or manufacturing there is a chance of revenue loss if measuring equipment is inaccurate. Any slight mistake in measurement readings will cause time delays and possible safety concerns for your business. The food industry, such as supermarkets’ or chilled food manufacturing relies heavily on accurate temperature readings. Imagine if you will a large supermarket company who rely on the use of digital thermometer probes, thermocouple thermometers and temperature data loggers to keep a constant record of their chilled or frozen produce. If their thermometers are not calibrated within the manufacturers guidelines and to safety standards then their readings will be inaccurate, which could mean the produce could spoil, defrost and their customers could be at risk of food poisoning. This would inevitably lead to produce being thrown out or replaced or the worst case scenario customers becoming sick due to food poisoning. This would lead to loss of revenue for the company through food spoilage and possible legal action from effected customers.
Setting up a regular calibration programme for your measuring equipment will minimize the possibility for any faulty readings or data analysis. This will in turn prevent any loss of revenue through the use of accurate measuring instrumentation.
The Significance of Maintaining Calibration Certification
When a client requires the services of a calibration laboratory they need to know their measuring equipment is being maintained and repaired to the highest standard and within the manufacturer’s guidelines. Independent verification plays an important role here as it helps to corroborate the reliability of the service offered by any company. Sustained certification by means of continued calibration maintenance fortifies a laboratories consistent high standards, trust and reputation as a leading service provider when performing the required instrument examinations.
The inspection of calibration laboratories are carried out regularly by an approved independent standards authority to maintain authentic industry recognition. For example, in Ireland all calibration laboratories undergo a thorough and meticulous inspection carried out by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), which comply with the guidelines set out in the Quality Management System I.S. EN ISO 9001: 2015 . They carry out examinations and audits to assess all the laboratory testing and measuring equipment, the technicians, practices, processes and quality of the systems used for calibration purposes.
To guarantee that your equipment is calibrated to the correct standards it is vital that an authorised calibration laboratory is used. CalibrationLab is a leading provider in terms of calibration services. With over 25 years experience in calibration, instrumentation and process control they offer a guaranteed service to their customers that is validated with traceable certification. They offer a quick turnaround that minimizes any loss of time to your business.
For more information or to schedule your next device calibration, email sales@calibrationlab.ie or phone 057 866 2162.