8 replies to this topic

[Martinblue]

Hi All,

As per BRC Clause 6.3.2:


Calibration of equipments should be to a defined method traceable to recognized national and internal standards where possible.

Does any one know what these recognized standards are? I got my scales calibrated form a company (claimed to be recognized). How i can check that the company has followed the set standards and how can be traced.

Is it mandatory to present separate certificates for each equipments(scales) or producing a certificate listing all scales with calibration results would be suffice.

Is is mandatory to stick calibration stickers on the scales?


Please share your expertise and thoughts.

Regards

Martinblue

[Charles.C]

Dear martinblue,

How i can check that the company has followed the set standards and how can be traced.

Simple. It should tell you on the certificate. If it doesn't, ask for it.

For example thermometer certificates normally state that the calibration data derives from a unit traceable to NIST or somebody equally acceptable.

For balances, the weights used should be similarly "guaranteed". And typically made of Stainless Steel.

You can buy them yourself if you wish.

Is is mandatory to stick calibration stickers on the scales?

Same answer as another recent thread. If it's not "documented", it didn't happen. Most people prefer a sticker to avoid forgetting. Although I suppose that a unit with a unique identification number (eg engraved or riveted number plate) would work also if referenced on the certificate.

Rgds / Charles.C

[ScottN_AMQA]

A certified 3rd party can do the calibration of scales, ask for a copy of their ISO 17025 certificate.
A ledger of calibrated equipment should include the serial number, the date of last calibration (be sure to include any spare equipment).
Stickers can be placed on scales or the underside of the table / bench part of the scale.
You should have a program for calibrations that list frequency of calibration, acceptable ranges, and corrective actions.

[mikysya]

My boss is deny at all to do scales calibration every year. I was trying to convince him, but he says that in the USA it's not a law, it's only requirements. My audit is coming on February and calibration is due in December. I don't know how to convince him.
Do you all have any ideas?
Thank you

[George @ Safefood 360°]

It may not be a legal requirement to calibrate scales(or any other measuring instrument) every year. However there is an obligation to produce safe food products and a risk based calibration programme is essential for this.

Certified calibrations can be an expensive business and it is possible your boss is keeping one eye on the costs and why not. It is part of the job. So try explaining to the boss that if he/she feels the cost is too high - try comparing it to the cost of a food safety recall from the market...

George.

[Charles.C]

Dear mikysya,

Well, as far as the standard is concerned, I daresay the legality / safety issue may depend on what yr product / process is and where you are. ?? Wholesale of raw potatoes in Ukraine ?

BRC ver5, 5.5.1 - The company shall undertake or subcontract inspection and analyses which are critical to confirm product safety, legality and quality, using appropriate procedures, facilities and standards which prevent risk to product safety

Note the word critical (but perhaps only relevant to retail).

calibration is subsequently referenced 2 or 3 times.

Ver 6 the same ?

I suppose yr boss is willing to read the standard ? (inc. the [implied] committment requirements of [upper] Management aspects)?

Rgds / Charles.C

[Allsafe]

Hello
The certificate issued should state 'Traceable to .......' (they usually state National Standards). I would also be aware that i have experienced many auditors ask for evidence of calibration of the instruments used for calibration - so whilst asking your calibration company for confirmation of traceability ask for this as well. They should provide certificates for the equipment they have used.
Not all equipment needs to be calibrated as you can verify instruments yourself. For example if you have stamped weights (calibrated) you can use these to verify your scales on a daily basis but this must be recorded and I would include this on your calibration / verification schedule. Best to have at least one fully calibrated scale so you can ensure the accurancy of the stamped weights.
Finally, yes all calibrated instruments must be identified with a label stating calibration status and this usually includes when next due.
All the best,
Russell.


Calibration of equipments should be to a defined method traceable to recognized national and internal standards where possible.

Does any one know what these recognized standards are? I got my scales calibrated form a company (claimed to be recognized). How i can check that the company has followed the set standards and how can be traced.

Is it mandatory to present separate certificates for each equipments(scales) or producing a certificate listing all scales with calibration results would be suffice.

Is is mandatory to stick calibration stickers on the scales?


Please share your expertise and thoughts.

Regards

Martinblue








[/quote]

[Charles.C]

Dear Allsafe,

For example if you have stamped weights (calibrated) you can use these to verify your scales on a daily basis but this must be recorded and I would include this on your calibration / verification schedule.

Thks for input.

As you indicate, auditors may require weights to be calibrated. In practice I hv encountered frequency expectations ranging from zero - 5 years ! I think the usual approach is to designate "primary/secondary" masters and chain the padlocked containers for former category to the lab wall.
IMEX auditors also tend to be somewhat critical of secondary bronze masters exhibiting a slightly greenish tinge.

Rgds / Charles.C

[Tony-C]

Hi All,
As per BRC Clause 6.3.2:
Calibration of equipments should be to a defined method traceable to recognized national and internal standards where possible.
Does any one know what these recognized standards are? I got my scales calibrated form a company (claimed to be recognized). How i can check that the company has followed the set standards and how can be traced.
Is it mandatory to present separate certificates for each equipments(scales) or producing a certificate listing all scales with calibration results would be suffice.
Is is mandatory to stick calibration stickers on the scales?
Please share your expertise and thoughts.
Regards

Martinblue

Hi Martin,

The United Kingdom Accreditation Service is the sole national accreditation body recognised by government to assess, against internationally agreed standards, organisations that provide certification, testing, inspection and calibration services.

Calibration Laboratories Schedules

Click on the link - To view the scope of accreditation of an organisation, click on the Accreditation Number of the body.

BRC Clause 6.3.1 requires you to identify and control measuring equipment to monitor CCP's, product safety and legality including:
- documented list of equipment and its location
- an identification code and calibration due date
It doesn't specifically mention a label/calibration sticker on the instrument/scale but this is quite common practice and makes it easier to identify the scale and its calibration status.

As long as all the details/scales are covered there is no reason why a single certificate wouldn't be acceptable.

One thing you could consider is using stamped & certified weights to check/calibrate your scales.

Regards,

Tony

Edited by Tony-C, 04 September 2011 - 08:57 AM.