8 replies to this topic

[FS consultant]

Hi everyone,

We had IFS audit few days ago and the auditor pointed out about the calibration of weigh balance. We have been calibrating the weigh balance internally with calibrated weights. We place one weight on the balance and check the error, if any. It was pointed out that the calibration procedure of the same is more than this simple one. Can anyone please help me on this? From where can I get the reference?

Regards.

Poulami

[Charles.C]

Hi everyone,

We had IFS audit few days ago and the auditor pointed out about the calibration of weigh balance. We have been calibrating the weigh balance internally with calibrated weights. We place one weight on the balance and check the error, if any. It was pointed out that the calibration procedure of the same is more than this simple one. Can anyone please help me on this? From where can I get the reference?

Regards.

Poulami

Dear Poulami,

A little more info. would be helpful.
eg what was the auditor's actual complaint ? eg incorrectly calibrated or inappropriate selected checkweight?, wrong tolerance on the balance ? or ?
What level of product weight are we talking about ?

Rgds / Charles.C

[FS consultant]

Hi Charles,

The weight range is 50 -500 kg for one and upto 5 kg for another. He was saying that the calibration is not simply putting the calibrated weight and noting the error. He mentioned something about comparison with more than one reading.It was not about incorrect calibration or inappropriately selected checkweight..




Rgds

Poulami

[Charles.C]

Hi Charles,

The weight range is 50 -500 kg for one and upto 5 kg for another. He was saying that the calibration is not simply putting the calibrated weight and noting the error. He mentioned something about comparison with more than one reading.It was not about incorrect calibration or inappropriately selected checkweight..

Rgds

Poulami

Dear Poulami,

And what was the weight of yr "calibrated" checkweight(s), and the typical product weight(s) you were measuring with it/them ?

And what was yr criterion for an acceptable balance ? eg how much tolerance on the balance scale at the relevant check point?

Rgds / Charles.C

PS I'm assuming we are talking about individually weighed items and not statistical conformance for a continuous checkweigher on a production line.

[Philips]

Its unfortunate that auditors want us to do things the way they feel need to be done. This procedure is correct so long as you have the records to show the weights are calibrated following international standards and you have the records for internal calibration. One major problem with our auditors is they are not objective; they dont add value to processes. What is wrong with you calibrating scales with a propelry calibrated weight.


I have not issue with the system, its okay

[FS consultant]

Hi,

I apologize for delay in replying. I was travelling these past few days. There was no problem with the tolerance, frequency of calibration, etc. I suppose he was pointing to some recognized standard / method of calibration. Please help if you know anything about this.




Regards,

Poulami

[Charles.C]

Hi,

I apologize for delay in replying. I was travelling these past few days. There was no problem with the tolerance, frequency of calibration, etc. I suppose he was pointing to some recognized standard / method of calibration. Please help if you know anything about this.
Regards,

Poulami

Dear Poulami,

The basic problem is that yr recollection of the auditor's criticism is rather vague. Normally for a significant NC, the auditor will detail the problem (most auditees will demand this of course, particularly since they are paying for the "service" !). Was the non-conformance actually below minor ?, ie acceptable ?

Anyway, I suggest you post yr current calibration procedure here so that the possible reasons for the auditor's comments may perhaps then become more clear. Including an actual calibration data record should also help.

Rgds / Charles.C

[FS consultant]

Dear Charles,

This point was not a non-conformance in the audit. The auditor suggested to follow some recognised process for calibration, rather than just verifying against calibrated standard weight.

Rgds

Poulami

[Charles.C]

Dear Charles,

This point was not a non-conformance in the audit. The auditor suggested to follow some recognised process for calibration, rather than just verifying against calibrated standard weight.

Rgds

Poulami

Dear Poulami,

So are you mainly seeking a quotable reference to an official calibration procedure for balances ? That should be easier for people to answer (can't remember off-hand if there are any on this forum already, I think yes but maybe specific for line checkweighers to define calibration frequency / nominal weights to use).

Personally, for isolated units, i hv always used officially (annually) calibrated, appropriate primary "master" checkweight(s) to calibrate designated "master" balances which used to define additional "sub-master" checkweights. Plus apply tolerance limits appropriate to the products' weight/size specifications and including validation of accuracy across the range of actual weights to be operationally measured. Never been asked for any reference luckily.

Rgds / Charles.C

PS digital units make some of the above more automated of course.