Metal Detector Validation for SQF 8
Hi,
We purchased a metal detector a little less than a year ago and we have our SQF version 8 audit coming up right around the corner (in <3 weeks). We're located in Southern California but we're having a really hard time finding a third-party validation/calibration service to come out here and calibrate our detector without breaking the bank on this (and as we all know, preparing for and getting SQF audited is already a substantial financial burden/investment). So, on that note:
1) Does anyone happen to know of an affordable Southern CA service company that provides calibration services for metal detectors?
2) Our metal detector did also come with these three translucent block things, which looks like they're meant to be used to test the metal detectors (pictured below). Can these be used to test/validate our equipment by ourselves (i.e. in house)?
Why can't the company who bought it from calibrate it? Was it calibrated when it was installed?
So reading further, i'm guessing you're not actually using it...or at least I hope your not using it yet if no one understands how it works or how to check it
The blocks are preset types and sizes of different metals (or should be) to VERIFY that the metal detector is functioning as intended NOT for validating
You should be running those WITH product on a schedule that makes sense based on speed of processing line i/e 15 mins/30 min/1 hour etc as a check that the metal detector is functioning. That is all they are for.
The best place to look is the manufacturer
While Scampi makes valid points, If you bought the thing less than a year ago, and it was calibrated at the manufacturing facility, SQF should accept the calibration periodicity.
You will have to obtain the services of a company to come in at least once a year to "calibrate" the MD. They don't actually calibrate anything, they just verify it's working correctly and give you some paperwork that says so. This is what SQF (and BRC) is looking for.
Your use of the MD in your daily operations and the records you keep of MD challenges provide evidence and "verification" that the equipment is working correctly.
Marshall
Hi,
We purchased a metal detector a little less than a year ago and we have our SQF version 8 audit coming up right around the corner (in <3 weeks). We're located in Southern California but we're having a really hard time finding a third-party validation/calibration service to come out here and calibrate our detector without breaking the bank on this (and as we all know, preparing for and getting SQF audited is already a substantial financial burden/investment). So, on that note:
1) Does anyone happen to know of an affordable Southern CA service company that provides calibration services for metal detectors?
2) Our metal detector did also come with these three translucent block things, which looks like they're meant to be used to test the metal detectors (pictured below). Can these be used to test/validate our equipment by ourselves (i.e. in house)?
(2) There is no picture. Presumably certified test pieces (usually ferrous,non-ferrous,stainless steel) of designated dimensions.
Unless Code specifies that "Calibration" must be done (does it ?) which presumably involves technical tinkering, I don't see why you can't do the "Validation" (= sensitivity check) yourself. It's definitely not Rocket Science.
IIRC the primary object in calibration is to verify (a) that the signal output on detection (including in food matrix) is as per spec. plus (b) the rejection mechanism is working correctly.
IMEX (a) will prevent satisfactory validation if poor and (b) is self-evident if not working. :smile:
PS - Difficult to see how you can use MD for one year without knowing what the test pieces are for ??! Looks like one NC on the way.
Hi Stharayil,
There is work to do, as mentioned by the other forum members. Please have a look to the following link, to read how to do it right. I sincerly hope that the auditor will be nice!
https://qualitic4u.c...etal-detection/
Kind regards,
Gerard Heerkens