9 replies to this topic

[James.Campbell]

Hey Everyone, Hope this is in the right place.

 

I work at a fresh produce packing facility in Australia, and we pack several products, each of a different weight.

 

Recently our auditor has raised an issue with the test masses we are using for our daily scale verification checks.

 

We pack products from 200g all the way up to 1kg.

 

My question is: Is there anywhere that specifically states what size test mass should be used depending on the product size?

 

Thanks in advance everyone!

 

James

[EvanAUS]

Hi James,
Can you quote the non-conformance?
The simple answer is no, but the standard requires that you verify the accuracy of the scales - it makes sense to do this using a test mass as near as practicable to the weight of your product.


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[Scampi]

No standard that I am aware of, other than what your doing makes sense for your applications

 

 

we have our scale calibrated by an external vendor once/year

 

We weigh up to about 800g

 

I use 5 test weights, 50g 20g 10g 5g and 5g...........i put them on the scale 1 at a time and record the displayed weight and remove them one at a time and record the weight

 

I would make sure you have at least 1 weight that is your allowable variance............so if the 200g pack can be 195 to 205 then you need a 5 grams weight

[jcieslowski]

The scale manufacturer may have a specific recommendation.  In general, I'd verify often with 3 weights:  a 'low end' a 'middle ground' and a 'high end' weight to make sure the scale is accurate at all the weights you're going to use it.

 

Then, of course, 3rd party verification of the scale AND THE WEIGHTS you use - done annually.

[Charles.C]

Hey Everyone, Hope this is in the right place.

 

I work at a fresh produce packing facility in Australia, and we pack several products, each of a different weight.

 

Recently our auditor has raised an issue with the test masses we are using for our daily scale verification checks.

 

We pack products from 200g all the way up to 1kg.

 

My question is: Is there anywhere that specifically states what size test mass should be used depending on the product size?

 

Thanks in advance everyone!

 

James

 

The calibration is basically comparing the reading to a pre-calibrated checkweight and verifying the reading is within acceptable tolerance.

 

Simplifying (Metrology is a vastly complicated topic) -

 

(1) what weight are you measuring  ? > post 2

(2) do you have validated check weights ?

(3) does yr balance have a specification ? For example some Analog/Digital state max error = 1% of full range, eg maximum 500g > +/- 5g.

If nothing known, the operational tolerance IMEX can (within auditorial  "reason") be set according to yr process requirements.

 

It might depend on what yr auditor actually commented.

[Brendan Triplett]

James,

There will not be a place that will tell you this but to give some backing on it I thought it would help to see the SQF code on it. The idea here being that there should be controls in place that will ensure that verficiations and validations are being done the calibrations and the calibration program. However, not specifying exactly how one goes about it. Using the same methodology over time will show consistency. Using weights that have been professionally made to global spoecifications will also help. Then, of course, have everything calibrated annually by a certified professional.


11.2.11 Calibration
11.2.11.1 The methods and responsibility for the calibration and re-calibration of measuring, test and inspection equipment used for monitoring activities outlined in pre-requisite program, food safety plans and food quality plans and other process controls, or to demonstrate compliance with customer specifications shall be documented and implemented. Software used for such activities shall be validated as appropriate.
11.2.11.2 Procedures shall be documented and implemented to address the disposition of potentially affected products should measuring, test and inspection equipment be found to be out of calibration state.
11.2.11.3 Calibrated measuring, test and inspected equipment shall be protected from damage and unauthorized adjustment.
11.2.11.4 Equipment shall be calibrated against national or international reference standards and methods or to accuracy appropriate to its use. In cases where standards are not available, the site shall provide evidence to support the calibration reference method applied.
11.2.11.5 Calibration shall be performed according to regulatory requirements and/or to the equipment manufacturers recommended schedule.
11.2.11.6 Calibration records shall be maintained

Hope this helps. Cheers!

[Ken Bookmyer]

Get a AU certified company in to check your scales do your daily with whatever they use. It looks like you can email the address below to get a list of licensed calibration companies for AU. 

ken

tmlicensees@measurement.gov.au

[Ken Bookmyer]

Get a AU certified company in to check your scales do your daily with whatever they use. It looks like you can email the address below to get a list of licensed calibration companies for AU. 

ken

tmlicensees@measurement.gov.au

[Brendan Triplett]

James,

Not sure if your facility falls under this jurisdiction but here is the ruling on scales and calibration from the National Measurement Institute from the Australian Government. It does not mention types of weights and I think you could use it as reasoning behind choosing your own standard. Good luck.

Cheers!

 NITP3.1.pdf   172.6KB   112 downloads

[redfox]

 Hello,

 

We also have multiple SKUs, and each have different net weight. We have different calibration ranges on our balance/scale and test weights/masses. Ex: 454.5 grams SKU, weighing scale is calibrated from 450, 455, 460 grams. We use calibrated sets of weights totaling to 455 grams. Correction of the balance and the correction of the weights must be applied.

 

regards,

redfox