Our company has 3 large floor scales.
- 2 floor scales with batch tanks sitting atop, 500-1500 lbs. batched at a time.
- 1 floor scale for packaging, we package in bulk - so weights of 500 - 2300 lbs.
We receive quarterly scale calibration from our scale contractor.
We recently had a GMP inspection and were instructed scale weight checks were necessary (not indicating that I do not agree with this, although my Production Management sees differently). The batch tanks cannot easily be moved off of their floor scales. This would require a few hours of work prior to production activities, and we operate only one shift from 7-3pm. Additionally, we do not produce every day. Our production schedule is based off of orders received.
- What is an acceptable frequency for larger range scales? My understanding is the tolerance range is greater, reducing the likelihood that the scales are out of range
- What is an acceptable weight range for the check weights?
- For these large scales, would a monthly external check suffice? Our past records indicate that the scales are rarely out of range during their quarterly checks. We have a small warehousing facility - sanitarily storing large 1000lbs check weights would prove to be an issue, coupled with the cost of recertifying my thought is to simply contract the task out.
Thanks for any input anyone may have!
For reference - we will be going for NSF Dietary Supplement GMPs certification in 2021. We manufacture bulk, liquid ingredients (concentrates) for supplements and cosmetics.