Many facilities have equipment that relies on precise specifications which require calibration and maintenance, including pressure gauges, temperature devices, flow meters, electrical components and meters, and mechanical instruments and scales. Ensuring equipment operates at optimal performance, companies should develop and implement a Calibration and Maintenance Program as required by Regulatory Authorities.
Discussion Points:
• What is calibration?
• Why is calibration important?
• Explain what an Equipment Calibration and Maintenance Program involves;
• What is the purpose of the calibration sticker?
• What is the OSHA Standard regarding equipment calibrations and maintenance?
Discussion:
An Equipment Calibration and Maintenance Program is an essential part of a company’s operation. Companies should develop a comprehensive calibration and maintenance program dependent on their company quality assurance objectives. This program should include written procedures that provide details on the required maintenance based on the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations, including testing, inspections, adjustments, alignments, and installation, analyzing and recording the results, documentation, the frequency of calibrations, and who is responsible for performing them; it must comply with ISO 9001 and OSHA
Standards; OSHA Standards specify that all employers shall comply with the following requirements unless otherwise specified: “Each equipment modification, repair, test, calibration or maintenance service shall be recorded using a tagging or logging system, and include the date and nature of work performed, and the name or initials of the person performing the work.”
The Calibration and Maintenance Program should be performed in-house or through a third- party service provider. In-house calibration must comply with national or international standards. It’s common practice to have the equipment calibrated annually by a third-party service provider who delivers a calibration certificate from an accredited institute. Before using a tool or a piece of equipment, the calibration sticker should be checked to ensure the device is within its due date. Workers should consult the equipment manual and follow
manufacturer recommendations regarding the specific operation and maintenance. Routine calibration and maintenance of equipment are necessary to keep devices in optimal condition. Properly verifying the function and accuracy of equipment before each use will ensure that the worker finishes the job task safely.
As always, be safe out there!
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