Calibration Status -- A Key Element of Measurement System Management

摘要

Written standards for quality control of measurement systems tend to take simplistic views of Measurement and Test Equipment (M&TE) calibration requirements. Descriptions of service requirements (commonly referred to as "calibration status") are often limited to whether calibration is or isn't required. The impression is given that all calibration related functions are performed in a controlled environment laboratory by professional metrologists. In real industry, equipment users and others are important elements of an organization's calibration system. A fundamental quality mandate is to "say what you do and do what you say". When consideration is given to the variety of service needs, support of this policy requires definitive descriptions of calibration status. This paper presents a discussion of the involved variables -- equipment type, conditions of use, and calibration requirements. A rationale is presented for expanding the definitions of service categories and indicating the status with a code on the calibration label. A list of proposed definitions and codes are provided. A flow chart is used to illustrate methodology for determination of the appropriate status.