Elements and Performance Criteria
- Assess the suitability of available calibration procedures
- Confirm that the authorised calibration procedure is not appropriate for intended use or requires modification
- Research suitable alternative established calibration procedures, if available
- Establish whether an available procedure can be customised or if a new procedure is needed
- Obtain internal approval to develop or modify a calibration procedure, as necessary
- Confirm that available resources meet all the requirements of the alternative or new procedure
- Gain authorisation for any deviation from requirements previously agreed with client
- Develop procedure
- Identify and document all relevant calibration data to be collected, including parameters and ranges to be tested
- Describe all new instructions or modifications to methods to ensure repeatability of test
- Document all hazards and safety measures to be observed
- Specify data to be recorded and produce a results template, if required
- List the requirements for calibration approval and rejection
- Confirm that all calibration requirements can be fulfilled by using the procedure
- Prepare equipment for testing
- Use the appropriate personal protective equipment, safety equipment and procedures
- Assemble and set up reference standards and associated equipment prior to testing
- Verify performance of reference standards and measuring equipment prior to use and adjust or calibrate as necessary
- Identify and minimise potential sources of measurement error
- Trial modified/new calibration procedure
- Perform individual steps and confirm they are adequately documented to ensure repeatability of measurement
- Critically analyse readings to confirm they are the result of a valid measurement and record data as required
- Adjust device under test to bring readings within tolerance and record results
- Analyse the resulting test data to detect trends or inconsistencies that may significantly affect the accuracy or validity of test results
- Confirm the modification or new procedure is fit for purpose
- Compare results achieved with those from other calibration procedures
- Systematically analyse all measurement and environmental factors that may influence the result and take corrective action, if necessary
- Arrange for internal peer checking of calibration procedure, data and results and incorporate feedback
- Quantify the uncertainties of results obtained by analysing equipment specifications and test methodology
- Compare results with those obtained by other laboratories, if applicable
- Confirm that the modified/new procedure is fit for purpose and relevant to the client's needs and document as necessary
- Document and review modified/new calibration procedure