M-06 Inspection measuring and test equipment

M-06 Inspection measuring and test equipment refers to regulation 17(2)(g) and must be read in conjunction with regulations 5 and 6.

Purpose

To ensure inspection, measuring and test equipment used to demonstrate the conformance of construction to approved plans and specified requirements is controlled, calibrated and maintained.

Roles and responsibilities

• (TBA)
  (TBA) are responsible for ensuring appropriate measuring equipment is properly calibrated and that valid test procedures are implemented.

Procedure

1 Identification and records

1.1 All new and current inspection, measuring and test equipment should carry a unique identifying number clearly and durably marked on the equipment.

1.2 A record should be made of all equipment in the calibration/maintenance record.

1.3 A record of all calibrations and maintenance completed should be maintained on the calibration/maintenance record.

1.4 All equipment records, including external calibration certificates, should be kept in a specific file.

2 Calibration/equipment accuracy checks

2.1 It is important to determine first whether calibration/equipment accuracy checks are critical to conformance decisions.

2.2 Once calibration/equipment accuracy checks are identified as critical elements in establishing conformance, it must be determined what level of precision and accuracy is acceptable.

2.3 The level of precision will also have a bearing on the frequency of instrument/equipment accuracy checks.

2.4 Accuracy checks and calibration adjustments of moisture meters will be carried out by the (TBA), using a pre-calibrated measuring apparatus approved by the device’s suppliers. Calibration records will be updated on completion.

2.5 If a recalibration is required, it will be carried out (where possible) by an ISO/IEC:17025 accredited calibration laboratory.

2.6 Calibrations/equipment accuracy checks should be carried out at regular given periods, in accordance with the calibration/equipment accuracy checks schedule.

2.7 The calibration/accuracy status of all equipment will be clearly identified in the calibration/maintenance record.

2.8 Calibration/equipment accuracy checks of inspection, measuring and test equipment will be carried out against the appropriate calibration standards for each piece of equipment. Calibrations will be documented and, where appropriate, calibration certificates will come from accredited calibration laboratories.

3  Equipment selection and care

3.1 Inspection measuring and test equipment will be selected on the basis of capability to perform with the required accuracy and precision.

3.2 Equipment is to be handled, preserved and stored to ensure that accuracy and fitness for use are maintained.

3.3 Equipment is to be safeguarded, where appropriate, from adjustments that would invalidate the calibration status.

4  Suspect or faulty instruments

4.1 Suspect or faulty inspection measuring and test equipment is to be clearly identified to prevent use. The continuous improvement system should be used to document and manage the rectification process.

4.2 The continuous improvement form will carry the following information.

• Date detected as faulty or suspect
• What is wrong with the instrument/equipment
• Name of person who detected the faulty or suspect instrument/equipment

4.3 The (TBA) will determine the appropriate corrective action for measurements already completed when a suspect or out-of-calibration instrument/equipment has been identified. This will include:

• determining how much the measurement differential is out on the instrument/equipment in question.
• identifying the level of potential risk the measurement differential may pose to items checked by the faulty instrument/equipment during the inspections.
• if the measurement differential poses little or no risk to the items inspected, recalibrating the instrument/equipment and taking no further action.
• if the instrument/equipment measurement differential is significant and poses a risk to the integrity of the measurements taken, identifying items measured using the faulty instrument/equipment and, where practicable, taking new measurements using an accurate instrument/equipment.

(Example Only)

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