Measurement traceability (QM 28)

QUALITY MANUAL (ISO/IEC 17025 : 2008)

Document ID	:	XXX/QM/28
Title	:	Measurement traceability
Issue No.	:		Issue Date                     :
Revision No.	:		Revision Date                :
Reference ISO Clause	:		Page                               :

5.6.1       General

All equipment used for test or calibration including equipment for subsidiary measurement (like thermometer) having a significant effect on the accuracy or validity of result of test, calibration are calibrated before being put into service. The laboratory has calibration programme Quality format for periodic calibration of equipments / reference standard. The procedure for calibration is as per Quality Procedure.

5.6.2       Specific requirement

5.6.2.1  Calibration

5.6.2.1.1  The laboratory carrying out calibration has a calibration programme to ensure that measurement and calibration made are to the extent possible traceable to SI units.

                           The laboratory has established traceability of calibration of equipments to the SI units by means of an unbroken chain of calibrations or comparisons linking them to relevant primary standards of the SI units of measurement. When using external calibration services, the laboratory gets the calibration done from agencies that are NABL accredited. The laboratory ensures that calibration certificate issued contains measurement result, uncertainty of measurement and a statement of compliance with an identified metrological specification.

5.6.2.1.2   In case where calibration is not strictly as per SI unit, the laboratory uses certified reference materials provided by competent supplier to give a reliable chemical characterization of a material;

The use of specified methods and / or consensus standards that are clearly described and agreed by all parties concerned;

Participation in a suitable inter-laboratory shall be adhered to whenever an opportunity comes.

5.6.2.2   Testing

5.6.2.2.1   As given in 5.6.2.1.1, the calibration of equipment is carried out to the extent possible in SI unit traceable to national standards and preferably from NABL accredited agency.

5.6.2.2.2   As given in 5.6.2.1.2, where traceability of measurement is not possible to SI unit the laboratory uses certified reference materials provided by competent supplier to give a reliable chemical characterization of a material and agreed methods / consensus standards.

5.6.3       Reference standards and reference material

5.6.3.1   Reference standards

The laboratory has programme for calibration of reference standard and follows procedure Quality Procedure. The reference standard is calibrated from an agency that can provide traceability as given in 5.6.2.1. The reference standard is used only for calibration of equipment. Reference standard is calibrated before and after any adjustment.

5.6.3.2   Reference material

Reference materials used are traceable to certified reference material. Working standards shall be checked as practicable.

5.6.3.3   Intermediate checks

To maintain confidence in the calibration status of reference standards, secondary standards, periodic checks shall be carried out as per programme Quality Format and procedure is as per Quality Procedure.

5.6.3.4   Transport and storage

Reference standards, reference material, secondary standards, are transported, handled, preserved as per procedure Quality Procedure