Measuring and test equipment

Calibrating inspection, measuring, and test equipment (clause 4.11.2)... 

Procedures are required for the control and maintenance of inspection, measuring, and test equipment and to cover test software, not only for calibration. This section of the standard is often referred to as the calibration requirement but it goes far beyond mere calibration. In assessing compliance with section 4.11, there are at least 30 requirements to check (see the questionnaire at the end of this chapter) and calibration is only one of them. Figure 11.2 shows the processes needed to control, calibrate, and maintain inspection, measuring, and test equipment. The shaded boxes indicate interfaces with other processes. 

The standard requires appropriate statistical studies to be conducted to anal /ze the variation present in the results of each type of measuring and test equipment system. 

The standard requires the supplier to calibrate and adjust all inspection, measuring, and test equipment including measurement devices at prescribed intervals, or prior to use, against certified equipment having a known valid relationship to nationally recognized standards. 

The standard requires the supplier to define the process employed for the calibration of inspection, measuring, and test equipment, including details of equipment type, unique identification, location, frequency of checks, check method, acceptance criteria, and the action to be taken when results are unsatisfactory. 

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