Why Calibrate?
QUALITY control rests on the ability to have confidence that measurements are accurate, which is why the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) recommends using organisations accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 for calibration work. This international standard defines what is required of a laboratory to demonstrate the technical competence of its personnel. It also requires the availability of all technical resources necessary to produce reliable data and results for a defined set of tests, measurements or calibrations. What does this mean for businesses? Accurate measurements limit product failure and down-time; both having the potential significantly impact on the bottom line. Managing manufacturing costs is made easier. Using accredited services can also become a valuable tool in risk management – having confidence in your measurements can save time and money.
It can also open new markets; confidence in measurements gives organisations competitive advantages at home, but selecting organisations accredited to an internationally-recognised standard facilitates access to export markets. So using accredited calibration can help increase profits. Finally, although one hopes the worst will never happen, should legal action arise independent evaluation can help demonstrate due diligence.
ISO 9001:2000 is a generic standard for quality management systems applicable to all organisations. However, certification against ISO 9001:2000 should not be interpreted to mean an organisation has demonstrated the technical competence to produce valid and accurate results. Accreditation to ISO 17025 is the procedure by which an authoritative body gives formal recognition that a body or person is technically competent to carry out specific tasks.
Whatever your business, if your organisation requires measurement and / or testing UKAS recommends using accredited calibration services.
The United Kingdom Accreditation Service is the sole accreditation service recognised by UK Government and does not prefer or recommend any individual laboratory.
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