How often should I have my measuring device calibrated?

For some devices, a calibration frequency is specified by the manufacturer and must be observed.

For other devices, no calibration frequency is indicated, the note below will guide you in choosing the calibration frequency.

Standard NF EN ISO 9001: 2015 stipulates in article 7.1.5.2 Measurement traceability, paragraph a: “(…) the measurement equipment must be calibrated and / or verified at specified intervals, or before use, against measurement standards that can be linked to international or national measurement standards. (…) ”.

This periodicity must be able to be justified.

There are different methods, including those proposed by the AFNOR FD X 07-014 documentation booklet or the CFM technical guide: the OPPERET method based on risk analysis based on knowledge of the measurement process: risk = severity + probability (severity of the consequences of an erroneous measurement; probability of occurrence of an erroneous measurement: uncertainty of the measurement process compared to the tolerance on the product or service).

This method takes into account the factors likely to impact the quality of a measurement: frequency of use of the equipment, number of users, monitoring of the equipment, etc.

Example:

1 / Assessment according to frequency of use, conditions of use, user experience and the consequences of an incorrect measurement:

2 / Following this analysis, the history of the calibration data of the measurement means is taken into account:

3 / By adding the points for each criterion,

The total can be interpreted in a periodicity: 2 + 1 + 2 + 3 + (-1) = 7

In the example, the total of the points being 7, the calibration frequency should be every 12 months.