4. Receiving of Measuring Instruments

Since we already have the master list, we can notify the owner and wait for them to submit the instruments (I assume that every UUC has its own user or owner). During this time, just make sure that all instruments that are due for calibration will be collected.

During receiving, make sure that all details are accounted for, below are the main details you need to acquire as a minimum (you need to have a specific form for this):

1. 
   

• Your unique identification number

• location of calibration

• date received

• name of the owner

• 
  

1. List all the details about the UUC (name, date,  make, model, serial no.)

2. Check the status of the Unit Under Calibration (UUC), (this is how we will call here instruments for calibration). Power up the UUC and perform functionality check;

3. Check for any defects and missing parts or accessories;

4. Determine the requirements of the user, This is very important, you may encounter some ranges that you are not capable of performing during calibration where you need to know and inform to the owner.  

5. Determine and record the calibration interval;

6. Place the calibration control tag or identification to avoid any confusion. The calibration tag includes the following details:

7. 
   

If the organization is small and only one or two persons is handling the instruments or UUC, this is no longer a problem to think but be sure to have complete monitoring of all the instruments under you.

Once the above details are all accounted for,  let the user sign the form for acceptance and that they acknowledge that they are the responsible owner of the UUC.

5. Storage and Handling

Once you already received the UUC, place them to a designated storage area, see to it that they are protected and with proper separation, label or put a tag to ensure proper identification.

Proper identification and designation will ensure traceability in terms of monitoring the calibration status while inside the lab. Identification can be accomplished by placing a calibration tag.

Do not remove the tag while it is still for calibration or inside the lab to ensure continuous monitoring of status.  These statuses are:

1. 
   

1. Calibration status – is it calibrated or still ongoing calibration

2. For quality check

3. For Release

4. Who owns the instrument

5. Location of calibration – if under the parameter of Pressure, Mass, temperature, etc..

6. 
   

Make sure to observe proper handling when transferring.  

After receiving and performing calibration of the UUC, check also your storage area, and see to it that UUC is protected from any environmental effects such as temperature, humidity, or electrostatic discharges.

During storage and transfer, one of the occurring environmental effects in terms of temperature and humidity is ‘condensation’ where there is a moisture build-up. Moisture can cause metals to rust, and rust can cause a short circuit.  Learn more about the effects of temperature and humidity HERE.

Condensation happens when a cold instrument is suddenly brought into a warm environment. Therefore, make sure the storage area also has a controlled environment. 

Observe also the proper positioning or placing of UUC during staging (vertical or horizontal position) .