Even after all these years in business, there’s something that never fails to amaze us: The lack of understanding some professionals have when it comes to proper torque equipment calibration certification. We’re talking about customers who build ships, install wind turbines, and work on oil refineries, pipelines and other critical industries.
There are far too many contractors at major industrial operations who are willing to accept anyone who puts a sticker on their torque tools and equipment. This is like getting legal advice from your mechanic or going to your barber for an eye exam: They might get it right, but how do you know? Where’s the accountability?
This is why it’s time for all companies who use torque equipment to require ISO/IEC 17025 accredited calibrations. Companies that have already taken this step report a significant increase in quality processes and operational efficiency.
Developed in 1999, ISO/IEC 17025 is a standard that shows that a calibration lab operates in a technically proficient manner under a documented quality system producing accurate results. It’s considered the foremost standard for labs that perform calibration.
The creators of this standard wanted to provide competent measurement services with results that could be traced. The lab and its client agree on the services provided, and the validity of the testing and calibration is regulated by internal quality standards. Labs can demonstrate their competency through accreditation.
When you use a company that provides ISO/IEC 17025 accredited calibration, you are getting work done by a lab that:
- Has a formal, written quality program for all processes and procedures
- Provides formal training in ISO/IEC 17025 processes
- Is audited and approved by an independent accreditation group such as A2LA
As with any quality process, there is an upfront cost to ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, but it’s easy to justify that cost when you consider the operational, safety or legal issues you can avoid through proper equipment calibration.
Maxpro achieved its ISO 17025 accreditation in 2015, and we’re proud of the investment we’ve made to reach this milestone. We are one of the few companies providing this service for critical heavy industries such as power, mining, construction and petrochemical.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you with your next project.
