What does Lab 24 Calibration protocol mean for industry?

Regardless of whether your field is engineering, science or industry, the accuracy of mechanical measurement equipment is a necessity. The quality, safety and performance of products and services are dependent upon reliable and accurate measurements. To ensure this accuracy, accredited laboratories perform equipment calibration for businesses that are traceable, trusted and verified.

UKAS is the UK’s sole national accreditation body that is appointed by the government. They are approved to independently audit laboratories for their ability to carry out accurate and reliable calibration. UKAS performs testing and inspections in line with their own established standards to ensure that these laboratories meet the high level of service expected of UKAS accreditation, such as LAB 24. But what is LAB 24, what aspects of calibration does it focus on, and what effect does it have on businesses?

What is LAB 24?

LAB 24 is a UKAS standard for laboratory mechanical calibration that ensures a high quality of precision testing for equipment that is compliant with ISO 17025, 9001 and other globally recognised standards. As stated in 3.1 of LAB 24, the “calibration of equipment will typically comprise periodic cleaning, servicing, calibration and safety checks.” The standard takes these factors into account when performing necessary compliance and performance checks for laboratories.

In terms of mechanical calibration itself, 3.2 states that; “to ensure that the equipment available complies with the requirements of a particular test method, each item must be suitably calibrated and/or checked.” The various calibrations and checks are performed with key reference equipment depending on the parameters being measured, the specified tolerances and the capability of the laboratory. Ultimately, LAB 24 is a thorough protocol that takes all factors into account when ensuring a laboratory is qualified to perform precise calibration.

What are the main requirements of LAB 24?

Measurement traceability

Calibration traceability refers to the unbroken chain of calibrations leading to an initial recording against a national or international standard. In terms of UKAS accreditation, this refers to a laboratory’s capabilities to perform calibration within specific parameters of the initial reference standard.

As stated by 4.3; “any instrument or reference standard used should have an accuracy 10 times better than that of the device being calibrated.” It goes on to say specific calibration apparatus must be used for each measurement and item of equipment. For example, LAB 24 dictates that thermocouples must be calibrated against a calibrated thermocouple or a liquid-in-glass thermometer that is in line with UKAS standards.

To ensure mechanical calibration traceability, laboratories are required to produce a high and thorough level of documented records for each test; this includes equipment specific measurements, check intervals and measurement uncertainty.

Check intervals

To be compliant with UKAS standards, accredited laboratories must perform regular checks of their testing equipment and processes that are in line with its standards. This includes recalibrating equipment at specified intervals, monitoring the accuracy of said equipment, and regularly affirming their compliance. Depending on the equipment and measurement parameters, different intervals will be required; an example is how force measuring devices require a calibration interval of 1 year whereas some length measuring devices are every 5 years.

Measurement uncertainty

Measurement uncertainty refers to various uncontrollable factors that can influence discrepancies in the results of calibrations. In reference to LAB 12, UKAS standards stipulate that “unless otherwise specified, the result of the measurement should be reported, together with the expanded uncertainty appropriate to the 95% level of coverage.” This applies for LAB 24, but requires laboratories to identify and quantify sources of uncertainty, perform repetitive measurements to determine uncertainties arising from random effects, and identify systematic effects contributing to it (such as room temperature).

How does LAB 24 affect industry?

LAB 24 as a standard seeks to bring accuracy, traceability, verifiability and competence to mechanical calibration laboratories. For industry, this provides manufacturers with a trustworthy and gold standard of calibration. For example, industries such as medical, defence or aerospace demand the highest of standards in measurement accuracy and calibration. UKAS accredited laboratories not only provide these for mechanical calibration, but offer the confidence and peace of mind that every aspect is taken into account; measurement uncertainty, thorough records, full traceability and more. 

At DM systems and test, we have numerous UKAS accreditation procedures and a full team of highly trained and qualified technicians.  Our UKAS mechanical calibration services are carried out at our UK-based calibration laboratories with all the necessary testing equipment and procedures in place. For more information on our UKAS accreditation and to find out how it can benefit your business, contact a member of our team today.