Calibration

Determining the value of a standard or reference
Determining the deviations of a measuring instrument
Checking if the deviations of an instrument are within its manufacturer’s specifications
(Not: adjustment/tuning)
Needs to be repeated on a regular basis due to drift and wear & tear of the standard or instrument
Needs to be repeated after adjustment/repair

Why Calibration ?
Measuring is knowing, but do you really know what you measure?
Many decisions are made on the basis of measurements and requirements get ever tighter:
n does this part or product comply with the specifications?
n Is this building/construction/vehicle/machine safe to use.
n Is this food safe for consumption? Etc.
Process control: ever tighter limits for efficient and reliable production process (3σ è 6σ)

Traceability
Calibration of an instrument, using standards that are in turn calibrated against higher standards, etc.
Traceability: an unbroken chain of calibrations of standards against the next higher standards all the way up to (inter)national standards
Aim: worldwide equivalence of measurement results
Components manufactured in different parts of the world will fit together
Suppliers and buyers will agree on the quantity delivered.

Regulations and Quality Standards
Technical Regulations are compulsory specifications in order to protect public health and safety, the environment and consumer’s interests
Quality Standards are (voluntary) means of ensuring the quality (fit for purpose, reliability) of products and services
ISO 9001 (international quality standard) prescribes traceable calibration of all measuring equipment that is relevant for the quality of the product or service

Therefore:
Any technical service or product requires reliable traceable measurements
Traceability is realised through national standards that are compared between countries all over the world
National standards in Zambia are maintained by ZABS
ZABS provides traceable calibrations