Weighing Balance Calibration SOP
Uploaded by
Anwar AhmedWeighing Balance Calibration SOP
Uploaded by
Anwar AhmedCalibration Procedure for Laboratory Weighing Balances
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Title: Calibration Procedure for Laboratory Weighing Balances
Document No.: SOP-LAB-CAL-001
Effective Date: [Insert Date]
Review Date: [Insert Date]
Version: 1.0
Prepared by: [Name]
Approved by: [Name]
1. PURPOSE
To define a detailed procedure for the calibration of laboratory weighing balances to ensure measurement traceability,
accuracy, and compliance with ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 17025, and manufacturer requirements.
2. SCOPE
This SOP applies to all weighing balances in the laboratory, including:
- Ultra-micro balances
- Micro and semi-micro balances
- Analytical balances
- Precision balances
- Top-loading balances
- Industrial or floor scales
3. RESPONSIBILITIES
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Calibration Procedure for Laboratory Weighing Balances
- Laboratory Technician: Conducts the calibration, records observations, and initiates deviation reports if applicable.
- QA/QC Officer: Reviews calibration results, signs off certificates, and ensures traceability.
- External Accredited Provider: Performs third-party calibration annually or as per defined intervals.
4. DEFINITIONS
- Calibration: Comparison of instrument readings with a known standard to verify accuracy.
- Traceability: The ability to trace measurement standards back to national/international standards (e.g., NIST).
- Uncertainty: A quantifiable doubt about the result of a measurement.
- Eccentricity Test: Check to assess balance response to off-center loads.
5. REQUIRED MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
- Certified Calibration Weights
- Class: E2 or F1 (depending on balance type)
- Serial Number: [List Serial Number per weight]
- Calibration Certificate No.: [From accredited lab]
- Calibration Date: [Date]
- Expiry Date: [Date]
- Uncertainty Value: [e.g., +/-0.1 mg]
- Issuing Laboratory: [Name, accreditation body, e.g., ISO/IEC 17025:2017]
- Gloves or tweezers (to handle weights)
- Anti-static brush/ionizer (for micro balances)
- Calibration Logbook or software record
- Environmental condition logger (temperature and humidity)
6. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
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Calibration Procedure for Laboratory Weighing Balances
- Ensure temperature (20+/-2°C) and humidity (45-65% RH) are within manufacturer specifications.
- Keep doors and windows closed; avoid airflow disturbances.
- Ensure balance is leveled; adjust leveling feet if necessary.
7. CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
7.1 Preparation
1. Power on the balance and allow 30 minutes warm-up.
2. Clean the weighing pan and surrounding area.
3. Ensure the spirit level is centered.
4. Record environmental conditions.
7.2 Zero Test (Tare Function)
- Press 'Zero' with empty pan.
- Ensure display shows 0.0000 g or within balance specification.
- Record result in the logbook.
7.3 Linearity Calibration (Span Test)
- Use certified weights representing: 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of full capacity.
- Place each weight individually and record the displayed value.
- Compare with nominal value and calculate deviation.
- If deviation exceeds tolerance, perform adjustment or notify QA.
7.4 Repeatability Test
- Place the same weight (typically 50% of capacity) 5 times.
- Record each reading.
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Calibration Procedure for Laboratory Weighing Balances
- Calculate mean, standard deviation (SD), and relative standard deviation (RSD).
7.5 Eccentricity Test
- Place the same weight at:
- Center
- Front left
- Front right
- Back left
- Back right
- Record values and deviations.
7.6 Documentation of Observations
For each calibration point, the following must be recorded:
- Weight nominal value
- Displayed value
- Deviation (mg or g)
- Acceptance range
- Pass/Fail
- Technician initials
A digital or hard-copy calibration worksheet must be used and archived.
8. ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
Tolerance limits should follow manufacturer specifications or the following general guideline:
- Analytical Balance: +/-0.2 mg
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Calibration Procedure for Laboratory Weighing Balances
- Micro Balance: +/-0.1 mg
- Precision Balance: +/-0.01% of capacity
- Floor Scales: +/-0.05% of capacity
9. CALIBRATION FREQUENCY
| Balance Type | Internal Calibration | External Calibration (ISO 17025) |
|---------------------------|-----------------------|----------------------------------|
| Analytical / Micro | Weekly / Before use | Annually |
| Precision / Top-loading | Monthly | Annually |
| Floor scales | Quarterly | Annually |
10. RECORDS AND CERTIFICATION
10.1 Calibration Certificate Draft
Laboratory Calibration Certificate
Certificate No.: CAL-2025-XXX
Date: [Insert Date]
Balance ID: [Insert ID]
Make/Model: [Insert Model]
Serial No.: [Insert Serial]
Location: [Insert Lab/Room]
| Test | Weight (g) | Display (g) | Deviation (mg) | Tolerance | Result |
|------|-------------|-------------|----------------|-----------|--------|
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Calibration Procedure for Laboratory Weighing Balances
| Zero | 0.0000 | 0.0001 | 0.1 | +/-0.2 | Pass |
| 25% | 50.0000 | 49.9998 | -0.2 | +/-0.2 | Pass |
| 50% | 100.0000 | 99.9997 | -0.3 | +/-0.3 | Pass |
Technician: [Name]
Reviewed by QA: [Name]
Signature: ____________
Date: ____________
11. NON-CONFORMANCE
- If results are out of tolerance:
- Take the balance out of service.
- Inform QA and maintenance.
- Log deviation and corrective action.
12. REFERENCES
- ISO/IEC 17025:2017
- OIML R111 Classification of Weights
- Manufacturer's balance manual
13. ATTACHMENTS
- Calibration Log Sheet Template
- Environmental Condition Record Form
- Certificate of Calibration Template
- Weight Inventory Log
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Calibration Procedure for Laboratory Weighing Balances
End of SOP
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