Downstream from calibration

Much is talked about the importance of instrument calibration and the need to clearly demonstrate accuracy and the traceability of measurements to National Standards. NAMAS requires this, as does ISO 9000:1994, as well as any other right-minded quality standard. This paper is not about Socialism (nor any other -ism). Neither is it intended to be judgemental about perceptions. What it is attempting is to present some of the realities (and unrealities) of life from the point of view of those equipment users who need to have their instruments calibrated, and to look at what happens to the information on certificates “downstream” from the calibration laboratory. The paper, itself, is not necessarily a complete and balanced work, since it is based on one person´s limited experience. However, the author does look after a NAMAS caseload containing both accredited testing and calibration laboratories, and has come into this from a background of radiation and electrical safety measurements in the hospital world, where inaccuracies and mistakes are generally considered unacceptable. He has, therefore, some experience of both sides of the fence