Calibration Documents: Checkweigher (Pack line) (CAL-0009)
| Asset ID | CAL-0009 |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Checkweigher (Pack line) |
| Equipment Type | Checkweigher |
| Department | Packaging |
| Area/Location | Packing Line |
| Process Use | Pack weight verification |
| Parameter | Weight |
| Units | g |
| Range Min | 0 |
| Range Max | 2000 |
| Acceptance Criteria | ±0.5 g |
| Calibration Frequency (days) | 180 |
| Calibration Type | External |
| Traceability | ISO17025 |
Table of Contents
Calibration SOP
1. Purpose
The calibration of the Checkweigher (Pack line) is performed to ensure accurate weight verification during the packaging process. This is critical for maintaining patient safety, ensuring batch quality, and preserving data integrity. Inaccurate weight measurements can lead to non-compliance with regulatory standards and potential risks to consumer safety.
2. Scope
- Asset ID: CAL-0009
- Equipment Name/Type: Checkweigher (Pack line)
- Department/Area: Packaging
- Process Use: Pack weight verification
- Parameter: Weight
- Range: 0 – 2000 g
- Units: g
- Calibration Frequency: 180 days
3. Definitions
- Calibration: The process of comparing a measurement instrument to a known standard to determine its accuracy.
- Verification: The process of confirming that a measurement instrument is functioning correctly.
- Adjustment: The act of modifying a measurement instrument to bring it into compliance with specified standards.
- As Found: The condition of the equipment prior to any adjustments or corrections.
- As Left: The condition of the equipment after adjustments or corrections have been made.
- OOT (Out of Tolerance): A condition where the measurement exceeds the defined acceptance criteria.
- Drift: The gradual change in a measurement instrument’s output over time.
- Traceability: The ability to verify the history, location, or application of an item by means of documented recorded identification.
- Measurement Uncertainty: A parameter that characterizes the dispersion of values attributed to a measurement.
- Intermediate Check: A quick verification of the measurement instrument’s performance between full calibrations.
4. References
- Company Metrology SOP [TBD]
- ISO/IEC 17025 traceability via calibration certificates
- ALCOA+ principles
5. Responsibilities
- Technician/Metrology: Perform calibration and maintain records.
- QC/QA Reviewer: Review calibration records and ensure compliance.
- Owner Department: Ensure equipment is available and accessible for calibration.
- External Service Provider: Conduct external calibration as per the defined schedule.
6. Safety & Preconditions
- Ensure environmental controls are in place (temperature, humidity).
- Allow equipment to warm up and stabilize as per manufacturer guidelines.
- Maintain cleanliness of the equipment and surrounding area.
- Check that the equipment is level and properly positioned.
- Verify power supply stability and functionality.
7. Standards & Tools
- Reference Standards Required: [TBD]
- Traceability Statement: ISO17025
- Certificate Validity Check: Ensure all reference standards are within their validity period.
- Standard ID: [TBD]
8. Calibration Strategy
Calibration will follow the As Found then As Left logic. The minimum number of test points will be five, including endpoints and midpoints within the specified range of 0 – 2000 g. Each point will have three replicate readings to ensure accuracy and reliability.
9. Step-by-Step Procedure
- Preparation: Gather all necessary tools and reference standards.
- Stabilization: Allow the checkweigher to stabilize in the operating environment.
- As Found checks and data capture: Record initial measurements and observations.
- Adjustment rules: If OOT is detected, follow adjustment protocols; otherwise, escalate the issue.
- As Left verification: Confirm that the equipment is within tolerance after adjustments.
- Labeling + documentation completion: Complete all required documentation and label the equipment accordingly.
Record all raw observations contemporaneously to ensure data integrity (ALCOA+).
10. Acceptance Criteria & Calculations
Acceptance criteria for the Checkweigher (Pack line) is ±0.5 g. The error calculation formula is:
Error = Observed Value – True Value
Pass/Fail Logic: If the absolute value of the error is within the acceptance criteria, the calibration passes; otherwise, it fails.
Rounding rule: [TBD]
11. Handling OOT / Failures
- Immediate containment: Tag the equipment and cease use.
- Notification & deviation initiation: Notify relevant personnel and initiate a deviation report.
- Impact assessment trigger: Define the impact window and review affected results/batches.
- Recalibration after repair/adjustment: Ensure recalibration is performed post-adjustment.
- QA disposition: [TBD]
12. Records & Retention
- Logbook entries must include all calibration activities.
- Calibration report/certificate filing must be maintained for audit purposes.
- E-records if applicable: [TBD]
- Label content requirements: calibrated date, due date, technician name, and status.
13. Annexures
Annexure A: Calibration Data Sheet
| Test Points | Reference | Observed | Error | Acceptance | Pass/Fail | As Found | As Left |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] |
Annexure B: Quick Checklist
- Environmental controls checked
- Equipment warm-up completed
- Cleanliness verified
- Leveling confirmed
- Power supply checked
Annexure C: Example Label Text
Calibration Date: [TBD]
Due Date: [TBD]
Calibrated By: [TBD]
Status: [TBD]
Calibration Protocol
Calibration Protocol
| Protocol ID | Asset ID | Equipment Name | Equipment Type | Dept | Area | Process Use | Parameter | Units | Range | Acceptance Criteria | Frequency | Calibration Type | Traceability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [TBD] | CAL-0009 | Checkweigher (Pack line) | Checkweigher | Packaging | Packing Line | Pack weight verification | Weight | g | 0 – 2000 | ±0.5 g | 180 days | External | ISO17025 |
Environmental Conditions
Temperature: [TBD]
Relative Humidity: [TBD]
Vibration: [TBD]
Drafts: [TBD]
Test Point Selection
- Minimum: 0 g
- 25% of Range: 500 g
- 50% of Range: 1000 g
- 75% of Range: 1500 g
- Maximum: 2000 g
Results Table
| Test Point | Ref Value | Observed (As Found) | Error | Limit | Pass/Fail | Observed (As Left) | Error | Pass/Fail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 g | 0 g | [TBD] | [TBD] | ±0.5 g | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] |
| 500 g | 500 g | [TBD] | [TBD] | ±0.5 g | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] |
| 1000 g | 1000 g | [TBD] | [TBD] | ±0.5 g | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] |
| 1500 g | 1500 g | [TBD] | [TBD] | ±0.5 g | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] |
| 2000 g | 2000 g | [TBD] | [TBD] | ±0.5 g | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] |
Stepwise Instructions
- Preparation: Ensure the checkweigher is clean and free from any obstructions. Verify that the equipment is calibrated and functioning properly.
- Stabilization: Allow the checkweigher to warm up for at least [TBD] minutes before taking measurements.
- Performing Readings: Take three replicate measurements at each test point. Record the observed values.
- Calculating Error: Calculate the error for each observed value using the formula: Error = Observed Value – Ref Value.
- Evaluation: Compare the calculated errors against the acceptance criteria of ±0.5 g.
- Documentation: Complete the results table and ensure all data is recorded accurately and legibly.
Deviation Instruction for OOT
If any observed value falls outside the acceptance criteria:
- Stop use of the equipment immediately.
- Notify the supervisor and QA.
- Open a deviation report.
- Quarantine the impacted results window: [TBD].
- Await QA decision on further actions.
Approvals
| Prepared | Reviewed | Approved |
|---|---|---|
| [Signature/Date] | [Signature/Date] | [Signature/Date] |
Calibration Checklist
| Asset ID | Equipment | Dept | Area | Parameter | Range | Acceptance | Frequency | Traceability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAL-0009 | Checkweigher (Pack line) | Packaging | Packing Line | Weight | 0 – 2000 g | ±0.5 g | 180 days | ISO17025 |
Pre-calibration
- [ ] Verify environmental conditions are within specifications
- [ ] Allow equipment to warm up as per SOP
- [ ] Clean the checkweigher as per cleaning procedure
- [ ] Level the checkweigher properly
- [ ] Confirm validity of reference standards
- [ ] Ensure logbook is ready for documentation
As Found Execution
- [ ] Set initial setpoints for calibration
- [ ] Perform repeat measurements
- [ ] Record raw data accurately
- [ ] Perform necessary calculations
OOT Immediate Actions
- [ ] Tag out the equipment
- [ ] Stop use of the checkweigher
- [ ] Notify relevant personnel
- [ ] Document deviation
- [ ] Trigger impact review process
As Left Verification
- [ ] Conduct post-adjustment checks
- [ ] Confirm all measurements are within acceptance limits
Documentation & Closure
- [ ] Update equipment label
- [ ] Attach calibration certificate
- [ ] Obtain reviewer sign-off
- [ ] Update next due date in logbook
Data Integrity (ALCOA+): Ensure all data is attributable, legible, contemporaneous, original, and accurate.
Deviation Impact Assessment
| Event Summary |
|---|
|
Asset: Checkweigher (Pack line) Date: [TBD] Discovered By: [TBD] Document References: [TBD] As Found Results Summary: [TBD] |
Immediate Containment Checklist
- Stop use of the equipment
- Label/tag the equipment as out of service
- Segregate impacted work
Define Impact Window
Last known in-tolerance date: [TBD] to discovery date: [TBD]
Product/Batch/Test Impact Review
| Batch/Study/Report ID | Results Potentially Impacted | Re-test/Re-weigh Decision |
|---|---|---|
| [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] |
Data Integrity Review Prompts (ALCOA+)
- Attributable: [TBD]
- Legible: [TBD]
- Contemporaneous: [TBD]
- Original: [TBD]
- Accurate: [TBD]
- Complete: [TBD]
- Consistent: [TBD]
- Enduring: [TBD]
- Available: [TBD]
Risk Assessment
| Severity | Probability | Detectability | Rationale | Overall Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] |
Investigation Summary
Root Cause: [TBD]
CAPA Plan
| Action | Owner | Due Date | Effectiveness Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] |
QA Disposition
Release/Hold/Retest/Recall Triggers: [TBD]
Calibration Certificate
Certificate No: [TBD]
Date: [TBD]
Next Due Date: [TBD]
Asset Details
| Asset ID | Equipment Name | Equipment Type | Dept | Area | Make/Model | Serial No | Location | Parameter/Range/Units | Acceptance Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAL-0009 | Checkweigher (Pack line) | Checkweigher | Packaging | Packing Line | [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | Weight (0 – 2000 g) | ±0.5 g |
Conditions
Environment: [TBD]
Reference Standards
| Standard Name/ID | Certificate No | Due Date | Traceability Statement |
|---|---|---|---|
| [TBD] | [TBD] | [TBD] | Traceability to ISO17025 |
Results
As Found Results
| Test Point | Measured Value (g) | Pass/Fail |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | [TBD] | [TBD] |
| 2 | [TBD] | [TBD] |
| 3 | [TBD] | [TBD] |
| 4 | [TBD] | [TBD] |
| 5 | [TBD] | [TBD] |
As Left Results
| Test Point | Measured Value (g) | Pass/Fail |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | [TBD] | [TBD] |
| 2 | [TBD] | [TBD] |
| 3 | [TBD] | [TBD] |
| 4 | [TBD] | [TBD] |
| 5 | [TBD] | [TBD] |
Measurement Uncertainty Statement: [TBD]
Statement of Conformity: [Pass/Fail overall]
Remarks: [TBD]
Signatures
Performed by: ____________________ Date: ___________
Checked by: ______________________ Date: ___________
Approved by: _____________________ Date: ___________