FAQ4

An inspection body applying for accreditation to ISO/IEC 17020 uses reference standards for checks and calibration of measurement equipment used in the field for performing its inspection activities. It has a non-accredited, in-house calibration department that provides the necessary calibration services for the reference standards. Is the in-house calibration of the reference standards allowed or not?

STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020  ·  CLAUSE: 6.2.8  ·  TOPIC: Calibration of reference standards

Answer:

The requirement in the standard is for reference standards to be used for calibration only and for no other purpose. Secondly, the requirement is for the reference standards to be calibrated providing traceability to national or international standards. If an inspection body has its own in-house calibration facility then the inspection body should demonstrate its competence to perform such calibration using the relevant clauses of ISO/IEC 17025.