GWP®

Good Weighing Practice™

Performance Verification
White Paper GWP® Verification
of Weighing Equipment
Introduction
To ensure consistent accuracy and validity of weighing results, weighing equipment should be inspected
and tested at regular intervals. Many companies expend big efforts on verifying instruments on a daily
basis, in addition to performing unnecessary or even wrong tests. A risk-based performance verification
focuses test ­resources where risks are high and saves efforts where risks are low.

Basics of Risk-Based Performance Verification through Good Weighing Practice™ (GWP®)

Good Weighing Practice™ assesses weighing risks by establishing the impact of a potentially inaccurate
or wrong measurement. Furthermore, the accuracy requirements and the detectability of a wrong meas­
urement ­determine the weighing risk.

Figure 1:
Risk assessment,
considering the
weighing accuracy
and impact of wrong
results.

How to Determine the Risk

Impact
What is the impact of potentially wrong measurements for your business process, people or the environment?
• High
– A wrong measurement has or may have a negative impact on people
– A wrong measurement has or may have severe consequences on company image and/or financial as-
pects
• Medium
– A wrong measurement possibly has a negative impact on business processes and/or the impact is limited
• Low
– No negative impact on people or business is expected
Weighing Accuracy
Accurate results fulfill applicable quality requirements and stay within acceptable limits. The more stringent
accuracy requirements are, the more likely it is that the accuracy requirements are not met.
Detectability
The likelihood of a wrong measurement being detected before the error can cause any harm. If detectability is
set to yes, the weighing risk is reduced since a negative impact can be prevented.
 Performing the Right Routine Tests
White Paper GWP® Verification

Testing the Relevant Weighing Parameters

Sensitivity Repeatability
Sensitivity tests are best performed at maximum Repeatability is the key test when using the balance
­capacity (figure 2). Sensitivity deviations are not detect­ for weighing small samples (≤ 5 % of the weighing
able at the lower end of the capacity range and should range).
not be tested with weights < 5% of the capacity.

Figure 2: Sensitivity deviations tested at three different test loads. Figure 3: Repeatability testing at 5% of capacity
It is recommended to test at full load, as a test below 5% does or with lower weights yield the same results.
not provide meaningful results.

At the lower end of the weighing range, the repeatability is almost constant (figure 3). Therefore, it is recommended
to test repeatability with a weight close to 5% of the weighing range, even if the working point of the weighing
­process is much below. Testing with larger weights provides comparable results as testing with smaller weights.
However, larger weights are much easier to handle and less prone to handling errors.

Eccentricity and Non-Linearity

Eccentricity errors can be minimized by handling the sample correctly and by using balance accessories, such as
Ergo Clips. Eccentricity tests are recommended only when performing weighing processes of higher risk. Non-line­
arity tests are typically not needed for routine testing of laboratory balances. Take a look at a GWP® Verification
recommendation for more specific information on testing.

www.mt.com
For more information

Mettler-Toledo AG
CH-8606 Greifensee, Switzerland
GWP ®

Good Weighing Practice™

Tel. +41-44-944 22 11
Fax +41-44-944 30 60
The global weighing guideline GWP® reduces risks
associated with your weighing processes and helps to
• choose the appropriate balance
• reduce costs by optimizing testing procedures
Subject to technical changes
• comply with the most common regulatory requirements
© 08/2010 Mettler-Toledo AG
Printed in Switzerland www.mt.com/GWP