Laboratory Calibration Procedure

Thermometer

Laboratory Standard Procedure

Calibration Procedure

Type of Equipment: Thermometers

Frequency to Check: 6 Monthly

Calibration Category: Level 2

Authorised by

Laboratory Quality Manager

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 Laboratory Calibration Procedure
Thermometer

PPE Requirements
Gloves
Safety Glasses
Safety Boots (with midsole protection)

Reference Equipment Required

Thermometer
Thermocouple of high range calibration

Form Required: Thermometer

Uncertainty budget calculator

1. Thermometers will be checked for accuracy every six months from the date of first use
following the most recent calibration.

2. The working thermometer shall be calibrated at temperatures appropriate to the intended

working range of the thermometer. If in doubt, guidance should be sought from the
Laboratory Manager.

3. A minimum of two calibration points at each extreme of the working range shall be carried
out.

4. Prior to starting the calibration an ice point check should be performed if using a platinum
reference thermometer. If a mercury in glass thermometer is being used, then the ice point
check is not required. The ice must be grated / broken / shaved into small pieces to produce
a translucent test portion then placed in a clear container to commence the calibration. The
tolerance on the ice point check is 0.0 - 0.2°c; if the check gives a reading outside of this
range, then a platinum resistance thermometer is unacceptable for use.

5. Follow point 6 for lower range calibrations or point 7 for higher range. If in doubt, guidance
should be sought from the Laboratory Manager. Continue in both instances from point 8.

6. The probes of the working and reference thermometers shall be placed as close as possible
to each other without touching a container of water at the lowest temperature required for
the calibration. Ensure that the probe of the reference thermometer is submerged to the
depth specified as the reference item calibration depth.

7. Fix a reference thermocouple at the center of a drying oven. Readings are taken from
working and reference thermometers by attaching the same thermocouple.

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 Laboratory Calibration Procedure
Thermometer

8. The thermometer indicated readings shall be recorded after five minutes.

9. Indicated readings within 0.5°c shall be deemed acceptable.

10. Indicated readings outside 0.5°c shall be investigated and the procedure repeated.

11. The temperature of the water in the container shall be raised to the highest or next highest
temperature required or the drying oven turned up using thermostatic control.

12. The calibration detail from points 6/7-11 shall be repeated at the higher temperatures required.

13. Once the calibration is complete a repeatability check is required. At a set temperature take
readings every five minutes and record, continue until you have ten readings.

14. A temperature source check is also required which involves placing the probe into the four
corners and center point of the calibration container and recording the temperatures
displayed.

15. A working thermometer is suitable for use without correction if the difference between the
reference and working thermometer indicated reading at any calibration point is less than
0.5°c.

16. A working thermometer may be used with a correction if the difference between the reference
and working thermometer indicated reading at any calibration point is between 0.5°c and
1.0°c.

17. A working thermometer shall be removed from service if the difference between the
reference and working thermometer indicated reading at any calibration point is more than
1.0°c.

18. An overall uncertainty budget for each working thermometer which takes into account the
calibration correction factor and the reference thermometer uncertainty shall be calculated
and recorded on the calibration certificate.

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