Yes, depending on how often the scale is being used, the frequency of calibration checks can vary. If the scale is undergoing heavy use every day, then perhaps a calibration check and scale service  should be done as often as once per month. Usually, our customers have a cal check/service done an average of 3 times per year. Some customers do a cal check once per year.  Another factor in determining this frequency is if your company is adhering to a quality standard (ISO ,…. Etc.)  then this frequency may be documented as part of the quality program. Finally, there is the consideration of possible non-accurate weighments and how this affects your company’s revenue.

Check the Loss Chart to see what an inaccurate scale could cost.

First of all, we need to talk terminologies so that we are as clear as we can be when we talk about inspections. Measurement Canada defines the first inspection of a brand-new scale (or a scale that has a major component replaced) as an “Initial Inspection”  If that scale has another requested inspection performed on it, then that is defined as a “Subsequent Inspection”.  If the scale is rejected by Measurement Canada, or fails a requested inspection performed by an accredited company, and after the scale is repaired, another inspection is performed after the repair. This is defined as a “Re-Inspection”.

With terminologies out of the way, currently in Canada there is no mandatory requirement to have a subsequent inspection done. Only an initial inspection is mandatory. However, Measurement Canada is in the process of discussions with various industries to establish minimum times for subsequent inspections.

In Canada, if the scale is used in a Legal for Trade application, (money changes hands based on the scale’s weight reading) then the scale MUST be inspected and certified by a Measurement Canada Accredited or approved service provider when the scale is new, and before it can be legally used. Pacific Industrial Scale is Measurement Canada Accredited to perform the inspection.