11.2 Calibration and validation
Calibration of medical equipment refers to the process of adjusting the accuracy of equipment in line with regulatory standards.
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11.2 The practice ensures all medical equipment is serviced, calibrated and verified annually. |
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Validation is the process of confirming the effectiveness of the equipment that it is achieving the required outcomes, for example, the steriliser/autoclave.
It is important to calibrate equipment to help assure accurate measurements and reduce errors and unnecessary recalls for patients.
Validation and calibration is to be done by authorised providers.
Without regular calibration, equipment can fall out of spec, provide inaccurate measurements and threaten quality, safety and equipment longevity.
The practice will need to keep records of annual servicing, calibration and validation of key pieces of equipment in the practice.
Including:
- register of the medical equipment with a schedule and reminder process to ensure everything is current
- copy of the annual medical equipment servicing report (this must be conducted by a certified electrician).
Testing and tagging
From the Worksafe website: Testing and tagging electrical appliances is one useful way to check electrical equipment is safe.
However, it's not mandatory. What is legally required is that equipment is electrically safe and maintained in a safe condition.
Testing and tagging doesn't guarantee future electrical safety, what it does is provide a snapshot of how safe the appliance is at the time of testing.
It is up to the person conducting the business or undertaking (PCBU) to decide whether to test and tag. They can either get the testing equipment and train up a worker, or hire a third-party to carry out the testing.