FAQ

A calibration certificate documents what was calibrated, who performed the calibration, when and where the calibration was performed and how it was performed. The results shown on a calibration certificate are only valid at the time of calibration.

Laboratory accreditation is a rigorous certification process that provides customers of measurement services with assurance of the quality of the services provided. It provides a high degree of confidence that our laboratory has the technical competency and adequate quality systems to perform calibration to an agreed standard. Accrediting bodies audit management, quality systems, and technical competence to ensure traceability and consistency across the entire calibration process.

Traceability is the unbroken chain of comparisons from the measurement being made by an instrument, to a recognised national, legal standard.  A traceable calibration is achieved when each instrument and standard, in a hierarchy stretching back to the national standard, was itself calibrated, and the results properly documented. The documentation provides the information needed to show that all the calibrations in the chain of calibrations were performed properly.  The uncertainty of measurement for each step in the traceability chain is calculated and stated so that an overall uncertainty for the whole chain can be calculated. Laboratories like ours that perform steps in the chain, supply evidence of our technical competence through accreditation.  Traceability is key to meeting worldwide measurement and regulatory requirements. It confirms that your instruments will measure accepted units to agreed levels of accuracy.

NATA is the authority responsible for the accreditation of laboratories, inspection bodies, calibration services, producers of certified reference materials and proficiency testing scheme providers throughout Australia. NATA provides independent assurance of quality and technical competence through a proven network of best practice industry experts for customers who require confidence in the delivery of their products and services.

The core of NATA accreditation is the third party, objective, peer review process at a scientific and technical level that provides assurance of the laboratory’s capability to produce reliable outputs.  The key to confidence in any result must lie in the competence of the facility providing that result, and it is here that our NATA accredited facility proves its value. When a calibration laboratory becomes accredited, it demonstrates that the laboratory meets the standards of quality and technical competency of the accreditation organization. Accreditation most often involves onsite assessments, proficiency testing and periodic follow-ups. Accreditation is an indication of our laboratory’s technical competence and our ability to make measurements of a specified accuracy.
More information on the benefits of using a NATA accredited facility can be found here.

Most calibrations can be performed under our STANDARD turnround time of 7-14 days. There is no need to pre-book instruments for this type of service, it is always best to call because depending on instrument complexity this turnaround time may be affected.

We understand the sometimes you may need your equipment calibrations expedited, and in these instances, we can offer a PRIORITY calibration service which places your equipment as the NEXT ON BENCH in the PRIORITY queue. This type of service requires CATS to plan and prepare for the arrival of your equipment so as to be able to provide this service, therefore it is essential you call to advise your requirement of an EXPEDITED calibration. As this service is resource intensive it does incur additional charges.

Generally most equipment is sent to our controlled laboratory for calibration as this ensures a stable calibration environment with high grade reference equipment. However, we understand there are times when on-site calibration may be required, due to the size of the equipment and complexity of the job. Please contact us for your requirements and we can advise on capabilities.