Hi there, this is a question we're getting asked a lot recently is so, we thought we would write a quick article explaining the differences, and we hope you find this useful.

At Hcsuk Servicing, a Weighing Scales Standard Inspection Service includes a 15 point safety check and full and thorough visual inspection of all working parts to ensure that all necessary safety requirements are met including internal mechanisms, electrics, power supply and LED display, to name a few. This is NOT, however, a recalibration service. 

Using accurate weights placed on the scales, we do, however, as part of our service, test scales to check if their readings are outside of the permitted tolerance and therefore whether they need recalibrating. 

If this is the case, our Field Service Engineer will advise the customer not to use the scales and can arrange recalibration and re-verification separately.

(Patient weighing scales need to be regularly inspected as per manufacturers recommendations, however we recommend they are serviced, and weight checked every 6 months.)

For more information on how regularly your care equipment needs to be serviced and maintained, why not download our FREE Industry Essential and Best Practice Servicing Guide here

So what exactly is weighing scales recalibration, and how often should I be having this carried out?

A Professional Scales Calibration Service is a certified procedure, (to ISO9002) undertaken to ensure weighing scales are weighing correctly and consistently to the advertised accuracy service. (This is particularly important when scales are being used to weigh patients in order to determine medication levels.)

Each scale is tested using M1 certified test weights by engineers who are qualified to the UK Weighing Federation Calibration Code of Practice.

How often you calibrate your scales depends on a few different factors — manufacturer’s recommendations, how often you use the scales and the environment they’re in.

If your scales are used multiple times throughout the day, every day of the week, normal wear and tear will occur faster than in scales that are used a few times per week. Therefore, the more frequently you use your weighing scales, the more often they should be calibrated.

Always consult the manufacturer’s recommendations first. Manufacturers should have a recommendation for the frequency of calibration, and since all scales are made differently, it’s usually safe to assume that the manufacturer knows best.

As a guide, the NHS recommends that weighing scales are calibrated a minimum of once or twice a year, to ensure they are fit for purpose.

If you have been confused, thought your scales were being recalibrated, and they haven’t been, when was the last time your scales were calibrated? 

How Can I Arrange A Calibration Check?

You can arrange for your weighing scales calibration by getting in touch with us here at Hcsuk. We offer an off-site professionally certified calibration service where each set of scales will be tested using M1 certified test weights by engineers who are qualified to the UK Weighing Federation Calibration Code of Practice,

Our door-to-door service includes collection from your premises, fully certificated testing and amending of your weighing equipment, to ISO9002.70 standard, and re-delivery with an average turnaround time of 7 working days.

If you have a question, would like to enquire about having your patient weighing scales calibrated or request a quotation, please contact us or book a call with me here.

For more information on how regularly your care equipment needs to be serviced and maintained, why not download our FREE Industry Essential and Best Practice Servicing Guide here.