Perform first line calibration on clinical equipment to ensure it is fit for use

URN: SFHGEN77
Business Sectors (Suites): General Healthcare
Developed by: Skills for Health
Approved on: 30 Mar 2021

Overview

This standard relates to first line calibration of specific equipment prior to clinical use. Individuals will be able to calibrate equipment for use in their own healthcare context. Individuals can use the standard for each type of equipment within the scope of their normal work activity.

This is not intended for use following major repair or service.


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. access and accurately interpret all relevant work instructions and information
  2. work safely at all times and in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols
  3. deal promptly and effectively with any problems within your control and report those which cannot be solved
  4. identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
  5. run appropriate tests to confirm the operational status of equipment
  6. calibrate equipment for operation:

    • using appropriate reference materials
    • to within correct parameters for intended purpose
    • against appropriate approved standards
    • in line with required schedule
  7. verify accuracy, precision and operational effectiveness of equipment following organisational procedures

  8. record the validity and reliability of calibration procedure conducted
  9. confirm that equipment is suitable and ready for intended use
  10. correctly identify equipment that does not meet calibration standards and take appropriate action to prevent inadvertent use
  11. notify appropriate others of the status of equipment on completion of calibration
  12. dispose of waste in accordance with organisational procedures
  13. complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
  2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
  3. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
  4. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
  5. the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
  6. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
  7. the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
  8. how and why to communicate effectively with relevant others
  9. the intended purpose, operational status and range of use of equipment
  10. the importance of both accuracy and precision within calibration
  11. the methods of first line calibration and quality assurance
  12. relevant reference materials
  13. the significance of keeping calibration documentation
  14. how to check for validity and reliability of tests conducted
  15. the importance of comparisons between old and new techniques and related reference ranges
  16. the common faults in equipment and relevant corrective action
  17. how to dispose of waste in accordance with organisational procedures
  18. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

2

Indicative Review Date

31 Mar 2026

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Skills for Health

Original URN

SFHGEN77

Relevant Occupations

Health and Social Care, Health and Social Services Officers, Health Associate Professionals, Health Professionals, Health, Public Services and Care, Healthcare and Related Personal Services

SOC Code

2259

Keywords

Calibration, clinical, equipment