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:
- access and accurately interpret all relevant work instructions and information
- work safely at all times and in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols
- deal promptly and effectively with any problems within your control and report those which cannot be solved
- identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
- run appropriate tests to confirm the operational status of equipment
calibrate equipment for operation:
- using appropriate reference materials
- to within correct parameters for intended purpose
- against appropriate approved standards
- in line with required schedule
verify accuracy, precision and operational effectiveness of equipment following organisational procedures
- record the validity and reliability of calibration procedure conducted
- confirm that equipment is suitable and ready for intended use
- correctly identify equipment that does not meet calibration standards and take appropriate action to prevent inadvertent use
- notify appropriate others of the status of equipment on completion of calibration
- dispose of waste in accordance with organisational procedures
- complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
- the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
- how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
- specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
- the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
- the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
- the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
- how and why to communicate effectively with relevant others
- the intended purpose, operational status and range of use of equipment
- the importance of both accuracy and precision within calibration
- the methods of first line calibration and quality assurance
- relevant reference materials
- the significance of keeping calibration documentation
- how to check for validity and reliability of tests conducted
- the importance of comparisons between old and new techniques and related reference ranges
- the common faults in equipment and relevant corrective action
- how to dispose of waste in accordance with organisational procedures
- 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