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ODA's metrology laboratory measures up nationally
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4/25/2012
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ODA inspection of weights & measures relies on the lab. |
Consumers & businesses win as the lab gets great assessment
The Oregon Department of Agriculture has worked hard over the years to establish its metrology laboratory as a top-shelf operation. That effort is paying off with high marks courtesy of an independent, third-party assessment last week from two of the most respected and rigorous reviewers in the country. After thoroughly checking the technical capabilities of the lab and its actual performance, the review team reaffirmed the ODA's metrology laboratory as one of the best in the country and one that should serve as a model for others to follow.
"Once again, the metrology laboratory and its people bring tremendous credibility to the Oregon Department of Agriculture," says ODA Director Katy Coba. "We have felt our lab is as good as it can be. But I'm especially proud that we have maintained that standing in the eyes of outside experts. Oregon consumers and businesses should be equally proud that the accuracy of measurement standards in the marketplace is ultimately traced back to the professional expertise located in our lab."
With just one very minor issue to be resolved- a paperwork error that was instantly corrected by staff- the overall assessment was a resounding success. The two-day review verifies accreditation and compliance requirements prescribed by national and international organizations that deal with accuracy in measurement. To the Oregon consumer, the strong report card greatly increases the likelihood they are getting what they pay for because the product is weighed and measured correctly.
"The results of this assessment show the high level reputation this laboratory has within the US as a very high precision, credentialed facility," says Clark Cooney, assistant administrator of ODA's Measurement Standards Division. "Very few state labs in the country have this level of accreditation."
In today's world of commerce, accuracy in measurement is essential for monetary reasons and more. It's estimated that approximately $80 billion in annual sales in Oregon involves weighing and measuring at some point. When weighing and measuring devices are even slightly off, the inaccuracy can have an impact of millions of dollars, either for or against consumers. Accuracy in measurement is critical in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals that contain a specific number of milligrams. If a company's scales are not correct, the consumer won't be getting the right dosage.
The equipment used by Measurement Standards Division inspectors to check all 54,000 licensed devices used in Oregon is calibrated by ODA's Metrology Lab. In short, the lab calibrates all of the industry standards for measurement so that the tools used to check weighing and measuring devices for accuracy are themselves accurate. High precision mass and volume calibration conducted by the lab ensures that the scales and meters used in commerce are accurate and meet national standards.
ODA inspectors aren't the only ones using the lab's calibration services. Private sector clients needing accurate measuring devices rely on the metrology lab, including high tech companies, food processors, aircraft manufacturers, and even forensic labs that aid in criminal investigations- wherever precise measurement is needed. The ODA lab provides service for dozens of private customers and calibrates between 3,000 to 4,000 individual pieces of equipment annually.
ODA's metrology laboratory has been accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) since 2004. The latest assessment performed last week was perhaps the most impressive to ODA's metrology staff simply because of who came to Salem. One of the assessors was a high ranking physicist from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the ultimate source of all calibrations in the United States.
"When you have someone recognized as one of the world's top technical experts looking over your shoulder and watching you calibrate, it feels great when he tells you what a good job your are doing," says Aaron Aydelotte, one of two ODA metrologists.
The assessors were pleased with the abilities of both metrologists, the quality of measurements performed in ODA's lab, and the highly-controlled facilities and equipment.
"The assessors were impressed with some of the technical procedures we were doing," says ODA metrologist Ray Nekuda. "They left thinking all other labs need to adopt the same procedures."
ODA's metrology lab is one of just eight state mass laboratories nationwide currently NVLAP accredited to Echelon I mass calibration designation, permitting the highest precision available. The lab is able to calibrate equipment that can weigh something as heavy as 5000 pounds. However, ODA metrologists often use balances that measure weight in micrograms. The measurement is so precise, the balance needs to be protected from such things as air drafts, body temperature, and any other environmental impacts that could alter the calibration. That's why the work is done in a secured facility at ODA.
Oregonians should know that the assessment wasn't just some academic exercise in which a couple of engineers dropped by to say ODA was doing a good job. The review means something and is applicable in the real world.
"It's estimated that about half of Oregon's domestic product is directly related to weights and measures," says Cooney. "Everything that a consumer would purchase, whether it's food, fuel, or other goods that require accurate measurement, can be traced back to the calibrations and work primarily done in our laboratory."
Like a 4.0 student, it's hard to improve upon a report card with straight "A"s. Maintaining its capability and reputation is important. But the metrology staff at ODA has a quality system goal of continuous improvement. That means keeping their eyes open and looking towards the future. Industry and technology will be changing, and the metrology lab wants to be ready for it.
For more information, contact Clark Cooney or Jason Barber at (503) 986-4670.
Story of the Week pdf version
http://oregon.gov/ODA/docs/pdf/news/120425metrology_lab.pdf
Audio Story of the Week
http://oregon.gov/ODA/news/120425metrology_lab_audio.shtml
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