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How Often Should You Calibrate an Animal Scale?
Animal Scale Calibration
There are a number of factors that determine how often you should check the weight accuracy or calibrate an animal scale. Typically, it is based on how and where it is used. To create a calibration schedule, consider:
- How often the scale is used
- If the scale is frequently moved from location
to location - Whether or not weight will determine an
animal’s medicinal dosage
There are several events that may require a scale to be calibrated outside an established schedule.
- A physical impact which may alter the scale
- Extreme temperature changes
- Installation of replacement parts
Even if one of the above events has occurred, your scale may not need to be calibrated. Pay close attention to your scale’s weight readings. If you observe a significant weight change over a short period of time, it may be time to calibrate. However, the best way to determine whether calibration is necessary is to use a certified calibration weight to check the accuracy of the scale.
Calibrated Weights for Scales
Certified calibration weights are ideal for scale calibration. They ensure your scale is calibrated properly and ready for the weighing requirements in veterinary clinic settings. Consumer weights such as barbells or similar items will not provide an accurate weight to check or calibrate your scale. A certified calibration weight will ensure your scale is calibrated correctly and present accurate weighments for proper animal care.
In addition to regular weight accuracy checks with certified weights, performing preventative maintenance inspections is an effective way to keep your scale functioning properly. Preventative maintenance inspections allow personnel to detect and remedy faulty equipment. All scales should undergo regularly scheduled maintenance to prevent equipment failure. This, in conjunction with routine weight checks, will keep your animal scale working correctly.
Rice Lake Weighing Systems offers a robust line of veterinary scales and the certified weights needed to check and calibrate them. Available in a variety of models and capacities, Rice Lake’s weighing equipment provides safe, comfortable and accurate weighing solutions.
