Physical testing
Analytical balance
Measures the mass of a sample very precisely, usually to 0.1 mg or 0.01 mg. Almost every quantitative test in a QC lab starts with a weighing, so the balance is the most used instrument in the lab.
- Pharmaceutical
- Biotech
- Chemicals
- Food & beverage
- Academic research
- Cosmetics
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
Maintenance checklist
Daily / each use
- Check levelling
- Clean the pan and chamber
- Perform and record the daily performance check
- Check the internal adjustment has run, if the balance has one
Weekly
- Clean the draught shield glass and housing with a lint-free cloth
- Check the anti-vibration table and surroundings for new sources of draught or vibration
Monthly
- Repeatability check (or as defined in your SOP)
- Check the test weights are clean, in their box and within their calibration date
Six-monthly / annual
- Full calibration (accuracy, repeatability, eccentricity, linearity, minimum weight) by a trained person or an accredited service provider
- Recalibration of the test weights by an accredited laboratory
SAFETY
Safety precautions
Before you work on the Analytical balance
- Weigh potent, toxic or sensitising powders in a ventilated balance enclosure, wearing gloves and, where required, a mask.
- Clean spills immediately using the approved cleaning procedure; do not blow powder away.
- Handle test weights only with forceps or gloves to avoid contaminating them.
- Do not lean on the balance bench or place heavy objects on it while weighing.
In LimsPulse · Calibration Management
Keep every Analytical balance in control: usage logs, calibration and maintenance schedules, and automatic blocking of overdue instruments.