Internal control

What is internal control?

Internal control consists of systematic measures established by the enterprise to ensure that its own control of measuring instruments is planned, organised, carried out and maintained in accordance with the requirements of laws and regulations. A good internal control system means, among other things, that the enterprise:

• has an overview of the regulations that apply to the measuring instruments the enterprise uses
• has a plan for checking and maintaining the measuring instruments
• documents the checks that are carried out
• ensures that everyone who uses the measuring instruments has knowledge of their use
• has routines for detecting, correcting and preventing deviations
• documents deviations
• has routines for systematic review of the internal control system

For enterprises with established quality management systems (for example ISO 9001), this means applying these systems also in the metrological area. Some enterprises have introduced internal control of their measuring instruments because they themselves consider it an important part of quality management, or because their customers demand it.

Who is required to have internal control?

The Norwegian Metrology Service requires internal control of measuring instruments only for users who have been instructed to do so through regulations or individual decisions.

A few enterprises have been required to implement internal control through individual decisions. Typical for these enterprises is that they have:

• established internal control systems and metrological competence
• a large number of measuring instruments
• demanding logistics for inspections

Such a decision is never made without prior dialogue with the user.

Note: In addition, the Regulation on Requirements for Electricity Meters requires users to have an internal control system. This means that all grid companies are obliged to have internal control of all measuring instruments covered by that regulation.