On site weighing and sampling

Weighing and sampling can be undertaken in many types of locations.  At registered sampling sites, which are systematically audited, weighing equipment owned by the store may be used subject to a valid calibration certificate and evidence of systematic validation using known masses.  At other sites, such as farm stores, our staff will use calibrated SGS weighing equipment, validated on-site after each setup.  At non-registered sites, where bale security could potentially be an issue after sampling, bales will be sealed and the unique seal numbers recorded on the weight note.

Sampling can be supervised or carried out by SGS staff.  In all cases, weighing and sampling staff must be trained and on our list of registered samplers with a current training record.  Sample cards must be signed by the sampler, and audits are routinely carried out to ensure that the signatures correspond with those on our registered sampler records.

The same general principles apply to wool sampling at any site worldwide – the equipment used for weighing must be calibrated, serviceable and regularly validated.  If the weighing equipment is mobile, it must be validated prior to use.  Standard core sampling equipment is used to take representative samples from baled wool.  Samples must be sealed against moisture content changes, and double-bagged where the sample will not reach the laboratory in the prescribed time.  For certification, all bales must be sampled in accordance with the IWTO Regulations.