Temperature Probe Calibration
Document your temperature probes and track calibration schedules to satisfy EHO verification requirements.
What is SC6?
The SC6 form (also known as the Thermometer Check) is used to document your temperature probes and their calibration status. Environmental Health Officers verify these records during inspections to ensure your temperature readings are accurate.
An inaccurate thermometer could show safe temperatures when food is actually in the danger zone. Regular calibration ensures you can trust your readings.
Who needs to use it?
Any food business that uses temperature probes or thermometers. This includes virtually all commercial kitchens, as temperature monitoring is a fundamental food safety requirement.
What information do EHOs look for?
- Probe Name — clear, identifiable name (e.g., "Probe 1", "Kitchen Thermometer", "Blue Probe")
- Probe Number — serial number or asset ID for verification
- Kitchen Section — where the probe is typically kept or used
- Purchase Date — when the probe was purchased
- Next Calibration Date — when external calibration is due
- Calibration Records — history of calibration checks
Calibration frequency
Most probes need professional calibration every 6 to 12 months. However, you should also do quick daily or weekly checks yourself using the ice water method:
- Fill a glass with ice cubes
- Add cold water to just cover the ice
- Stir and wait 1 minute for temperature to stabilise
- Insert probe into the centre (not touching ice or glass)
- Reading should be between -1°C and +1°C
Why is this important?
Your entire food safety system relies on accurate temperature readings. If your probe is reading 2°C too high, what you think is a safe 3°C fridge could actually be an unsafe 5°C.
EHOs will check your calibration records during inspections. Having proper documentation shows you're taking temperature monitoring seriously and maintaining your equipment correctly.
If a probe is damaged, dropped, or consistently reads incorrectly, replace it. Don't risk food safety to save a few euros on a new thermometer.
SmartChef works with ETI Bluetooth Probes
Connect your ETI Bluetooth thermometer to SmartChef and temperatures fill in automatically when you take readings. SmartChef also tracks calibration due dates and reminds you when it's time.
Calibration Schedule
| Check Type | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Ice water check | Weekly |
| Professional calibration | 6-12 months |
Keep calibration certificates on file for EHO inspections.
Try SmartChef
Register your probes and let SmartChef track calibration due dates.
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