What does it indicate if an instrument shows signs of damage upon receipt?

When an instrument shows signs of damage upon receipt, it indicates that there may be underlying issues that need to be addressed. This situation warrants a thorough inspection and further action to determine the extent of the damage and whether the instrument can be repaired or safely used. It’s essential for the integrity and reliability of the measurements taken by the instrument that it be assessed before being put into service.

This approach ensures that safety standards are maintained and that the performance of the instrument will meet the necessary specifications. If instruments are damaged, blindly assuming they are still functioning properly or discarding them without evaluation could lead to significant operational issues or safety hazards. Additionally, recalibrating a damaged instrument may not be effective if the underlying damage affects its performance. Therefore, comprehensive inspection and assessment is the appropriate and responsible course of action when dealing with damaged instruments.