Handheld Metal Detection Procedure for Garments | ©AllaboutQMS

 

1. Purpose:

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines the steps to ensure all finished garments are free from metallic contamination—such as broken needles, pins, or staples—through the use of a handheld metal detector. This process serves as a secondary verification method when required.

2. Scope:

This procedure applies to:

• All finished garments during the final stages from Finishing to Packing.
• In-line processes such as during needle breakage investigations in Knitting, Linking, or Sewing operations.

3. Equipment Required:

• Calibrated Handheld Metal Detector (Ensure batteries are replaced every 3 months)
• Calibration Test Card (for checking metal detector sensitivity)
• Non-metallic Inspection Table (to prevent false signals during scanning)

4. Roles and Responsibilities:

• Line/Block Supervisor: Responsible for promptly reporting any needle breakage or missing parts.
• Metal Detector Operator: Operates and monitors the metal detection steps.
• Product Safety Officer: Reviews the investigation process, maintains battery logs, and records all relevant detection data.

5. Procedure:

5.1. Primary Detection Process (Finishing to Packing)

• All garments must be 100% scanned using a double-head metal detector machine.
• If no alarm is triggered, the garments can proceed to packing.
• If an alarm is triggered, proceed to the handheld detection steps described in section 5.3.

5.2. Needle Breakage During Knitting/Linking/Sewing

If a needle breaks and any part is missing:

• Stop the sewing process immediately.
• Tag and isolate the garment suspected of containing metal.
• Scan the garment through the double-head metal detector.
• If an alarm is triggered, continue with handheld detection (see 5.3).
• Log the incident and corrective actions for traceability.

5.3. Handheld Metal Detection Procedure

Move the suspected garment to a non-metallic inspection table.
Thoroughly scan the garment with the handheld metal detector, paying close attention to:

• Seams
• Underarms
• Pockets
• Collars
• Waistbands
• Cuffs
• Zippers
• Any other suspect areas

If metal is detected:

• Remove the metallic item.
• Re-scan the garment using the main metal detector.
• If the garment passes, record the event in the Metal Detector Recheck Record.

If metal is not found:

• Place the garment in the secured Contaminated Reject Box.
• Record details in the Metal Detector Reject Record.

6. Preventive Maintenance & Calibration:

• Replace the handheld metal detector batteries every 3 months.
• Perform routine checks with the calibration card to ensure consistent detector performance.

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Note for Readers:
This SOP is shared as a learning resource for apparel industry professionals and quality teams who are working to enhance product safety in garment manufacturing. Always adapt SOPs to meet specific factory setups, customer requirements, and regulatory standards.