Revised Laws of Saint Lucia (2021)

Schedule 3

(Section 16(1))

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES LAWFUL FOR USE IN TRADE

PART 1
THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM OF UNITS AND OTHER METRIC UNITS

PART 2
THE BRITISH IMPERIAL SYSTEM

CHAPTER 13.18
METROLOGY ACT

SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION

List of Subsidiary Legislation

Metrology Regulations – Section 57

(Statutory Instruments 113/2001 and 98/2019)

Statutory Instrument 113/2001 .. in force 27 October 2001

Amended by S.I. 98/2018 .. in force 1 July 2019

ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS

PART 1
PRELIMINARY

PART 2
PROCEDURE FOR APPROVAL OF INSTRUMENTS

PART 3
WEIGHTS, MEASURES, AND WEIGHING AND MEASURING INSTRUMENTS

PART 4
NON-SELF INDICATING INSTRUMENT ETC

PART 5
AUTOMATIC WEIGHING INSTRUMENTS

PART 6
FUEL DISPENSING INSTRUMENTS

PART 7
TESTING, VERIFICATION AND STAMPING OF WEIGHTS, MEASURES AND WEIGHING AND MEASURING INSTRUMENTS

PART 8
LICENSING OF SELLERS, MANUFACTURERS OF WEIGHTS, MEASURES AND WEIGHING AND MEASURING INSTRUMENTS

METROLOGY REGULATIONS – SECTION 57

Commencement [27 October 2001]

PART 1
PRELIMINARY

1.   Citation

These regulations may be cited as the Metrology Regulations.

2.   Interpretation

In these Regulations—

“automatic weighing machine” means a weighing instrument which does not require an operator for carrying out the weighing process and which self-acting machinery carries out an automatic feed of the load;

“beam scale” means an equal-arm oscillating weighing instrument with pans below the beam;

“bulk meter” means a measuring instrument designed to measure fuel for individual deliveries of 500 litres or more and includes a vehicle tank meter;

“counter machine” means an equal-arm oscillating weighing instrument with pans above the beam, or a self-indicating machine to be used on a counter for general trade, any of which having a capacity of not more than 50 kg;

“crane machine” means a suspended self-indicating, electronic, hydraulic or spring-actuated weighing machine of a capacity of 1000 kg or greater;

“discrimination” means the ability of a weighing instrument to react to small variations of load specified in regulation 15;

“electronic weighing machine” means any self-indicating weighing machine in which the load produces electrical signals which are processed so as to indicate or record weight, or mass;

“error of a weighing machine” means the difference, when the machine is loaded with a standard weight, between the indicated mass and the mass value assigned to that standard weight;

“fuel” means liquid fuel, lubricants or any mixture of liquid fuel and lubricants;

“graduated instrument” means an instrument allowing the direct reading of the complete or partial weighing result;

“load receptor” means the part of a weighing instrument on which goods being weighed are placed or hooked;

“non-graduated instrument” means an instrument not fitted with a scale numbered in units of mass;

“oscillating weighing instrument” means a weighing instrument with a beam or steelyard which oscillates about or returns to the position of equilibrium when disturbed from that position;

“petrol pump” means a measuring instrument for fuel which—

1.  

   (a)     has a meter or one or more measuring chambers; and

1.  

   (b)     is designed to measure individual deliveries of 500 l or less;

“platform machine” means a weighing instrument other than a weighbridge with—

1.  

   (a)     the load receptor being a platform 3 m by 2 m in size or less;

1.  

   (b)     a capacity of 5000 kg or less;

“price indicator” means an indicator showing the value in money of fuel delivered;

“rejection mark” means a mark indicating that the weight, measure or measuring instrument does not conform to legal verification requirements;

“scale interval (d)” means the value expressed in units of mass of—

1.  

   (a)     the difference between the values corresponding to 2 consecutive scale marks, for analogue indication;

1.  

   (b)     the difference between two consecutive indicated values, for digital indication;

“self-indicating weighing machine” means a weighing instrument other than a spring balance on which the whole or part of the weight or mass of the goods being weighed is indicated by a pointer moving over a scale or chart graduated in units of mass; or a graduated chart moving in relation to a fixed pointer; or a digital display; or by means of a printed record;

“sensitivity” in relation to a weighing instrument not equipped with digital indication means the displacement of the index produced by a small change of load specified in regulation 15;

“spring balance” means a mechanical weighing instrument in which the weight or mass is determined by the extension or compression of a spring, such extension or compression being indicated by a pointer or a dial or by a moving graduated scale;

“steelyard” means an unequal-arm single-lever weighing instrument, the shorter arm of which carries a load-hook suspended from knife-edges whilst the longer arm has a poise weight moving over a graduated scale to indicate the mass of the load, and includes an instrument where it is part of a platform machine, weighbridge or other similar weighing instrument;

“tare device” means a device for setting the indication to zero when a load is on the load receptor;

“tolerable deficiency” means the maximum deficiency in net quantity in a pre-package that is allowed according to a sampling plan;

“vehicle tank meter” means a bulk meter installed on a vehicle;

“verification scale interval (e)” means the value, expressed in units of mass, used for the classification and verification of a weighing instrument;

“volume indicator” means an indicator showing the volume of fuel delivered;

“weighbridge” means a weighing instrument for weighing a load carried by a vehicle where the load and vehicle are supported on rails or a platform either of which is linked to a system of levers or load-cells, and includes any similar instrument prescribed as a weighbridge by the Director;

“zero setting device” means a device for setting the indication to zero when there is no load on the load receptor.

PART 2
PROCEDURE FOR APPROVAL OF INSTRUMENTS

3.   Assessment of instrument

1.  

   (1)   Subject to regulation 4, for the purpose of assessing the suitability of a weighing or measuring instrument, a manufacturer of an instrument shall submit a request for pattern examination and approval to the Director.

1.  

   (2)   A request under subregulation (1) must—

   1.  

      (a)     be in writing;

   1.  

      (b)     be accompanied by—

      1.  

         (i)     technical data, and

      1.  

         (ii)     technical drawings.

1.  

   (3)   The Director shall make an assessment of the request for pattern examination not later than thirty days after receipt of the request.

1.  

   (4)   After making an assessment under subsection (3), the Director may accept or refuse the request for pattern examination and shall immediately, notify the manufacturer in writing of—

   1.  

      (a)     the acceptance of the request and direct the manufacturer to submit the model, pattern or variant of the instrument for examination; or

   1.  

      (b)     refusal and give reasons for the refusal of the request.

1.  

   (5)   Within ninety days of receipt of the model, pattern or variant of the instrument for examination under subsection (4)(a), the Director shall notify the manufacturer in writing of—

   1.  

      (a)     the acceptance of the model, pattern or variant of the instrument for examination;

   1.  

      (b)     the refusal and give reasons for the refusal of the model, pattern or variant.

1.  

   (Substituted by S.I. 98/2019)

4.   Exemption

The Director may exempt a manufacturer of a weighing and measuring instrument from making a request for pattern examination and deposit of a model under regulation 3, if he or she has proof of the approval of the pattern by a national body of legal metrology specified by the Director. (Substituted by S.I. 98/2019)

5.   Examination to be in accordance with these Regulations

The examination of a weight, measure or weighing or measuring instrument for purposes of pattern approval shall be carried out in accordance with requirements specified in these Regulations as applicable and additional requirements which the Director may prescribe by notification in the Gazette.

PART 3
WEIGHTS, MEASURES, AND WEIGHING AND MEASURING INSTRUMENTS

6.   Requirements for weights for general trade

1.  

   (1)   Weights for general trade shall be—

   1.  

      (a)     of a denomination specified in Table 1 of Schedule 1 or Table 3 of Schedule 1 and have that denomination marked on its top surface;

   1.  

      (b)     made of iron, brass, bronze or an approved material.

1.  

   (2)   Weight of a denomination of less than 100g shall not be made of iron.

1.  

   (3)   Weights of denominations of 5 kilograms to 50 kilograms, which are in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped with rounded edges and a rigid handle, shall be made of iron.

1.  

   (4)   Weights of denomination of not more than 50 kilograms and not less than 1 gram may be cylindrical.

1.  

   (5)   Weights of denomination of less than 1 gram shall be flat sheets or wires with appropriate shapes for easy handling and the shapes shall indicate the denomination of the weight.

1.  

   (6)   Weights which are cylindrical shall be such that—

   1.  

      (a)     any horizontal section is circular;

   1.  

      (b)     any vertical section through the axis is in the form of a cylinder with a flattened knob.

1.  

   (7)   Hexagonal weights shall be such that—

   1.  

      (a)     any horizontal section is a regular hexagon;

   1.  

      (b)     all the sides are flat.

1.  

   (8)   Hexagon weights made of iron of a particular set shall be of proportional size and shall nest (stack) with each other.

1.  

   (9)   Weights made of iron shall be black leaded, oxidized, or protected by galvanization, painted or any other process approved by the Director.

1.  

   (10)   

   1.  

      (a)     No weight shall be adjusted otherwise than by means of an adjusting hole, subject to the following conditions—

      1.  

         (i)     no weight of 10 grams or less shall have an adjusting hole;

      1.  

         (ii)     no other weight shall have more than one adjusting hole.

   1.  

      (b)     The adjustment hole—

      1.  

         (i)     may be an internal cavity in the weight or in the handle;

      1.  

         (ii)     shall be partly filled with lead or similar dense metallic material permitting future adjustment;

      1.  

         (iii)     shall be tapered so as to prevent the lead or similar material from being dislodged by shock and wear, or closed by a plug or disc made of brass or steel;

      1.  

         (iv)     where an adjusting hole is closed with a plug or disc, the plug or disc shall be secured by a lead pellet or similar material driven into an undercut recess or, if the cavity is threaded, into the thread;

   1.  

      (c)     An adjusting hole which is on a plane surface of a weight shall not extend to the opposite surface;

   1.  

      (d)     The placement of the adjusting holes for weights made of iron shall be as follows—

      1.  

         (i)     Cylindrical weights shall have the adjusting hole centered and opening on the upper surface of the weight,

      1.  

         (ii)     Rectangular weights may have the adjusting hole either in one of the uprights opening to the side or top surface of the weight or in the handle.

1.  

   (11)   The error of a weight for general trade shall not be greater than the limit of error corresponding to the respective denomination specified in Table 1 of Schedule 1 or Table 3 of Schedule 1.

7.   Additional requirements

In addition to complying with specifications given in regulations 6 to 55 hereof, every measure of length, measure of volume, weight, weighing instrument or measuring instrument shall comply with such additional requirements which the Director may prescribe by order published in the Gazette.

8.   Precision weights for trade with valuable goods

1.  

   (1)   A precision weight for trade in valuable goods shall be of a denomination specified in Table 2 of Schedule 1 or Table 4 of Schedule 1 and shall have its denomination marked on the top surface except for wire weights specified in regulation 8(4)(b).

1.  

   (2)   The error of a weight for trade in valuable goods shall not be greater than the limit of error corresponding to the respective denomination specified in Table 2 of Schedule 1 or Table 4 of Schedule 1.

1.  

   (3)   

   1.  

      (a)     Subject to subregulation (3)(b) a precision weight for trade in valuable goods shall be made of brass, bronze, stainless steel or other approved material.

   1.  

      (b)     A precision weight for trade in valuable goods may be made of aluminum alloy if it is of a denomination of 500 milligrams or less.

1.  

   (4)   A precision weight for trade in valuable goods—

   1.  

      (a)     Shall be cylindrical in shape unless of a denomination of 500 milligrams or less;

   1.  

      (b)     Shall be a wire shaped into one, 2 or 5 segments or a flat sheet for denominations of 500 milligrams or less.

9.   Measures of volume

1.  

   (1)   Every measure of volume for trade shall be of a denomination specified in Table 1 or Table 2 of Schedule 2 and have that denomination indelibly marked on the outside of such measure in legible figures or letters.

1.  

   (2)   In metric measures provided with sub-divisions only intervals of sub-divisions corresponding to the figures 1, 2 or 5 divided or multiplied by 10 as appropriate shall be permitted.

1.  

   (3)   The denomination shall be marked—

   1.  

      (a)     on a measure made of glass on which the said value is defined by a line, at the line;

   1.  

      (b)     on a measure made of enamelled metal, in a distinctly different colour to that of the body of the measure;

   1.  

      (c)     on a measure made of sheet metal by means of embossing, engraving or impressing the denomination on the upper part of the body of the measure or on a metal plate permanently secured to the upper part of the body of the measure.

1.  

   (4)   Every liquid measure of volume shall be made of glass, aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, nickel, sheet iron, steel, stainless steel, tinplate, tin alloys, white metal or any other approved material; however, for protection it may be anodised, electro-plated, enamelled, galvanised, tinned or otherwise protected by an approved process.

1.  

   (5)   Every liquid measure of volume which is made of brass, bronze or copper shall unless otherwise coated, have the inside surface well tinned with pure tin.

1.  

   (6)   In every coated liquid measure of volume, the coating shall show no signs of peeling.

1.  

   (7)   Where any liquid measure of volume has strengthening bands or ribs, such bands or ribs shall not take such a form which may be mistaken for graduations.

1.  

   (8)   Every liquid measure of volume shall be of a shape and form approved by the Director.

1.  

   (9)   If the liquid measure of volume has no tap, it shall drain completely when tilted to an angle of 30 degrees below the horizontal.

1.  

   (10)   If the liquid measure of volume has a tap, it shall drain completely without a prolonged dribble when the tap is open and the measure is levelled.

1.  

   (11)   A graduated glass measure shall—

   1.  

      (a)     be conical or cylindrical;

   1.  

      (b)     have a level base at right angles to the axis of the measure.

1.  

   (12)   The volume of a measure of volume other than a graduated glass measure shall be defined by—

   1.  

      (a)     the bottom of lip or retaining edge of a measure having a lip or retaining edge;

   1.  

      (b)     the bottom of neck of a milk can;

   1.  

      (c)     brim of measure or indelible line of a glass measure; or

   1.  

      (d)     brim of measure of any other ungraduated type.

1.  

   (13)   The scale marks of a graduated glass measure shall be—

   1.  

      (a)     parallel to the base of the measure; and

   1.  

      (b)     not less than 1.5 mm apart.

1.  

   (14)   A measure of volume shall have no greater error in excess or deficiency than the limit of error for its denomination or for the respective graduation as specified in Table 1 of Schedule 2 for metric measures and Table 2 of Schedule 2 for British – Imperial measures.

1.  

   (15)   The thickness of metal of measures of volume shall be not less than the thickness specified by an order made by the Director.

1.  

   (16)   No measures of volume shall have a false bottom.

1.  

   (17)   Measures for dispensing of medicine shall comply with such specifications as the Director may prescribe by order published in the Gazette.

10.   Measures of length

1.  

   (1)   A measure of length other than a calliper for use for trade shall be made of brass, hardened steel, hardwood, woven tape or any other approved material.

1.  

   (2)   A measure of length made of wood shall have both of its ends capped with metal.

1.  

   (3)   All measures of length shall be denominated and graduated clearly and indelibly.

1.  

   (4)   A metric measure of length shall be sub-divided only in meters, centimeters or millimeters.

1.  

   (5)   All marks and inscriptions on a measure of length shall be so arranged so as not to interfere with the reading of lengths.

1.  

   (6)   A measure of length shall not have an error greater than the limit of error for its denomination, or any intermediate value of graduation as specified in Table 1 or Table 2 of Schedule 3.

1.  

   (7)   A measure of length shall be—

   1.  

      (a)     free from flaws;

   1.  

      (b)     a measure of length other than a measure made of woven tape or metal tape or chains made of metal shall be so made that it cannot be easily bent;

   1.  

      (c)     the width of the ribbon of a tape measure of length shall be at least 15 millimeters and its minimum thickness 0.4 millimeters.

1.  

   (8)   A calliper measure used for the measurement of thickness or diameter shall be made of steel, steel alloy or an approved material.

1.  

   (9)   A calliper measure shall—

   1.  

      (a)     not have errors greater than ± 0.2 mm for callipers measuring less than 200 mm; and

   1.  

      (b)     not have errors greater than ± 0.5 mm for callipers measuring 200 mm or greater but less than 500 mm.

11.   General requirements for weighing instruments

A weighing instrument for use in accordance with the Act shall be—

1.  

   (a)     an oscillating equal-arm beam scale, either suspended without arrestment device or otherwise supported with or without arrestment device;

1.  

   (b)     a counter machine of Roberval or Beranger pattern designed for equal load on each load receptor, but not a counter machine with sliding or tare weights nor a machine with unstable position of equilibrium;

1.  

   (c)     a steel-yard of a capacity exceeding 50 kg but not exceeding 1000 kg, for use only for weighing animals or bulk agricultural products;

1.  

   (d)     if individually approved by the Director for a particular use, a spring balance or a crane machine; or

1.  

   (e)     one of the following if it complies with the specifications prescribed by the Director—

   1.  

      (i)     a platform machine,

   1.  

      (ii)     a weighbridge,

   1.  

      (iii)     a precision balance,

   1.  

      (iv)     a self-indicating weighing instrument (including a price computing and/or printing electronic weighing machine),

   1.  

      (v)     an automatic weighing machine.

12.   Classification of weighing instruments

1.  

   (1)   The classification of weighing instruments into different classes of accuracy shall be based on—

   1.  

      (a)     the value of the verification scale interval as defined in Table 1 of Schedule 4, which fixes a value of the minimum verification scale interval for each class;

   1.  

      (b)     the number of verification scale intervals as defined in Table 2 of Schedule 4 and a minimum number of verification scale intervals are specified for each class;

   1.  

      (c)     the minimum capacity, which fixes a lower limit to the permissible range of weighing.

1.  

   (2)   In accordance with regulation 12(1) non-automatic weighing instruments shall be classified into classes of accuracy given below and shall have the following corresponding symbols–

   1.  

      (a)     Special accuracy — Class 1 — Symbol I;

   1.  

      (b)     High accuracy — Class 2 — Symbol II;

   1.  

      (c)     Medium accuracy — Class 3 — Symbol III;

   1.  

      (d)     Ordinary accuracy — Class 4 — Symbol IIII.

13.   Verification scale interval etc.

The verification scale interval, number of verification scale intervals and minimum capacity, in relation to the accuracy class of an instrument shall be as given in Table 1 and Table 2 of Schedule 4.

14.   Maximum permissible error of weighing instrument

1.  

   (1)   The maximum permissible error of a weighing instrument at initial verification shall be as given in Table 3 of Schedule 4.

1.  

   (2)   The maximum permissible error of a weighing instrument at in service verification shall be twice the maximum permissible error on initial verification.

15.   Mandatory requirements for weighing instrument

A weighing instrument shall comply with the following requirements at each verification—

1.  

   (a)     Discrimination

   1.  

      (i)     A weighing instrument not equipped with digital indication shall show a clearly visible change of indication, when a load equal to ½ the maximum permissible error specified in regulation 14 is applied at no load and at full load to the load receptor without shock;

   1.  

      (ii)     A weighing instrument equipped with digital indication shall change its indication at no load and at full load when an extra load of not more than 1½ scale intervals is applied on the load receptor without shock.

1.  

   (b)     Sensitivity

1.  

   A non-self-indicating weighing instrument shall have a sensitivity such that, for any load, a change of load equal to the maximum permissible error specified in regulation 14 shows a permanent displacement of the index of at least—

   1.  

      (i)     2mm for weighing instruments of class III or IIII with a maximum capacity of 30 kilograms or less;

   1.  

      (ii)     5mm for a weighing instrument of class III or IIII with a maximum capacity greater than 30 kilograms.

   1.  

      (c)     Repetition of indication

1.  

   When the same load is weighed 3 or more times, the difference between the indication of any 2 weighings shall not exceed the absolute value of the maximum permissible error specified in regulation 14.

   1.  

      (d)     Position of load

1.  

   When a load of ¹/₃ of the maximum capacity of the instrument is displaced from the centre of the load receptor to the extreme off-centre position on the load receptor, the indicated mass shall remain within the maximum permissible error specified in regulation 14.

   1.  

      (e)     Interchangeability

1.  

   When, for a balanced equal-armed weighing instrument, the load and working standard weights are interchanged on the load receptors, the indicated weight shall not change by more than twice the absolute value of the maximum permissible error specified in regulation 14.

16.   Graduation of weighing instruments

1.  

   (1)   The graduations of a weighing instrument shall—

   1.  

      (a)     be distinct and clearly legible to the operator and the customer;

   1.  

      (b)     be uniformly spaced; and

   1.  

      (c)     in the case of instruments graduated in metric units, be expressed in permitted units of mass corresponding to the figures 1, 2 or 5 divided or multiplied by 10 as appropriate;

   1.  

      (d)     for self-indicating weighing machines the scale intervals shall not be greater than the limit of error on initial verification specified in regulation 14. Greater scale intervals shall be permitted for weighing machines used for animal weighing and weighing of bulk agricultural products provided that the total number of scale intervals of the machine is not less than 500.

17.   Indication of balance positions

1.  

   (1)   The balance position of a weighing instrument shall be indicated as follows—

   Type of Weighing Instrument		Indication of Balance
   (a)	Oscillating	Beam returns to position of equilibrium when disturbed from it.
   (b)	Self-indicating by pointer or with graduated indicating plate; or with difference chart	Pointer or plate comes to rest at the position of equilibrium or zero scale mark, the bubble of any spirit level being in its correct position
   (c)	Counter machine of Beranger pattern	Two pointers, each attached to a subsidiary beam, coming to rest directly opposite each other
   (d)	Indicating by digital display or printed statement	The figure zero (0) being indicated or printed at no load.

1.  

   (2)   Any balance box or balance screw or gravity ball on a weighing instrument shall be adjustable only by the use of a mechanical appliance.

18.   Markings on weighing instruments

1.  

   (1)   A weighing instrument shall carry the following markings—

   1.  

      (a)     the manufacturer's name written in full;

   1.  

      (b)     Maximum capacity in the form “Max......”;

   1.  

      (c)     Minimum capacity in the form “Min......”;

   1.  

      (d)     Verification scale interval in the form “e =“.

1.  

   (2)   The following information shall also be marked on electronically or electrically operated weighing instrument-

   1.  

      (a)     the limits of temperature between which the instrument functions properly;

   1.  

      (b)     the potential of the electricity supply.

1.  

   (3)   The markings shall be indelible and of a size, shape and clarity allowing easy reading.

1.  

   (4)   The markings shall be grouped together in a clearly visible position either on a descriptive plate fixed to an instrument or on a part of the instrument itself.

1.  

   (5)   All weighing instruments shall have a permanent place for the application of verification marks which shall be such that—

   1.  

      (a)     the part on which it is located can not be removed from the machine without destroying the impressions;

   1.  

      (b)     the easy application of the mark is possible without altering the metrological qualities of the instrument;

   1.  

      (c)     it is easily visible to any person who wishes to check the verification marks.

19.   Construction of weighing instruments

1.  

   (1)   A weighing instrument shall be free from such features as are liable to facilitate fraudulent use and shall be constructed in such a manner that normal adjustments which disturbs its proper operation can not be accidentally made.

1.  

   (2)   A weighing instrument shall be complete in itself and be sufficiently strong to withstand the wear and tear of normal use.

1.  

   (3)   A weighing instrument shall not bear a manufacturer's or other mark which might be mistaken for a verification stamp.

1.  

   (4)   A weighing instrument shall not have interchangeable or reversible parts, unless interchange or reversal of the parts as the case may be does not affect its accuracy.

1.  

   (5)   A weighing instrument shall not have a load receptor of a size or shape which may cause incorrect weighing by fouling the housing of the instrument.

1.  

   (6)   A weighing instrument shall not have a load receptor which is readily absorbent due to imperfect glazing or extensive cracks or chippings.

1.  

   (7)   A friction plate, friction stay, friction hook or friction loop used in a weighing instrument shall be made of hardened steel or an approved material.

1.  

   (8)   A weighing instrument shall not have bearings or knife-edges which are loose, not aligned, worn out or otherwise defective for the intended operation of the instrument.

20.   Prohibitions regarding weighing instruments

1.  

   (1)   A person shall not use a weighing instrument which is—

   1.  

      (a)     erected on a loose, weak or unstable base;

   1.  

      (b)     not levelled as its construction requires;

   1.  

      (c)     exposed to wind or draught which affects the indication.

1.  

   (2)   A person shall not use a weighing instrument for a load greater than its maximum capacity.

1.  

   (3)   A person shall not use a weighing instrument for retail trade in the presence of a purchaser unless it is constructed and sited so that the weighing of goods and the indicated mass are simultaneously clearly visible to the purchaser.

1.  

   (4)   A person shall not use a platform machine or weighbridge unless its platform or rails support the load completely.

21.   Compliance requirements for self or semi-self indicating instruments

1.  

   (1)   Self or semi self indicating instruments shall comply with requirements of regulations 11–20 inclusive in addition to the requirements of this regulation.

1.  

   (2)   The scale interval shall be in the form 1 x 10^k, 2 x10^k or 5 x 10^ks units in which the result is expressed, the index k being a positive or negative whole number or zero.

1.  

   (3)   The weighing result shall contain the names or symbols of the unit of mass in which they are expressed.

1.  

   (4)   All indicating, printing and tare weighing devices of a self or semi-self indicating weighing instrument shall, within any one weighing range, have the same scale interval for any given load.

1.  

   (5)   In a self or semi-self indicating weighing instrument—

   1.  

      (a)     a digital indication shall display at least one figure beginning at the extreme right;

   1.  

      (b)     a decimal fraction shall be separated from its integer by a decimal mark (point or comma), with the indication showing at least one figure to the left of the mark and all figures to the right.

1.  

   (6)   The damping of the oscillations of the indicating element or of the movable scale shall be adjusted to a value slightly below “critical damping”.

1.  

   (7)   An instrument shall be fitted with a levelling device and a level indicator.

1.  

   (8)   Subject to paragraph (7) the level indicator shall be fixed firmly on the instrument in a place clearly visible to the user.

1.  

   (9)   The following instruments shall be exempt from this requirement—

   1.  

      (a)     freely suspended instruments;

   1.  

      (b)     instruments installed in a fixed position.

22.   Compliance requirements: Electronic Instruments

1.  

   (1)   Electronic instruments shall comply with the requirements of regulations 11–21 inclusive in addition to the requirements of this regulation.

1.  

   (2)   An electronic instrument shall be designed and manufactured such that, when it is exposed to disturbances either—

   1.  

      (a)     significant faults do not occur; or

   1.  

      (b)     significant faults are detected and acted upon by means of a checking facility. The indication of significant faults in the display should not be confusing with other messages that appear in the display.

1.  

   (3)   A pattern of an electronic instrument shall be presumed to comply with the requirements in regulations 22(2) and 25(1) if a certificate of approval from a laboratory acceptable to the Director is presented.

1.  

   (4)   The requirements of regulation 22(2) may be applied separately to—

   1.  

      (a)     each individual cause of significant fault; or

   1.  

      (b)     each part of the electronic instrument.

1.  

   (5)   The choice, whether regulation 22(2)(a) or 22(2)(b) is applied, shall be left to the manufacturer.

23.   Devices with checking facilities

1.  

   (1)   When a significant fault has been detected, a visual or audible indication shall be provided automatically and shall continue until such time as the user takes action or the fault disappears.

1.  

   (2)   It shall be possible during pattern evaluation to verify the presence and correct functioning of the checking facilities.

1.  

   (3)   The requirements in paragraphs (1) and (2) above shall not be applied to an electronic instrument or parts of an electronic instrument for which the manufacturer claims that they comply with the requirements in regulation 22(2)(a) even though they may be equipped with checking facilities.

24.   Durability protection features

1.  

   (1)   Means shall be provided so that one measuring process for which the electronic instrument is intended can be performed or simulated upon switch-on (in the case of an electronic instrument permanently connected to the mains power supply, at switch-on of indication), or at the discretion of the operator.

1.  

   (2)   Upon switch-on (switch-on of indication), a special procedure shall be performed which shows all relevant signs of the indicator in their active and non-active state sufficiently long to be checked by the operator.

1.  

   (3)   All relevant measurement data shall be checked for correct value whenever they are stored internally or transmitted to peripherals by interface, through such means as: parity bit, check sum, double storage or handshake-routine with re-transmission.

1.  

   (4)   When significant durability error has been detected automatically, a visual or audible indication shall be provided and shall continue until such time as the user takes action or the error disappears.

1.  

   (5)   It shall be possible during pattern evaluation to verify the presence and correct functioning of durability protection features.

25.   Functional requirements

1.  

   (1)   An electronic instrument shall comply with the requirements under a relative humidity of 93% at the maximum high temperature specified for the instrument. This is not applicable to an electronic instrument of class I, and of II if the verification scale interval is less than 1g.

1.  

   (2)   During the warm-up time of an electronic instrument there shall be no indication or transmission of the weighing result.

1.  

   (3)   An electronic instrument may be equipped with an interface permitting the coupling of the instrument to external equipment. When external equipment is connected, the electronic instrument shall continue to function correctly and its metrological functions shall not be influenced.

1.  

   (4)   A battery-operated electronic instrument shall either continue to function correctly or automatically be put out of service whenever the voltage drops below the manufacturer's specified minimum value.

PART 4
NON-SELF INDICATING INSTRUMENT ETC.

26.   Compliance requirements of non-self indicating instruments

A non-self indicating instrument shall as far as applicable comply with the requirements of regulations 11 to 21 inclusive.

27.   Equilibrium index

1.  

   (1)   Index of relative displacement in relation to another index the 2 indices shall be of the same thickness and the distance between them shall not exceed this thickness.

1.  

   (2)   The distance referred to in paragraph (1) may be equal to 1 mm, if the thickness of the indices is less than this value.

28.   Sealing

It should be possible to seal the sliding poises, the removable masses and the adjusting cavities or the housing of such devices.

29.   Printing

If the device permits printing, this shall only be possible if sliding bars or poises or a mass switching mechanism are each in a position corresponding to a whole number of scale divisions. Except for accessible sliding poises or bars, printing shall only be possible if the equilibrium index is in the reference position to within the nearest ½ scale interval.

30.   Sliding poise devices

Form of scale marks; on bars on which the scale interval is the verification scale interval of the instrument, the scale marks shall consist of lines of constant thickness and on other major (or minor) bars the scale marks shall consist of notches.

31.   Scale spacing

The distance between scale marks shall not be less than 2 mm and be of sufficient length so that the normal machining tolerances for notches or scale marks do not cause an error in the weighing result exceeding 0.2 of the verification scale interval.

32.   Stops

The displacement of sliding poises and minor bars shall be limited to the graduated part of major and minor bars.

33.   Reading index

Each sliding poise shall be provided with a reading index.

34.   Accessible sliding poise devices

1.  

   (1)   Sliding poises shall have—

   1.  

      (a)     no moving parts except sliding minor bars;

   1.  

      (b)     no cavity on sliding poises that could accidentally hold foreign bodies.

1.  

   (2)   It shall be possible to seal parts that are detachable.

1.  

   (3)   The displacement of sliding poises and minor bars shall require a certain effort.

1.  

   (4)   Indication must be effected by the use of metrologically controlled weights.

1.  

   (5)   The reduction ratios shall be in the form 10^k, k being an integer or zero.

1.  

   (6)   On an instrument intended for direct selling to the public, the height of the raised edge of the weights receptor platform shall not exceed ¹/₁₀ of the greatest dimension of the platform, without being more than 25 mm.

35.   Conditions of construction

1.  

   (1)   Equilibrium index—

   1.  

      (a)     An instrument shall be provided with 2 moving indices or one moving index and a fixed datum mark, the respective position of which indicates the reference position of equilibrium;

   1.  

      (b)     On an instrument of class III or IIII designed to be used for direct selling to the public, the indices and scale marks shall allow equilibrium to be seen from the opposite sides of the instrument.

1.  

   (2)   Knives, bearings and friction plates

   1.  

      (a)     Types of connection—

      1.  

         (i)     levers shall be fitted with knives only; these shall be pivoted on bearings,

      1.  

         (ii)     the line of contact between knives and bearings shall be a straight line,

      1.  

         (iii)     counter-beams shall be pivoted on knife-edges;

   1.  

      (b)     Knives

1.  

   The knives shall be fitted to the levers in such a way that the invariability of the ratios of the lever arms is ensured. They shall not be welded or soldered.

1.  

   The edges of the knives of one and the same lever shall be practically parallel and shall be situated in one plane.

   1.  

      (c)     Bearings

1.  

   The bearings shall not be welded or soldered to their supports or in their mountings.

1.  

   It shall be possible for bearings of an instrument with ratio platforms and steelyards to oscillate in all directions on their supports or in their mountings. On such instruments anti-disconnection devices shall prevent the disconnection of articulated parts.

   1.  

      (d)     Friction plates

1.  

   The longitudinal play of the knives shall be limited by friction plates. There shall be point contact between knife and friction plates and it shall be situated on the extension of the line(s) of contact between knife and bearings(s).

1.  

   The friction plate shall form a plane through the point of contact with the knife and its plane shall be perpendicular to the line of contact between the knife and bearing. It shall not be welded or soldered to the bearings or their support.

1.  

   (3)   Hardness

Contact parts of knives, bearings, friction plates, interlevers, interlever supports and links shall have a hardness of at least 58 Rockwell C.

1.  

   (4)   Protective coating

A protective coating may be applied to the parts in contact of jointed components, if this does not lead to changes of metrological properties.

1.  

   (5)   Tare devices

No instrument shall be fitted with a tare device.

36.   Simple equal arm beam

1.  

   (1)   Symmetry of beams

The beam shall have 2 planes of symmetry, longitudinal and transversal. It shall be in equilibrium with or without the pans. Detachable parts which may be used equally well on either end of the beam shall be interchangeable and of equal mass.

1.  

   (2)   Zero setting

If an instrument of class III or IIII is provided with a zero setting device, this shall be a cavity below one of the pans.

The cavity may be sealed.

37.   Simple 1/10 ratio beam

1.  

   (1)   Indication of the ratio

The ratio shall be indicated legibly and permanently on the beam in the form 1:10 or 1/10.

1.  

   (2)   Symmetry of the beam

The beam shall have a longitudinal plane of symmetry.

1.  

   (3)   Zero setting

The provisions of regulation 36(2) shall apply.

38.   Simple sliding poise instrument (steelyard)

1.  

   (1)   Scale marks

The scale marks shall be lines or notches, either on the edge, or on the flat of the graduated shank.

The minimum scale spacing shall be 2 mm between notches and 4 mm between lines.

1.  

   (2)   Pivots

The load per unit length on the knives shall be not more than 10 kg/mm.

The bores of bearings in the form of an annulus shall have a diameter at least equal to 1.5 times the largest dimension of the cross section of the knife.

1.  

   (3)   Equilibrium index

The length of the equilibrium index, taken from the edge of the fulcrum knife-edge of the instrument, shall be not less than 1/15 of the length of the graduated part of the major sliding poise bar.

1.  

   (4)   Distinctive mark

The head and the sliding poise of an instrument with detachable sliding poises shall bear the same distinctive mark.

1.  

   (5)   Instrument with single capacity.

   1.  

      (a)     The minimum distance between knife-edges shall be—

      1.  

         (i)     25 mm for maximum capacities less than or equal to 30kg,

      1.  

         (ii)     20 mm for maximum capacities exceeding 30kg.

1.  

   (6)   Graduation

The graduation shall extend from zero to the maximum capacity.

1.  

   (7)   Zero-setting

If an instrument of class III or IIII is provided with a zero-setting device, this shall be a captive screw or nut arrangement with a maximum effect of 4 verification scale intervals per revolution.

1.  

   (8)   Instrument with dual capacity

   1.  

      (a)     the minimum distance between knife-edges shall be—

      1.  

         (i)     45 mm for the lower capacity,

      1.  

         (ii)     20 mm for the higher capacity;

   1.  

      (b)     the suspension mechanism of the instrument shall be differentiated from the load suspension mechanism;

   1.  

      (c)     the scales corresponding to each of the capacities of the instrument shall permit weighing from zero to maximum capacity, without a break in continuity—

      1.  

         (i)     either without the 2 scales having a common part,

      1.  

         (ii)     or with a common part of not more than 1/5 of the highest value of the lower scale;

   1.  

      (d)     Scale intervals

1.  

   The scale intervals of each of the scales shall have a constant value;

   1.  

      (e)     Zero-setting devices

1.  

   Zero-setting devices shall not be permitted.

39.   Roberval and Beranger instruments

1.  

   (1)   Symmetry

Detachable symmetrical parts occurring in pairs shall be interchangeable and of equal mass.

1.  

   (2)   Zero-setting

If an instrument is provided with a zero-setting device, this shall be a cavity below the support of one of the pans and the cavity may be sealed.

1.  

   (3)   Length of the knife-edges

   1.  

      (a)     On an instrument having a simple beam–

      1.  

         (i)     the distance between the outward ends of the load knife-edges shall be at least equal to the diameter of the bottom of the pan,

      1.  

         (ii)     the distance between the outward ends of the centre knife-edge shall be at least equal to 0.7 times the length of the load knife-edges.

   1.  

      (b)     A double beam instrument shall be assured a stability of the mechanism equal to that obtained with a simple beam instrument.

40.   Instruments with ratio platforms

1.  

   (1)   Maximum capacity

The maximum capacity of the instruments shall be greater than 30kg.

1.  

   (2)   Indication of the ratio

The ratio between the weighed load and the equilibrium load shall be indicated legibly and permanently on the beam in the form 1:10 or 1/10.

1.  

   (3)   Zero-setting

An instrument shall have a zero-setting device consisting—

1.  

   (i)     either of a cup with greatly convex cover, or

1.  

   (ii)     of a captive screw or nut arrangement, with a maximum effect of 4 verification scale intervals per revolution.

1.  

   (4)   Complementary balancing device

If an instrument is provided with a complementary device that avoids the use of weights which are of low value in relation to the maximum capacity, this device shall be a graduated steelyard with a sliding poise, the effect being additive and not more than 10 kg.

1.  

   (5)   Locking of the beam

An instrument shall have a manual device for locking the beam, the action of which prevents the equilibrium indices coinciding when at rest.

41.   Instrument with a load-measuring device with accessible sliding poises (of the steelyard type)

1.  

   (1)   General

The provisions of regulations 27 to 34 inclusive relating to load measuring devices with accessible sliding poises shall apply.

1.  

   (2)   Range of numbered scale

The numbered scale of the instrument shall permit continuous weighing from zero to the maximum capacity.

1.  

   (3)   Minimum scale spacing

The scale spacing i_x of the different bars (x = 1,2,3..) corresponding to the scale interval d_x of these bars, shall be—

1.  

   (4)   Ratio platform

If an instrument is provided with a ratio platform for extending the indicating range of the numbered scale, the ratio between the value of the weights placed on the platform to balance a load and the load itself shall be 1/10 or 1/100.

This ratio shall be indicated legibly and permanently on the beam in a position close to the ratio platform in the form 1:10, 1:100, or 1/10, 1/100.

1.  

   (5)   Zero-setting

The provisions of regulation 40 (3) shall apply.

1.  

   (6)   Locking of the beam.

The provisions of regulation 40 (5) shall apply.

PART 5
AUTOMATIC WEIGHING INSTRUMENTS

42.   Requirements of Automatic Weighing machines

1.  

   (1)   An automatic weighing machine and its integral parts shall, as far as practicable, satisfy the requirements of these Regulations which are applicable, corresponding to its type and class to which the machine most nearly relates.

1.  

   (2)   All beams of automatic weighing machines shall be identified with the machines to which they relate by means of a number or other mark of identification, which shall be indelible.

1.  

   (3)   Any adjusting mechanism of an automatic weighing machine shall be so secured and protected that it can not be readily tampered with.

PART 6
FUEL DISPENSING INSTRUMENTS

43.   Compliance requirements: petrol pumps

1.  

   (1)   A petrol pump shall—

   1.  

      (a)     be constructed to deliver fuel at only one outlet;

   1.  

      (b)     have a clear and legible volume indicator;

   1.  

      (c)     have no counter or totalising device which might be confused with the volume indicator;

   1.  

      (d)     have no leakage;

   1.  

      (e)     have any delivery hose 5 m or less in length, unless—

      1.  

         (i)     the pump has a delivery hose longer than 5 m to refuel ships or aircraft,

      1.  

         (ii)     the Director has given written permission for a delivery hose longer than 5 m;

   1.  

      (f)     if it is of fixed type—

      1.  

         (i)     be securely mounted on a solidly constructed level base,

      1.  

         (ii)     be sited so that a purchaser has an unobstructed view of the volume indicator, and of any price indicator,

      1.  

         (iii)     be sited so that the adjusting mechanism, seal and place for the verification stamp are readily accessible;

   1.  

      (g)     if used to measure lubricating oil, have its delivery hose permanently filled to the nozzle;

   1.  

      (h)     have any price indicator fitted with a device which clearly indicates the price per litre or price per gallon and regulates the registration on the indicator;

   1.  

      (i)     have the maker's name marked on the instrument.

1.  

   (2)   For the purposes of this regulation, the length of a delivery hose—

   1.  

      (a)     includes the length of the nozzle, but

   1.  

      (b)     excludes the length of any swing or radial arm, and

   1.  

      (c)     in the case of a retractable delivery hose, is measured when fully extended and from where it emerges from its housing.

1.  

   (3)   A petrol pump equipped with a meter shall—

   1.  

      (a)     not deliver fuel unless the volume indicator and any price indicator have been reset to zero;

   1.  

      (b)     have an air separator and a cut-off valve which ensures non-registration if the supply of fuel stops; and

   1.  

      (c)     have a delivery hose permanently filled to the nozzle.

1.  

   (4)   A petrol pump which has one or more measuring chambers shall—

   1.  

      (a)     except when fitted with valves for automatic filling and emptying the chambers, have visual indication that a chamber is full or is empty;

   1.  

      (b)     have the delivery hose so positioned as to allow complete discharge of the liquid flowing from one chamber into another; and

   1.  

      (c)     if it has more than one measuring chamber—

      1.  

         (i)     have a valve to prevent the liquid flowing from one chamber into another, and

      1.  

         (ii)     have each chamber denominated.

1.  

   (5)   A petrol pump, when new or in service, shall have no error greater than ± 0.5% of the volume purported to be delivered or 50 ml whichever value is greater.

44.   Compliance requirements: Bulk meters

1.  

   (1)   A bulk meter, including a vehicle tank meter shall—

   1.  

      (a)     have devices which—

      1.  

         (i)     prevent air from passing through the meter to such an extent as to affect the accuracy of delivery, and

      1.  

         (ii)     ensure that no registration takes place when the supply of fuel fails;

   1.  

      (b)     have no leakage;

   1.  

      (c)     have figures on any indicator which are indelible, clear and legible;

   1.  

      (d)     have the maker's name marked on the instrument;

   1.  

      (e)     have the maximum and minimum rates of flow in litres or cubic meters per minute or gallons per minute clearly marked;

   1.  

      (f)     have primary indicating or recording elements which can advance only by the flow of the liquid through the meter, provided that the meter reading may be cleared by an advance movement which cannot be stopped before zero is reached;

   1.  

      (g)     when a pre-set mechanism is incorporated, automatically stop delivery registration and flow when the pre-set volume has been delivered.

1.  

   (2)   The limit of error of a bulk meter when new, or in service shall be ± 0.5% of the quantity tested or 2 litres whichever is greater.

45.   Delivery from vehicle tanks

1.  

   (1)   Except where permitted in accordance with paragraph (2) a person shall not sell or in a commercial transaction deliver fuel in bulk from a mobile tanker except through a petrol pump, or through a bulk meter.

1.  

   (2)   Vehicle tanks or compartments of vehicle tanks are permitted for trade of fuel if—

   1.  

      (a)     they have been approved, verified and stamped by the Director within errors not exceeding ± 0.5% of the entire content of each tank compartment;

   1.  

      (b)     they are used for one individual delivery of the entire content of one or more compartments;

   1.  

      (c)     they are so positioned during delivery as to assume complete emptying of the compartments.

PART 7
TESTING, VERIFICATION AND STAMPING OF WEIGHTS, MEASURES AND WEIGHING AND MEASURING INSTRUMENTS

46.   Fees

Fees at the rates specified by the Minister by order in the Gazette shall be payable for testing, verification and stamping of weights, measures, and weighing and measuring instruments in the manner specified in such order.

47.   Stamping etc. of weighing

Every weight, measure, weighing or measuring instrument which complies with such regulations as applicable to it as the case may be and is correct shall be stamped or marked with the official verification mark prescribed for the purpose. In addition to such marking a numeral indicating the month and the last 2 numerals of the year shall also be impressed provided it is practicable to do so.

48.   Testing of Weights

1.  

   (1)   A weight shall be tested by comparison with the equivalent working standard weight or group of working standard weights having errors less than ¹/₃ of the limit of error specified in Table 1 or Table 2 of Schedule 2 as applicable, by direct comparison on a class II or higher class balance.

1.  

   (2)   If a weight does not conform to this regulation it shall not be passed as correct at verification. A rejection mark may be stamped or affixed to the weight.

1.  

   (3)   A weight for general trade which has been passed as correct at verification, shall be stamped—

   1.  

      (a)     if the weight has an adjusting hole, on the lead or similar material in that hole; or

   1.  

      (b)     in any other case, on the base surface of the weight.

1.  

   (4)   A precision weight for trade with valuable goods correct at verification, shall be stamped—

   1.  

      (a)     on its base surface if it is of a denomination of 200 g or more;

   1.  

      (b)     on the identification plate on top of the storage box for weights of a denomination of 100 g and less.

49.   Testing of liquid measures

1.  

   (1)   A measure of volume shall be tested—

   1.  

      (a)     by the gravimetric method; or

   1.  

      (b)     by filling it to its capacity with water; and

   1.  

      (c)     by emptying those contents into a standard test measure having limits of error not exceeding ¹/₄ of those specified in Table 1 or Table 2 of Schedule 2 as applicable;

   1.  

      (d)     at a reference temperature of 27˚C, unless intended for use at another temperature;

   1.  

      (e)     in the case of a fixed storage tank by a geometric and/or volumetric method.

1.  

   (2)   A measure of volume which does not conform to the requirements of these Regulations as applicable shall not be passed as correct at verification. A rejection mark may be stamped or affixed to the measure of volume.

1.  

   (3)   A measure of volume which has been passed as correct at verification, shall be stamped—

   1.  

      (a)     at the bottom of the inside of any lip or retaining edge of a metal measure; or

   1.  

      (b)     in any other case near the marking of capacity.

50.   Testing of length measures

1.  

   (1)   A measure of length shall be tested—

   1.  

      (a)     against a standard measure of length having errors not exceeding ¹/₃ of the limits specified in Schedule 3, as applicable;

   1.  

      (b)     at a reference temperature of 27˚C, unless intended for use at another temperature;

   1.  

      (c)     in the case of a tape measure, while it is supported horizontal over its complete length and subjected to a tensile force of—

      1.  

         (i)     50 newtons in the case of a metal measure, or

      1.  

         (ii)     10 newtons in the case of a measure not made of metal.

1.  

   (2)   A measure of length which does not conform to the requirements of these Regulations as applicable shall not be passed as correct at verification. A rejection mark may be stamped or affixed to the measure of length.

51.   Testing of weighing instruments

1.  

   (1)   The following tests shall be carried out on a new or repaired weighing instrument at verification—

   1.  

      (a)     a visual inspection of all parts of the instrument including those which may be dismantled and re-assembled without changing the correct operation of the instrument shall be carried out;

   1.  

      (b)     the applicable tests as specified in regulation 15 shall be carried out;

   1.  

      (c)     any other test which is considered necessary for the intended use of the instrument may also be carried out.

1.  

   (2)   At in-service inspection of a weighing instrument the applicable parts of inspection and testing as specified in this regulation shall be carried out and in addition any stamps, seals and markings of the instrument or verification certificates shall be examined.

1.  

   (3)   A weighing instrument shall be inspected at the site of its intended use; however, a portable instrument may be verified at such place and at such time to be determined by the Director.

1.  

   (4)   The limit of error of a weighing instrument shall be tested with working standard weights having errors of not more than ¹/₃ of the limit of error for that instrument.

1.  

   (5)   Except where otherwise provided in these Regulations tests shall be carried out for all weighing instruments at the following loads—

   1.  

      (a)     at no load;

   1.  

      (b)     at ^½ maximum capacity;

   1.  

      (c)     at maximum capacity, including if applicable maximum additive tare;

   1.  

      (d)     at loads at which the method of balancing is modified by addition or subtraction of a unit weight.

1.  

   (6)   Self-indicating weighing machines in addition to test loads specified in this regulation, shall be tested at—

   1.  

      (a)     capacity of self-indication if different from maximum capacity;

   1.  

      (b)     at as many loads as considered necessary by the Director in view of the particular construction.

1.  

   (7)   The following tests shall be carried out on platform machines and weighbridges at verification—

   1.  

      (a)     tests for discrimination, sensitivity and limit of error shall be carried out in compliance with regulation 15 provided that procedures and means for applying high test loads are available with the Director;

   1.  

      (b)     tests for position of load shall be made in accordance with regulation 15. However, weighbridges may be tested using a vehicle with a total load not exceeding 80% of the sum of the maximum capacity and maximum tare which is successively immobilised at different points of the load receptor.

1.  

   (8)   A weighbridge shall be checked for—

   1.  

      (a)     adequate drainage with no accumulation of water, mud or debris in the pit;

   1.  

      (b)     smooth, straight and horizontal approaches for a distance of at least ^½ the length of the platform at each end of the weighbridge;

   1.  

      (c)     the building with the indicating device shall be so constructed that the operator has an unobstructed view of the whole platform;

   1.  

      (d)     the platform shall be so protected that vehicles can only go onto it or leave it at the ends;

   1.  

      (e)     adequate foundations to support the platform and other components at maximum load without movement;

   1.  

      (f)     a counterpoise weight of distinctive shape from other counterpoise weights which can accurately compensate for the weight of any loose receptor or frame used with the instrument and which has the words “TARE WEIGHT” legibly and conspicuously stamped on its edge.

52.   General testing of fuel dispensing instruments

1.  

   (1)   A measuring instrument shall be tested under practical working conditions with the liquid fuel or lubricant that the instrument is intended to deliver.

1.  

   (2)   A fuel dispensing instrument shall not be tested unless it is complete with all parts and attachments necessary for the operation of measurement and delivery.

1.  

   (3)   An inspector may open any lock or sealed tank or container from which liquid fuel or lubricant may have been withdrawn for the purposes of his or her tests in order to return the said liquid fuel or lubricant thereto and immediately after the said liquid fuel or lubricant has been returned, he or she shall securely re-fasten the said tank or container and for this purpose he or she shall replace any seal or link broken by him or her in opening the said tank or container with a seal upon which he or she shall affix the official stamp.

1.  

   (4)   Any liquid fuel or lubricant which is drawn from any tank or container for the purpose of the test shall be returned to the trader or the person in charge of the measuring instrument.

53.   Testing of petrol pumps

1.  

   (1)   A petrol pump having a measuring chamber shall be tested, after passing 5 litres or more of fuel or lubricant through the delivery hose.

1.  

   (2)   The standard test measures used to test a petrol pump shall not have limits of error exceeding ±0.1%.

1.  

   (3)   A petrol pump shall be tested by delivering the fuel into test measures in such number and volume as are necessary.

1.  

   (4)   The meter shall be tested, in addition to other tests, by a slow test at a rate of delivery not exceeding 10 litres per minute.

1.  

   (5)   The pump shall be tested to ensure that it works correctly whether the fuel is delivered rapidly or slowly.

1.  

   (6)   The pump shall be tested to ensure that when a delivery has been completed, no further operation can take place until the indicator for quantity has been reset to zero.

1.  

   (7)   The pump shall be tested to ensure that over a number of deliveries, the indications on the price indicator correspond with the indications on the volume indicator and with the price per litre or gallon, as the case may be.

1.  

   (8)   The pump shall be tested to ensure that, the volume indicators and the price indicators both agree after a delivery, for pumps having more than one volume and price indicators.

1.  

   (9)   In the case of a pump having a nozzle control valve, the pump shall be tested to ensure that fuel is not delivered when the valve is open and the pump is not operating.

1.  

   (10)   A petrol pump not conforming to these Regulations as applicable, shall not be passed as correct at verification. A rejection mark may be stamped or affixed to the petrol pump.

1.  

   (11)   A pump which has been passed as correct at verification shall be—

   1.  

      (a)     stamped with a verification mark on a conspicuous and easily accessible part of the pump;

   1.  

      (b)     affixed with a standard seal to prevent access without breaking the seal to the adjusting device.

54.   Testing of bulk meters

1.  

   (1)   A bulk meter shall be tested—

   1.  

      (a)     after any dry hose has been flushed and the instrument reset to zero;

   1.  

      (b)     using standard test measures or a calibrated master meter or a proving loop, any of which having limits of error not exceeding ± 0.15%;

   1.  

      (c)     by passing the liquid intended to be normally used through the meter into standard test measures in as many deliveries and of such volumes as considered necessary or by comparison of the indication of the meter under test with the indication of a calibrated master meter or proving loop; and

   1.  

      (d)     with varying heads of liquid or with varying bore by manipulation of the delivery valve as far as is practicable.

1.  

   (2)   The verification mark shall be stamped upon a conspicuous and easily accessible part of the meter and seals shall be affixed to prevent access to the working parts or adjusting device without the seals being broken.

55.   Testing of pre-packaged goods

1.  

   (1)   For the purpose of checking the net weight or measure of pre-packaged goods an inspector may—

   1.  

      (a)     use his or her own measuring devices; or

   1.  

      (b)     use measuring devices owned by the trade outlet provided that—

      1.  

         (i)     they have been passed as correct at verification,

      1.  

         (ii)     their accuracy is suitable for the type and quantity of the goods checked.

1.  

   (2)   A measuring device used by an inspector for the purpose of checking the quantity of pre-packaged goods shall read to about 1% or less of the measured quantity.

1.  

   (3)   For the purposes of checking the net weight or measure of pre-packaged goods the inspector shall-

   1.  

      (a)     consider as one lot, as large a number as possible of the goods being offered for sale and in store;

   1.  

      (b)     draw random samples of the goods;

   1.  

      (c)     determine the net weight or measure of the goods.

1.  

   (4)   The limits of error for pre-packaged goods shall not be greater than the limits of error specified in Table 1 of Schedule 5.

PART 8
LICENSING OF SELLERS, MANUFACTURERS OF WEIGHTS, MEASURES AND WEIGHING AND MEASURING INSTRUMENTS

56.   Licence to sell, repair etc. weight etc.

Every person who desires to obtain a licence to sell or repair or manufacture and sell any weight or measure or any weighing or measuring instrument shall make an application in that behalf in a form to be determined by the Director which shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee.

57.   Licence to sell, repair etc. metric weight etc.

Every licence to sell or repair or manufacture and sell any metric weight or measure or any metric weighing or measuring instrument—

1.  

   (a)     shall be in the Forms A1 and A2 respectively set out in Schedule 6;

1.  

   (b)     shall be an annual licence and shall expire on 31 December of the year in respect of which it is issued;

1.  

   (c)     shall be subject to the conditions specified therein.

58.   Loss etc. of licence

1.  

   (1)   In the event of any such licence being lost, damaged or destroyed, the licensee shall—

   1.  

      (a)     on making a written application in that behalf to the Director; and

   1.  

      (b)     upon payment of a prescribed fee, be supplied a certified copy of such licence.

1.  

   (2)   All fees payable under this part in respect of licences or certified copies thereof shall be credited to the Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards.

Schedule 1

(Regulations 6, 8 and 47)

LIMITS OF ERROR FOR WEIGHTS FOR GENERAL TRADE

Schedule 2

(Regulations 9 and 49)

(Regulations 9 and 49)

Schedule 3

(Regulations 10 and 50)

(Regulations 10 and 50)

Schedule 4

(Regulations 12, 13 and 14)

ACCURACY CLASSES AND LIMITS OF ERROR OF WEIGHING INSTRUMENTS

Schedule 5

(Regulation 55)

Schedule 6

Metrology (Fees) Regulations – Sections 24, 25 and 56

(Statutory Instruments 55/2002, 86/2002 and 99/2019)

Statutory Instrument 55/2002 .. in force 29 June 2002

Amended by S.I. 86/2002 .. in force 14 October 2002

Amended by S.I. 99/2019 .. in force 1 July 2019

ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS

METROLOGY (FEES) REGULATIONS – SECTION 57

Commencement [29 June 2002]

1.   Citation

These Regulations may be cited as the Metrology (Fees) Regulations.

2.   Interpretation

1.  

   In these Regulations—

“principal Act” means the Metrology Act.

3.   Pattern approval of weighing and measuring equipment

The fee under section 24(2) of the principal Act for pattern approval of weighing and measuring devices is as prescribed in the Schedule 1.

4.   Licence to sell, manufacture or repair weights and measuring instruments

The fee under section 25(3) of the principal Act for a licence to sell, manufacture or repair weights, measures and weighing and measuring instruments is as prescribed in Schedule 2.

5.   Testing, verification and stamping of weights, measures or weighing and measuring instruments

The fee under section 56 of the principal Act for the testing, verification and stamping of weights, measures or weighing and measuring instruments is as prescribed in Schedule 3.

Schedule 1

(Regulation 3)

(Substituted by S.I. 99/2019)

Schedule 2

(Regulation 4)

Schedule 3

(Regulation 5)

(Substituted by S.I 86/2002 and amended by S.I. 99/2019)

Metrology (System of Units) Order – Section 3(5)

(Statutory Instruments 7/2016 and 34/2016)

Mapping, Land Surveys & Titles (MSC 1.5. and MSC 3.5) S.I. 7/2016 .. in force 31 January 2016

School Systems & Curriculum (MSC 4.2) S.I. 34/2016 .. in force 31 January 2016

ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS

METROLOGY (SYSTEM OF UNITS) ORDER – SECTION 3(5)

1.   Citation

This Order may be cited as the Metrology (System of Units) Order.

2.   System of Units

The British Imperial System of units specified in Part 2 of Schedule 2 of the Metrology Act ceases to have legal force and validity in the following subsectors: