According to Measurement Canada, the governing body of the Weights and Measures Act, ensuring the accuracy of your scale is the legal responsibility of the scale owner.
Today’s article is to help inform you on the part the government plays in regulating scale accuracy, and some useful information when it comes to your role as a weigh scale owner and operator.
Who is Measurement Canada?
The purpose of Measurement Canada, an agency of Industry Canada, is to ensure that all scales used for the purpose of trading goods are accurate. This is to protect both consumers and suppliers from skewed commodity pricing and enforce a fair trade market across the country.
To govern accuracy, Measurement Canada reserves the right to:
- Investigate any complaints or tips regarding businesses reported or suspected of inaccurate measurements.
- Require scales to be calibrated to a specified standard.
- Require scales or other measuring equipment to be certified.
- Enforce the Weights and Measure Act including laying fines if scales are found to be inaccurate.
How Can You Make Sure Your Weighing Devices Are Accurate?
Given that it’s up to you, the scale owner and operator, to make sure your device is accurate, you might be wondering what you can do to make sure you uphold the stringent standards enforced by Measurement Canada:
- Make sure that your scale has been inspected, approved and certified by a Measurement Canada Authorized Service Provider before you use it.
- Many scales are manufactured for an intended use or specific commodity, therefore you must ensure your scale is the correct type for the goods you are measuring.
- Install your scale properly and make sure it is protected from any environmental factors that could interfere with accurate measurements.
- Establish that the weight or measure is clearly displayed to the operator.
- Check your scales or meters daily as part of good maintenance.
- Train all staff thoroughly on how to properly operate the scale and read its measurements.
How do you know when your scale will be inspected?
Measurement Canada reserves the right to inspect your scale at any time, whether it be the result of a complaint or if it’s part of your periodic checkup. The frequency of your normal inspection from the government varies based on your particular industry. You will be notified via mail should your inspection be coming due.
If you receive notice that your scale is due for its review, you must schedule an inspection from an Authorized Service Provider within 14 days, or you could be subject to further enforcement measures, including financial penalties.
What Happens if Your Scale is Found to Be Inaccurate?
If you find out that your device is inaccurate it any way, it must be repaired immediately. Depending on the degree of inaccuracy, you might have to take the scale completely out of commission until it is fully fixed.
There are many companies that can service your scale who are also Authorized Service Providers, who can also re-certify your scale once it is repaired. Active Scale is one of those companies operating in Ontario and beyond.
The standards of scale accuracy are quite stringent and the penalties can be hefty, so you want to make sure you are completely clear on what your responsibilities are as a scale owner. If you have any questions or need to ensure that your scale is compliant with the Weights and Measures Act, contact Active Scale today as your local Authorized Service Provider.
