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Metrology
Metrology is the science of measurement. The
Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards administers the Metrology Act No. 17
of 2000. This legislation gives the Bureau responsibility to
regulate all weights and measures activity on the island. The Metrology Department of the
Bureau is fully equipped and capable of providing much needed calibration services to the
private sector.
Such services will also assist businesses in operating within the legal framework of the
Metrology Act. The unit offers traceability of measurement services, to provide credibility to local manufacturers on international markets, thereby increasing their
competitiveness.
Functions of
the SLBS Metrology Unit
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To
maintain a uniform system of units of measurement.
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To
ensure accuracy of measuring instruments used in trade.
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To
maintain confidence in the quantities of goods offered for
sale.
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To
provide representation at the National and International level
concerning Metrology.
Services
Offered
The Unit is guided by
the principles and recommendations of the International Organisation
of Legal Metrology (OIML) in the following operations which are set
out in the Metrology Act:
Type
Approval:
This
is the process undertaken to confirm that the design of a measuring
instrument complies with legal requirements. It is normally granted
indefinitely, however in some cases conditions maybe attached. Under
the Metrology Act all measuring instrument used for trade are
subject to pattern approval.
Verification,
Inspection & Stamping:
This
activity involves the testing and examination of a measuring
instrument by a Metrology Inspector to confirm that it complies with
legal requirements. Verification is carried out initially at the
time the measuring instrument is either put on the market or put
into use and subsequent
to any repair or adjustment. In
addition, every instrument used in trade must be examined and tested
at specified intervals by a Metrology Inspector to confirm that it
continues to comply with legal requirements.
Inspections are carried out over the lifetime of use of the
instrument to ensure that it is measuring accurately and not used in
a fraudulent manner. Gas
pumps are verified every six months while scales are done annually.
Calibration:
This
is the process that establishes, under specified conditions, the
relationship between values of quantities indicated by a measuring
instrument or measuring system, or values represented by a material
measure or a reference material, and the corresponding values
realized by standards. Though a
calibration can be performed
by a
private or
public sector
entity, it
is only a state-sanctioned
agency such as
the SLBS which carries out verifications.
Physical
National Standards used to measure mass, volume, pressure,
temperature, length and various electrical quantities are calibrated
and certified to achieve and maintain uniformity of measurement in
domestic and international trade. These (Physical National
Standards) are further certified against the International
Standards.
Control
of quantities of goods:
All
goods sold by quantity whether pre-packaged or loose must comply
with legal requirements. Goods
not sold pre-packaged such as fruits and vegetables or petrol from
the filling station, when sold using a measuring instrument must
contain the minimum quantity stated
.Under
the Metrology Act, the net content of pre-packaged goods and foods
must be verified to ensure that the weight stated is contained in
the package in accordance with the legal requirements.
Resolution
of Complaints
between purchasers and sellers and the investigation of
grievances from those who suspect they may have received inaccurate
measurement can be addressed by the department.
Technical
Assistance & Training:
The
department
provides training in a number of areas and provides technical
assistance to its clientele and the general public.
These include support and advice on the procurement of
measuring instruments and courses/training in the Introduction to
Metrology and Calibration, to name a few.
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