Weights & Measures440 Third Street • Room 305 • Columbus, IN 47201 A Brief Overview of the Primary Duties & Functions of State and Local InspectorsAnnually inspect weighing and measuring devices (commercial and noncommercial) that are used in any form of commerce and trade that protects the rights of individuals and businesses. Monitor how commodities are sold to assure compliance with the Method of Sale Regulations. Check prepackage products and commodities to assure pricing is based on the contents and not the packaging. Calibrate weighing and measuring equipment used to conduct inspection activity. Test octane in gasoline products. Investigate consumer complaints and compile accurate data that can be used to prosecute habitual offenders. All Inspection Activities Require the Use of and Compliance with... Handbook #44 - Specifications, Tolerances, and Other Technical Requirements for Weighing and Measuring Devices. Handbook #130 - Requirements for the Method of Sale of Commodities. Handbook #130 - Checking the Net Contents of Package Goods. State of Indiana - Weights and Measures Enforcement Guidelines. National Type Evaluation (NTEP) Special Police Enforcement Powers Weights and measures inspectors are Special Police empowered to conduct an inspection at any time and without notice during the company's normal opening hours. Weights and measures officials may condemn or confiscate any equipment on the premises that does not comply with required standards. DO NOT BE SURPRISED IF A WEIGHTS AND MEASURES OFFICIAL SHOWS UP TO CONDUCT AN INSPECTION ON THE WEEKEND, EARLY IN THE MORNING, OR LATE AT NIGHT. Training and Legislative Responsibilities Weights and measures officials must undergo continuous training to keep abreast of the changing laws, new technology, and inspection procedures. Indiana conducts a minimum of two training modules per year. These courses are taught by certified NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) instructors. Upon successful completion of these courses, inspectors become certified and earn continuing education credits. Changes in existing law and new weights and measures laws are discussed and adopted at the National Conference on Weights and Measures Interim and Annual Meetings. While industry participates in these events, only weights and measures officials can vote for these changes. Required Memberships National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) Indiana Association of Inspectors of Weights and Measures Central Weights and Measures Association (Optional) Dress Code The Indiana Association of Weights and Measures recommends that local jurisdictions provide funding for uniforms to their inspectors. Uniforms project a positive image of these officials who must execute the laws on weights and measures, and symbolizes to the public the authority to enforce those standards. Required Weights & Measures Devices Inspections
Indiana weights and measures officials tested 92,284 devices for the fiscal year ending June 15, 1999. Test Equipment Required for Weight and Measures Fuel Dispensers and Vehicle Tank Meters
Grocery Stores and Retail Outlets
Pharmacy - Prescription Scales
Taxi Meters, Laundry Mats, Car Washes
Vehicle Scales, Heavy Capacity Scales
Meat Packing Plants
Commercial - Noncommercial Scales
Tool Kit Tape Measure, Screwdrivers, ¼ Inch and 3/8 Inch Socket Sets, Wire Cutters, Pilot Level, Flashlights, Mirrors, Adjustable Wrench, Needle Nose Pliers, Label Remover Fluid, Scraper, Magnifying Glass, Allen Wrenches, Razor Blades, Leveler, and Etc. FISCAL
YEAR ENDING June 15, 1999
CONSIDER THE PAYBACK A recent budget review shows that the annual cost of U.S. weights and measures enforcement is just 50 cents per citizen. Compare this to the potential losses - to buyers or sellers - if a small error in the performance of a measurement device occurs. For example, an inaccuracy of slightly more than one tablespoon per 5 gallons of gasoline pumped equals an error of 125 million annually. Multiply these errors by the tens of thousands of products that are bought and sold every day and you get the big picture. Weights and measures is the fuel that drives the American economic engine. Each U.S. citizen pays more for a single grapefruit than for an entire year of weights and measures regulation. |
