The Weighing Equipment (Non-automatic Weighing Machines) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006

Eccentric load testing

18.—(a) Subject to sub-paragraph (b)—

(i) in the case of a load receptor having four or fewer supports, a test load equal to one-third of the maximum load shall be applied in turn to each of the four quarter segments of the load receptor, each quarter segment being as nearly as is practicable equal to one quarter in area of the receptor; or

(ii) in the case of a load receptor having more than four supports, a test load which is equal to the fraction 1/(n-1) of the maximum load shall be applied to each support over an area of 1/n of the surface area of the load receptor (where ‘n’ is the number of supports):

• Provided that, if the load receptor has a pair of supports which are so close together that it is not practicable to proceed in this manner, a test load which is equal to 2/(n – 1) of the maximum load (where ‘n’ is the number of supports) shall be applied to twice that area equally spaced about the axis connecting the pair of supports; or

(iii) in the case of a machine which falls within head (i) or (ii) but which has a load receptor in the form of a tank or hopper where the off-centre loading is minimal, a test load which is equal to one-tenth of the maximum load shall be applied to each point of support of the load receptor.

(b) In the case of a machine used for weighing vehicles of any description, a test load which is as nearly as practicable equal to, but in the event does not exceed, four-fifths of the maximum load shall also be applied at both ends and in the middle of the load receptor in all directions of movement of the vehicle on the load receptor.