The Weights and Measures Regulations 1963

Testing

64.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this regulation, in testing any weighing instrument, the inspector shall satisfy himself that—

(a) it is properly balanced when unloaded;

(b) the beam (if any) has sufficient, room for oscillation and returns to the position of equilibrium when the load is removed;

(c) the indicator (if any) returns to the zero mark or minimum graduation when the load is removed.

(2) Paragraph 1(a) of this regulation shall not apply in the case of a weighing instrument of a pattern in respect of which a certificate of approval granted or deemed to have been granted under section 12 of the Weights and Measures Act 1963 is in force, if such an instrument is not so constructed as to balance when unloaded.

65.  Movable weighing instruments provided with a base shall be tested on a level plane.

66.  Weighing instruments which are designed to be suspended when in use shall be suspended during testing.

67.—(1) Weighing instruments used in any of the following transactions, that is to say, transactions—

(a) in gold, silver or other precious metals,

(b) in precious stones,

(c) in jewellery,

(d) in silk,

(e) by retail in drugs or other pharmaceutical products,

shall either—

(i) be balances, or

(ii) being instruments other than balances, fall within the prescribed limits of error for beam scales marked “Class B”.

(2) Weighing instruments used in retail transactions in tobacco shall either—

(a) be balances, or

(b) being instruments other than balances, fall within the prescribed limits of error for beam scales marked “Class B” or “Class C”.

68.—(1) Unless otherwise provided in these Regulations, vibrating weighing instruments shall be tested for sensitiveness by loading the instrument with the maximum testing load (or as near thereto as, in the opinion of the inspector, circumstances permit) with the beam or steelyard indicator in a horizontal position, and ascertaining that it moves with the addition of the weight to be added to test sensitiveness as specified in Parts II, III, V, VI, VII, IX or X, as the case may be, of Schedule 2 hereto. No test for sensitiveness at a lower load shall be made.

(2) In the case of beam scales and balances, the addition of the said weight to either pan shall cause an appreciable movement of the beam.

(3) In the case of vibrating weighing instruments other than beam scales or balances, the addition of the said weight shall cause the beam or steelyard indicator to rise or fall to the limit of its range of movement.

69.  Vibrating weighing instruments shall be tested for error by ascertaining the weight to be added thereto or removed therefrom, in order to bring the beam or steelyard indicator of the instrument to a horizontal position when the instrument is loaded with the maximum testing load (or as near thereto as, in the opinion of the inspector, circumstances permit).

70.  Accelerating weighing instruments shall be tested for error by ascertaining the weight required just to keep the beam or steelyard indicator in a horizontal position on its stop or carrier and no more; and shall be further tested by ascertaining the weight required to bring back the beam or steelyard indicator from its position of greatest displacement to the horizontal position, the instrument being at all times fully loaded and truly balanced.

71.  In testing weighing instruments fitted with a price computing mechanism, the inspector shall in addition to testing at each numbered graduation satisfy himself that—

(a) they indicate the price correctly; and

(b) they comply with the requirements of these Regulations in so far as they are applicable to the particular type, class or description of weighing instrument concerned.