The Measuring Instruments (Automatic Gravimetric Filling Instruments) Regulations 2006

PART III USE FOR TRADE OF AUTOMATIC GRAVIMETRIC FILLING INSTRUMENTS

Requirements for use for trade

14.  No person shall use for trade an automatic gravimetric filling instrument unless—

(a) it is compliant with the essential requirements other than the provisions relating to maximum permissible errors referred to in paragraph 17 of Schedule 1;

(b) the requirements of regulations 15 and 16 are complied with;

(c) it has been erected and installed in accordance with the requirements of regulation 17;

(d) the instrument operates within the limits of maximum permissible error set out in Table 2 in Part 2 of Schedule 5;

(e) subject to paragraph (f), where test fills are required, these limits are determined on the basis of consecutive fills; and

(f) in the case of an instrument of the description and maximum capacity set out, respectively, in columns 1 and 2 of Table 1 in Part 1 of Schedule 5, it is within the accuracy class specified for that instrument in column 3 or within an accuracy class of a higher level of precision than the specified class.

Manner of use

15.—(1) Where an automatic gravimetric filling instrument is marked with a temperature range, it shall not be used for trade in temperatures outside that range.

(2) Where an automatic gravimetric filling instrument bears a mark which signifies the manner and purpose of use, it shall not be used for trade in a manner or for a purpose which does not accord with that marking.

(3) An automatic gravimetric filling instrument shall only be used for trade for the purpose of weighing material the value of which, expressed in units of measurement of mass, is neither less than the value of the minimum capacity nor more than the value of the maximum capacity.

(4) An automatic gravimetric filling instrument shall not be used for trade in circumstances—

(a) in which it may be prevented from operating consistently or accurately; or

(b) which are likely prematurely to degrade its metrological characteristics.

Automatic gravimetric filling instruments to be set to zero

16.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), a person shall not use an automatic gravimetric filling instrument for trade unless it is properly balanced or set to zero immediately prior to use.

(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply in the case of an instrument if it is designed so as not to balance when unloaded.

Manner of erection and installation

17.—(1) Every automatic gravimetric filling instrument shall be so positioned as to facilitate cleaning and testing.

(2) If any special equipment for an automatic gravimetric filling instrument, as referred to in paragraph 9(5) of Schedule 1 is not a permanent fixture of the instrument, it shall be kept in the vicinity of the instrument.