The Measuring Instruments Regulations 2016

PART 5 AUTOMATIC CATCHWEIGHERS

Interpretation of Part

14.  In this Part references to an automatic catchweigher are to accuracy classes Y(I), Y(II), Y(a) and Y(b) as defined in the Directive.

Requirements for use for trade of automatic catchweighers

15.—(1) No person shall use for trade an automatic catchweigher unless—

(a) it is compliant with the essential requirements other than the provisions relating to maximum permissible errors;

(b) in the case of an automatic catchweigher of accuracy class Y(I), Y(II), Y(a) or Y(b) it operates within the maximum permissible errors in paragraph 16;

(c) the requirements of paragraphs 17 to 20 are complied with; and

(d) it has been erected and installed in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 21.

Maximum permissible error

16.—(1) The maximum permissible error for an automatic catchweigher in automatic operation is to be determined in accordance with the following table—

Net Load (m) in verification scale intervals (e)				Maximum permissible error
Y(I)	Y(II)	Y(a)	Y(b)
0 ˂ m ≤ 50 000	0 ˂ m ≤ 5 000	0 ˂ m ≤ 500	0 ˂ m ≤ 50	±2e
50 000 ˂ m ≤ 200 000	5 000 ˂ m ≤ 20 000	500 ˂ m ≤ 20 2000	50 ˂ m ≤ 200	±3e
200 000 ˂ m	20 000 ˂ m≤ 100 000	2 000 ˂ m ≤ 10 000	200 ˂ m ≤ 20 1 000	±4e

(2) The maximum permissible error for an automatic catchweigher in non-automatic operation is to be determined in accordance with the following table—

Net Load (m) in verification scale intervals (e)				Maximum permissible error
Y(I)	Y(II)	Y(a)	Y(b)
0 ˂ m ≤ 50 000	0 ˂ m ≤ 5 000	0 ˂ m ≤ 500	0 ˂ m ≤ 50	±1e
50 000 ˂ m ≤ 200 000	5 000 ˂ m ≤ 20 000	500 ˂ m ≤ 20 2000	50 ˂ m ≤ 200	±2e
200 000 ˂ m	20 000 ˂ m≤ 100 000	2 000 ˂ m ≤ 10 000	200 ˂ m ≤ 20 1 000	±3e

Manner of use

17.  An automatic catchweigher marked with a measurement range may be used for trade for determining the difference between two weights where both items fall within the measurement range.

18.  Where an automatic catchweigher is marked with a measurement range, no person may use the catchweigher for trade for determining a weight outside that range in relation—

(a) to, or to articles made from, gold, silver or other precious metals, including gold or silver thread or fringe;

(b) to precious stones or pearls; or

(c) to drugs or other pharmaceutical products.

19.  No person may use for trade an automatic catchweigher other than catchweigher of accuracy class Y(I) or Y(II) in any transaction—

(a) in, or in articles made from gold silver or other precious metals, including gold or silver thread or fringe; or

(b) in precious stones or pearls.

20.—(1) Where an automatic catchweigher is marked with a temperature range, it must not be used for trade in temperatures outside that range.

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

(3) An automatic catchweigher of accuracy class Y(b) must only be used for weighing ballast or waste.

(4) An automatic catchweigher must 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.

(5) For the purposes of paragraph (3), “waste” means any substance that its holder discards, or intends or is required to discard, including any waste disposed of for reprocessing or recycling purposes.

Manner of erection and installation

21.—(1) Every automatic catchweigher must be positioned so as to facilitate cleaning and testing.

(2) The installation of an automatic catchweigher must be so designed that an automatic weighing operation will be the same for testing as for use for a transaction.

(3) If an automatic catchweigher has any special equipment for its control which is not a permanent fixture of the catchweigher, it must be kept in the vicinity of the catchweigher.