[]{#_top .anchor}**Agenda of the Committee on**

**Administration and Public Affairs**

Steve Hadder, Chairman

FL Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Tallahassee, Florida

Reference

Key Number

# 400 Introduction

The Committee on Administration and Public Affairs (A&P) will address
the following items at its Interim Meeting. Table A identifies agenda
items by Reference Key Number, title, and page number. The fact that an
item may appear on the agenda does not mean it will be presented to the
NCWM for a vote. The Committee may withdraw some items, present some
items for information or further study, issue interpretations, or make
specific recommendations. The recommendations presented in this agenda
are statements of proposal and not necessarily Committee
recommendations.

#### Table A

**Index to Reference Key Items**

Reference Title of Item Page

Key No.

[400 Introduction 1](#__RefHeading___Toc25491581)

[401 Program Management 3](#program-management)

[401-1 Voluntary Quality Assurance Assessment (VQAA)
3](#__RefHeading___Toc25491583)

[401-2 Safety Information 3](#__RefHeading___Toc25491584)

[401-3 NCWM Internet Home Page 3](#__RefHeading___Toc25491585)

[401-4 E-Commerce 4](#__RefHeading___Toc25491586)

[402 Education 4](#__RefHeading___Toc25491587)

[402-1 National Training Program 4](#__RefHeading___Toc25491588)

[402-2 Associate Membership Training Funds
4](#__RefHeading___Toc25491589)

[402-3 NCWM Training 5](#__RefHeading___Toc25491590)

[402-4 Education Sessions -- 2003 Conference
5](#education-sessions-2003-conference)

[403 Public Affairs 5](#public-affairs)

[403-1 Weights and Measures Week 5](#weights-and-measures-week)

Table B

**Appendices**

Appendix Title Page

Appendix A Basic Knowledge Requirements:

> Electronic Retail Computing Scales 6

**Details of All Items**

(In Order by Reference Key Number)

# 401 Program Management

## [[[]{#_401-1__Voluntary .anchor}]{#__RefHeading___Toc25491583 .anchor}401-1 Voluntary Quality Assurance Assessment (VQAA)](#_401-1__Voluntary)

The A&P Committee will review checklists submitted for evaluation and
will discuss development of additional checklists. The Committee will
assess the benefits of participation and consider means for greater
participation of State and local jurisdictions.[]{#_401-2__Safety
.anchor}

## [401-2 Safety Information](#_401-2__Safety)

All safety reports submitted to the NCWM Safety Liaison will be appended
to the A&P Interim Report of NCWM Publication 16 and, ultimately, the
Report of the 88^th^ National Conference on Weights and Measures, 2003.

The Regional Safety Liaisons are:

+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+
| Western Weights and Measures       | Northeastern Weights and        |
| Association:                       | Measures Association:           |
|                                    |                                 |
| Craig Leisy                        | Michael J. Sikula               |
|                                    |                                 |
| Supervisor Weights and Measures    | Assistant Director              |
|                                    |                                 |
| Seattle Licenses and Consumer      | New York Bureau of Weights and  |
| Affairs                            | Measures                        |
|                                    |                                 |
| 805 South Dearborn Street          | Building 7A State Campus        |
|                                    |                                 |
| Seattle, WA 98134                  | Tel: 518-457-3452               |
|                                    |                                 |
| Tel: 206-386-1129                  | Fax: 518-457-2552               |
|                                    |                                 |
| Fax: 312-386-1129                  | Email: <msikula@nysnet.net>     |
|                                    |                                 |
| Email:                             |                                 |
| <craig.leisy@ci.seattle.wa.us>     |                                 |
+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+
| Central Weights and Measures       | Southern Weights and Measures   |
| Association:                       | Association                     |
|                                    |                                 |
| Agatha Shields                     | Steve Hadder,                   |
|                                    | Trainer/Investigator            |
| Inspector                          |                                 |
|                                    | Florida Department of           |
| Franklin County Weights and        | Agriculture and Consumer        |
| Measures                           | Services                        |
|                                    |                                 |
| 373 S. High Street, Auditor's      | 3125 Connor Boulevard           |
| Office                             |                                 |
|                                    | Tallahassee, FL 32399-2634      |
| Columbus, OH 43215-7380            |                                 |
|                                    | Tel: 850-487-2634               |
| Tel: 614-462-7380                  |                                 |
|                                    | Fax: 850-922-6655               |
| Fax: 614-462-3111                  |                                 |
|                                    | Email:                          |
| Email:                             | <hadders@doacs.state.fl.us>     |
| <aashield@co.franklin.oh.us>       |                                 |
+------------------------------------+---------------------------------+

## [[]{#__RefHeading___Toc25491585 .anchor}401-3 NCWM Internet Home Page](#public-affairs)

The A&P Committee will continue to use the NCWM Internet website to
disburse pertinent information to the weights and measures community.
The Committee will discuss how the NCWM website can better serve weights
and measures programs.

## [[[]{#_401-4__E-Commerce .anchor}]{#__RefHeading___Toc25491586 .anchor}401-4 E-Commerce](#_401-4__E-Commerce)

**Source:** WWMA A&P Committee

**Discussion:** Jerry Buendel announced the results of a study conducted
by Washington State during Weights and Measures Week 2002. Washington
inspectors visited 32 websites and found 55 violations. Washington sent
letters to the violators asking them to correct the deficiencies. In
September 2002 the sites were revisited. Eight of the sites were no
longer operational. Four items among the other sites were corrected
leaving 37 sites that took no action to make corrections. The committee
members recommended these results be forwarded to NCWM for discussion
with Federal Trade Commission officials.

The A&P Committee will explore the results of the national "surf" day
that was proposed last year for Weights and Measures Week 2002 in order
to find out how many jurisdictions participated, what the results of the
"surf" indicated, if the consumer brochure was used, if the level of
interest of weights and measures officials to monitor e-commerce
transactions is sufficient to pursue further development, and if the
Committee should develop further awareness of e-commerce issues.

# [[[]{#_402__Education .anchor}]{#__RefHeading___Toc25491587 .anchor}402 Education](#_402__Education)

## [[]{#__RefHeading___Toc25491588 .anchor}402-1 National Training Program](#education)

**Source:** NCWM Board of Directors

**Background:** This item is carried over from Item 402-1 of the A&P
Committee's Report to the 87^th^ National Conference on Weights and
Measures, 2002. The A&P Committee developed a template for basic
knowledge criteria needed for a field inspector to perform his/her
inspection duties for small-capacity scales. The criteria include
information for both entry-level and advanced inspectors. A copy of
these criteria is included in this agenda as Appendix A. The Committee
will discuss further development of criteria for other disciplines and
requests the Board of Directors give detailed direction as to the
implementation of these criteria.

## [[[]{#_402-2__Associate .anchor}]{#__RefHeading___Toc25491589 .anchor}402-2 Associate Membership Training Funds](#_402-2__Associate)

**Source:** Southern Weights & Measures Association (SWMA)

**Recommendation:** The SWMA requests clarification of the second bullet
of the time line for request and distribution of AMC training funds as
set forth in the A&P Committee's Report to the 87^th^ National
Conference on Weights and Measures, 2002. The second bullet reads as
follows:

"The AMC will notify the NCWM A&P Committee of the proposed amount when
the BOD approval is given."

**Background:** At the SWMA meeting, an industry representative
questioned why it was necessary for the A&P Committee to obtain Board
approval on funds provided by the AMC for training purposes.
Furthermore, since the AMC funds may be used in a broad sense for
training purposes, a request for using the funds for other than training
should be sent directly to the AMC for consideration.

The NCWM A&P Committee will seek a better understanding of the AMC
procedures on how the funds should be allocated and distributed. The
Committee will also discuss if further refinement of the procedures for
request and reimbursement of AMC training funds is needed.

The NCWM A&P Committee will review applications received for requests of
Associate Membership Committee (AMC) training funds at the Interim
Meeting and notification will be made to those jurisdictions by January
31.

## [[]{#__RefHeading___Toc25491590 .anchor}402-3 NCWM Training](#_top)

**Source:** Western Weights & Measures Association (WWMA)

**Recommendation:** The WWMA recommended that the NCWM should establish
and maintain a database of classroom training programs completed by
individual weights and measures officials where the training used NCWM
courses (or equivalent) and NIST-certified trainers. The NCWM should
also issue certificates to individual weights and measures officials for
course completion.

**Discussion:** The WWMA A&P Committee recognized the value of formal
training for inspection staff and the credibility these programs
provide. Some jurisdictions have formal licensing programs for weights
and measures staff, while others rely on informal and less
well-documented programs. The WWMA A&P Committee recognized that NCWM is
a logical entity to provide a standardized training and accreditation
programs.

## 402-4 Education Sessions -- 2003 Conference

**Source:** Central Weights & Measures Association (CWMA)

**Recommendation:** The CWMA A&P Committee proposed that a technical
session on the gas pump technology be presented at 2003 Annual Meeting
of the NCWM.

The NCWM A&P Committee requests suggestions for technical sessions to be
presented at the 88th NCWM Annual Meeting in 2003. All suggestions for a
presentation should be directed to Steve Hadder (telephone:
850-487-2634; e-mail: <hadders@doacs.state.fl.us>) or Lynn Sebring
(telephone: 301-975-4006; e-mail at <lynn.sebring@nist.gov>).

# 403 Public Affairs

## 403-1 Weights and Measures Week

**Source:** Western Weights and Measures Association (WWMA)

**Recommendation:** The WWMA A&P Committee proposed three topics as
themes for Weights & Measures Week:

(1) "It's All About Confidence" -- This topic would emphasize the role
    weights and measures plays in assuring consumers and businesses can
    conduct their transactions with confidence.

(2) "Tare -- Pay For The Goods Not For The Packaging" -- This topic
    would alert consumers to be aware that they should only pay for the
    product.

(3) "Get What You [Sell]{.underline} For" -- This topic would make the
    public aware of the need for accurate measurement when dealing with
    recyclers and the role weights and measures plays in assuring scales
    are accurate.

**Discussion:** The WWMA A&P Committee recognizes the value of Weights
and Measures Week in promoting consumer awareness. Weights and Measures
Week will be March 1 through 7. We urge members of the WWMA to publicize
and promote these consumer protection topics and the role of weights and
measures officials. Members are urged to submit topics for future
Weights and Measures Weeks to the regional and national A&P Committees.

The theme for Weights and Measures Week 2003 is "Weights & Measures:
Working for Integrity in the Marketplace." In view of the current trend
of questionable business practices, this theme will inspire public
confidence in weights and measures' efforts to maintain integrity in the
marketplace. The Committee will discuss ways to bring this event to the
public's attention and will consider all suggestions for future years.

Steve Hadder, Florida, Chairman

Celeste Bennett, Michigan

Ken Deitzler, Pennsylvania

Cato Fiksdal, Los Angeles County W&M, CA

Associate Membership Committee Representative: Chip Kloos,
Colgate-Palmolive Company

C. Gardner, Suffolk County, New York, Safety Liaison

L. Sebring, NIST Technical Advisor

**Administration and Public Affairs Committee**

# Appendix A

Basic Knowledge Requirements

**Electronic Retail Computing Scales**

**Less than or = to 100 lb**

## INTRODUCTION

The following information is intended for weights and measures officials
who are already familiar with:

1.  Applicable laws and regulations;

2.  Established enforcement procedures and policies; and

3.  Organization and use of NIST Handbook 44

This information is designed to establish a list of subject areas in
which an inspector should be competent before working independent of
supervision. The following may be expanded to include requirements for
officials who already have entry-level skills and are ready for advanced
training. Any training program or final exam could be based on any one
or more of these subjects.

## PREREQUISITES

1.  **Basic Components and Operation**

**Learning outcome:** Upon completion of this section the participant
should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic components
and operation of an electronic retail computing scale. The participant
should be able to describe the operation of and locate the following
components:

-   Basic Weighing Technology

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-   Load sensing element

-   Analog/Digital conversion

-   Memory, computation and display

-   Operating Controls

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-   Printer/label requirements

-   Level indicating means

-   Marking Requirements

-   Category of device and methods of sealing

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-   Category 1

-   Category 2

-   Category 3

**Resources Needed:** Access to at least one type of actual device, plus
pictorial representations of a variety of other systems with different
configurations.

**Assessment Method:** Practical work and observation by trainer

> Written exercises
>
> Oral questions & discussions

2.  **Basic Definitions**

**Learning Outcome:** Upon completion of this section, the participant
should have a good understanding of the following:

-   Accuracy class

-   Computing scale

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-   Net weight

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-   Total price

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-   Counter or bench scale

-   Multi-range scale

-   Nominal capacity

-   Scale division (d)

-   Load cell verification interval (v~min~)

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-   Relationship between the "Load Cell Verification Interval" and the
    "Scale Division"

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-   Verification scale division (e)

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-   Physical seal

-   Audit trail

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-   Remote configuration

-   Event counter

-   Event logger

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-   Weight classifier

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-   Definition

-   Basic operation

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-   Zero load balance

-   Zero setting mechanism (manual, semiautomatic or automatic)

**Resources Needed:** Actual device and/or appropriate visual aides

**Assessment Method:** Written exercises

Oral questions and discussion

3.  **National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP)**

**Learning Outcome:** Upon completion of this section, the participant
should have a good understanding of the following:

-   Purpose and program description

-   Certificate of Conformance (CC)

**Resources Needed:** NCWM Publication 14

A sample Certificate of Conformance (CC)

**Assessment Method:** Written exercises

4.  **Professionalism**

**Learning Outcome:** Upon completion of this section, the participant
should know the expected conduct while performing their duties.

-   Appropriate dress

-   Appropriate credentials

-   Appropriate approach to owner/manager

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-   Introduces him/herself to management

-   Invites management to accompany him or her during testing

-   Reviews testing results with management

**Resources Needed:** Appropriate visual aides

**Assessment Method:** Role play

Oral discussion

## PRE-TEST DETERMINATIONS

1.  **Type Approval (NTEP CC)**

**Learning Outcome:** Upon completion of this section, the participant
should know the procedure to determine the NTEP status of a device and
how to obtain a CC for a particular device.

**Resources Needed:** If possible, a computer with access to the NTEP
website

NTEP file (e.g., list, book, database)

**Assessment Method:** Written exercises

2.  **Application of Maintenance or Acceptance Tolerance**

**Learning Outcome:** Upon completion of this section, the participant
should be able to identify which tolerance to apply to the device in
various situations.

-   Recently installed devices

-   Devices ordered repaired

-   Devices moved from other locales

**Resources Needed:** NIST Handbook 44

**Assessment Method:** Written exercises

Oral questions and answers

3.  **Equipment Required**

**Learning Outcome:** Upon completion of this section, the participant
should be able to identify what equipment is needed prior to arrival at
test site. The participant should also be able to assess the need for
special equipment and/or assistance.

-   Test weights

-   Safety equipment

-   Hand tools (screwdriver, wire cutters, etc.)

-   Security seals and inspection stickers

-   Other

**Resources Needed:** Actual equipment (see above)

**Assessment Method:** Oral questions and answers

4.  **Marked and Unmarked Devices**

**Learning Outcome:** Upon completion of this section, the participant
should be able to identify whether the device is marked or unmarked and
which table in NIST Handbook 44 applies.

-   Differences in testing and tolerances

**Resources Needed:** NIST Handbook 44

Pictorial representations of marked and unmarked devices or actual
devices

**Assessment Method:** Written exercises

Practical work and observation

5.  **Assessment of Associated Equipment; Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems**

**Learning outcome:** Upon completion of this section, the participant
should be able to identify the integral components (see examples below):

-   Scanner

-   Printer

-   Indicating element(s)

**Resources Needed:** Pictorial representations

Field observation

**Assessment Method:** Practical work and observation

## INSPECTION

1.  **Suitability**

**Learning Outcome:** Upon completion of this section, the participant
should be able to take into account variables such as commodity cost,
average net load, frequency of application, environmental conditions,
etc.

**Resources Needed:** Practical examples

**Assessment Method:** Written exercises

2.  **Location/Support**

**Learning Outcome:** Upon completion of this section, the participant
should be able to evaluate factors that could influence the performance
of a device.

-   Customer observation

**Resources Needed:** Practical examples

**Assessment Method:** Field observation

3.  **Primary Indications and Functions**

**Learning Outcome:** Upon completion of this section, the participant
should be able to evaluate value of division units, capacity indication,
price computation, etc.

**Resources Needed:** Pictorial representations or actual devices

**Assessment Method:** Written exercises or field observation

4.  **Maintenance/Level Condition**

**Learning Outcome:** Upon completion of this section, the participant
should know the owner's responsibilities.

**Resources Needed:** Access to actual device(s)

**Assessment Method:** Practical observation

5.  **Marking Requirements**

**Learning Outcome:** Upon completion of this section, the participant
should be able to determine compliance with marking requirements
provided in NIST Handbook 44.

-   Weighing element

-   Indicator

-   Load cell

**Resources Needed:** NIST Handbook 44

**Assessment Method:** Written exercises

## TESTING

**Learning Outcome:** Upon completion of this section, the participant
should be able to competently perform the following tests:

-   Increasing load test

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-   Test points (State Policy)

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-   Decreasing load test

-   Shift test

-   Special Tests

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-   Sensitivity

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-   Over Capacity

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-   RFI

**Resources Needed:** Test equipment

Actual device(s)

**Assessment Method:** Practical observation

Written exercises

## POST TEST PROCEDURES

1.  **Completing the Test Report**

**Learning Outcome:** Upon completion of this section, the participant
should be able to accurately and completely fill out the test report.

**Resources Needed:** Actual test report

**Assessment Method:** Written exercises

Practical observation

2.  **Sealing**

**Learning Outcome:** Upon completion of this section, the participant
should know the appropriate sealing policies.

**Resources Needed:** Sealing equipment

Actual device

**Assessment Method:** Practical observation

3.  **Official Actions**

**Learning Outcome:** Upon completion of this section, the participant
should know which of the following actions to use at the completion of
the test.

-   Approval

-   Repair order

-   Stop use

-   Condemnation

**Resources Needed:** Official action notices

**Assessment Method:** Written exercises

4.  **Policy regarding Emotional, Aggressive or Otherwise
    Confrontational Individuals**

**Learning Outcome:** Upon completion of this section, the participant
should know the official policy of his/her jurisdiction.

**Resources Needed:** Oral discussion

Role play

**Assessment Method:** Oral questions and answers