Combining readings from separate tanks or systems which do not blend fuel from a common inventory cannot be used for meeting the monthly inventory reconciliation records. When combined readings are provided, a statement clarifying the rationale for combined readings should be provided. It is important for the totalizers to be properly calibrated, as these readings are used in the comparison of tank volume inventories to what has been sold and delivered. In New Jersey, the meter calibration is regulated by the Bureau of Weights and Measures, which is under the jurisdiction of the county, for systems which sell product. Contact the county officials if your station's meters have not been inspected recently and you suspect the totalizer readings are not consistent with your records.
Meters are to be inspected on an annual basis.
If you are not regulated by the Bureau of Weights and Measures, an annual calibration is recommended. The master sheets included in the August 1996 edition of the Doing Inventory Control Right manual includes several blanks for totalizer readings, if one tank dispenses to several totalizers. Following delivery, it is important to take a second volume measurement, to ensure the volumes delivered are consistent. To avoid common inventory reconciliation problems, it is important to be aware of what each step's procedure and purpose is relative to the end result. Careful measurements, keeping equipment in good condition, and daily review of the data will provide the tank owner with a measure of reliability in the monthly end result.