WEIGHTS AND MEASURES PART I GENERAL Application 1 1 Subject to paragraph (2) of this regulation, these Regulations shall apply to all weighing and measuring equipment for use for trade of the following classes:— a linear measures; b liquid capacity measures; c dry capacity measures; d weights; e beam scales; f balances; g counter machines; h spring balances; i steelyards; j dead-weight machines; k platform weighing machines; l weighbridges; m crane weighing machines; n automatic weighing machines; and such equipment is hereby prescribed for the purposes of section 11(1) of the Weights and Measures Act 1963; Provided that, in so far as they relate to the material of which any such equipment shall be made, these Regulations shall not apply to equipment for use in the manufacture of explosives. 2 Nothing in these Regulations shall apply to any weighing or measuring equipment of the following descriptions:— a weighing equipment for use by the public for weighing a person; b weighing equipment for use only for weighing coins or currency notes for the purpose of determining their number. Inspection and testing of weighing and measuring equipment for use for trade 2 Weighing and measuring equipment shall be submitted for testing and tested, in a clean condition. 3 An inspector shall not test measures made of glass or earthenware on the premises of a maker of or dealer in such measures, or on any premises rented from such a maker or dealer, unless he is authorised by the Board so to do. 4 Weighing or measuring equipment submitted for testing shall be complete in itself, and shall not bear a maker's mark or any trade mark which, in the opinion of the inspector, might reasonably be mistaken for the prescribed stamp. Passing as fit for use for trade 5 1 No weighing or measuring equipment shall be passed as fit for use for trade unless— a subject to paragraph (2) of this regulation, it complies with the appropriate requirements of these Regulations: Provided that any equipment falling within the prescribed limits of error which was first stamped prior to the 1st January 1908 may be passed as fit for use for trade until the expiration of the period of five years beginning with the date of the coming into operation of these Regulations notwithstanding that it fails to comply with the appropriate requirements of these Regulations: and b in the case of— i a dry capacity measure with more than one purported value in terms of units of capacity measurement and commonly known as a double measure; ii weighing or measuring equipment presenting any novel feature; iii a weighing instrument with removable hooks (other than the hooks or bearings of swan-neck beams, or the hooks at the end of the steelyard indicators on weighing instruments constructed on the compound lever principle); iv a counter machine with sliding counterpoises; v a steelyard which is of the reversible type and has three hooks, or is constructed on the accelerating weighing instrument principle, or is of the counter type, or is constructed without a zero graduation, or has a capacity of less than 56 pounds; vi a price computing weighing instrument; it is made in accordance with 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, or with such a pattern modified in accordance with an authorisation for the time being in force under the said section 12; c in the case of a weight or a capacity measure, it is not marked with an indication of its purported value in units of both the imperial system and the metric system; d it is sufficiently strong to withstand the wear and tear of ordinary use in trade. 2 Nothing in paragraph (1)(a) of this regulation shall prohibit the passing as fit for use for trade of any avoirdupois weight of the bell type which was first stamped prior to the 1st January 1954 and which falls within the prescribed limits of error. Stamping 6 1 Subject to paragraph (2) of this regulation, no weighing or measuring equipment shall be stamped unless it contains a plug or stud of soft metal for the reception of an inspector's stamp, such plug or stud being made irremovable by undercutting or otherwise. 2 Paragraph (1) of this regulation shall not apply to:— a linear measures; b capacity measures made of glass, earthenware, enamelled-metal, plastic or vulcanite; c liquid capacity measures made of metal; d dry capacity measures made of material other than metal; e avoirdupois weights made of stainless steel; f metric weights other than weights made of iron; g grain weights, troy weights, apothecaries weights or pennyweights; h balances. Obliteration of stamps 7 Stamps shall be obliterated by an inspector, in accordance with the requirements of these Regulations, by means of punches or pincers of a six-pointed star design as shown in the following illustration:— 8 1 Subject to paragraphs (3), (4) and (5) of this regulation, an inspector shall obliterate the stamp on any weighing or measuring equipment which falls outside the prescribed limits of error or fails to comply with the appropriate requirements of these Regulations. 2 An inspector shall obliterate the stamp on— a any weight or measure if, owing to its being broken, much indented or otherwise damaged, it does not, in the opinion of the inspector, admit of proper adjustment; b any weight or measure which, since it was last stamped, has, in the opinion of the inspector, had its accuracy affected by reason of any alteration, addition adjustment or repair; c any equal-armed weighing instrument which, since it was last stamped, has been altered, adjusted or repaired; d any other weighing instrument which, since it was last stamped, has been so altered, adjusted or repaired that, in the opinion of the inspector, it has become necessary to ascertain that the indications of the instrument remain correct throughout its range. 3 In the case of any weighing or measuring equipment found upon testing not to comply with the requirements of these Regulations by reason only that it falls outside the prescribed limits of error, an inspector may serve upon the person for the time being in possession of that equipment a notice requiring him to have the equipment corrected within a specified period not exceeding 28 days; and, without prejudice to the duty of the inspector under paragraph (1) of this regulation to obliterate the stamp on that equipment on other grounds, the inspector shall not obliterate the stamp on that equipment for the reasons aforesaid unless upon the expiration of the said period the equipment is found upon testing to fall outside the prescribed limits of error. 4 Nothing in paragraph (1) of this regulation shall require an inspector, until the expiration of the period of five years beginning with the date of the coming into operation of these Regulations, to obliterate the stamp of any weighing or measuring equipment falling within the prescribed limits of error which— a bears a stamp applied prior to 1st January 1908; or b was first stamped prior to the 1st January 1908 and which bears a stamp applied pursuant to any Regulations in force immediately before the date of the coming into operation of these Regulations. 5 Nothing in paragraph (1) of this regulation shall require an inspector to obliterate the stamp on any avoirdupois weight of the bell type which bears a stamp applied prior to the 1st January 1954 and which falls within the prescribed limits of error. PART II LINEAR MEASURES Materials and principles of construction 9 1 Linear measures shall be made of steel, brass, aluminium alloys, ivory, laminated bakelite, reinforced fibreglass, hard wood or woven tape, or of any other material approved by the Board. 2 Such measures of a maximum purported value of 2 feet or more and made of wood shall have both ends tipped with metal and the tips shall be riveted through the wood. 10 1 Linear measures shall be straight and free from flaws. 2 In the case of measures with sliding or calliper arms, such arms shall have no more play than is necessary for easy movement. 11 1 Linear measures which are subdivided shall be graduated clearly and indelibly, and the numbered graduations shall be marked by longer lines than the graduations which are not numbered; 2 Linear measures which are not subdivided shall be clearly and indelibly marked with the words “not subdivided”. 3 Linear measures shall have their maximum purported value conspicuously, legibly and durably marked at one and of the measure, either in full or by means of one of the following abbreviations only:— yd ft in m dm cm mm. Testing 12 Linked measures and riband or tape measures shall be tested when subjected to a tension or pull as follows:— ( a ) Riband or tape measures made of material other than metal 2 pounds; ( b ) Riband or tape measures made of metal 10 pounds; ( c ) Linked measures 15 pounds; and the measures under test shall be supported throughout its whole length on a plane and even base. 13 Part I of Schedule 1 hereto shall have effect for prescribing limits of error in relation to linear measures. Stamping 14 1 Subject to paragraph (2) of this regulation, linear measures shall be stamped near one end or, in the case of sub-divided measures, near the beginning of the scale on each graduated side. 2 In the case of linked measures and riband and tape measures, the stamp may be placed on a metal label or disc permanently attached to the measure or on the handle thereof. PART III LIQUID CAPACITY MEASURES Materials and principles of construction 15 Liquid capacity measures shall be made of aluminium alloys, copper, copper alloys, earthenware, enamelled-metal, glass, nickel alloys, plated, tinned or galvanised iron or steel, stainless steel, tin alloys, urea formaldehyde plastic or vulcanite, or of any other material approved by the Board. 16 1 Liquid capacity measures made of pewter or of other tin alloys shall contain at least 80 per cent. by weight of tin, and shall not contain more than 10 per cent. by weight of lead. 2 All such measures shall bear the name and address of the maker on the underside of the bottom of the measure. 17 1 Liquid capacity measures, made of copper or copper alloys shall be well tinned all over the inside; on plated measures the coating shall show no signs of peeling. 2 On measures on which there are strengthening ribs or bands, such ribs or bands shall not take such a form as to show, by indentation or otherwise, any divisions on the measure which, in the opinion of the inspector, might reasonably be mistaken for graduations. 18 Liquid capacity measures, if their maximum purported values are clearly defined, may have a top rim, lip or retaining edge to prevent spilling: Provided that— a in the case of measures made of metal for the sale of milk and in the form of churns, the top rim, lip or retaining edge shall not increase the capacity of the measure by more than 25 per cent. of its maximum purported value; b in the case of other measures, the top rim, lip or retaining edge shall not increase the capacity of the measure by more than 10 per cent. of its maximum purported value. 19 No liquid capacity measure shall be so constructed that— a it has a false bottom; or b it does not completely empty when titled to an angle of 120 degrees from the vertical. 20 In the case of liquid capacity measures fitted with a tap, the tap shall completely empty the measure without tilting. 21 Publicans' measures made of metal, glass, or earthenware may be provided with a spout or projecting mouth; they may also have a bottom rim but, in the case of measures of a maximum purported value not exceeding 1 pint, such rim shall not project more than half an inch below the bottom of the measure. 22 Dipping measures made of metal of a maximum purported value not exceeding half a gallon for use for the sale of milk shall be of circular or elliptical section with vertical sides, and the height shall not be more or less by 10 per cent. than 1½ times the mean diameter of the section. 23 Liquid capacity measures made of glass, other than apothecaries measures, shall have their maximum purported values defined either— a by the brim of the measure; or b by a line not less than 2 inches in length, and distant not less than half an inch nor more than 1½ inches from the brim. 24 Liquid capacity measures made of earthenware shall have their maximum purported values defined either— a by the brim of the measure; or b by an indelible line marked on the inside of the measure, so that— i in the case of measures of a maximum purported value not exceeding 1 quart, the distance from the bottom of the line to the brim does not exceed three-eights of an inch; ii in the case of measures of other maximum purported values, the said distance does not exceed three-quarters of an inch. 25 1 Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) of this regulation, any liquid capacity measure (other than a measure made of metal of a maximum purported value of half a gallon or less or 2½ litres or less) may be used for trade by means of any division or subdivision marked thereon as a capacity measures of any lesser quantity. 2 In the case of measures made of glass which are subdivided by graduations, the total number of graduations on the measure shall be marked thereon and all graduations shall be marked by clearly defined lines, which shall— a in the case of measures of a maximum purported value of 1 gallon or less (other than an apothecaries measure), be not less than 1 inch in length; and b be not less than one-twelfth of an inch apart. 3 In the case of measures made of metal which are subdivided by graduations, all graduations shall be marked by clearly defined lines and, if such measures are for use for the sale of milk and are— a of a maximum purported value not exceeding 5 gallons, the graduations shall be marked on two metal strips fixed opposite to each other inside the measure; or b of a maximum purported value exceeding 5 gallons, the graduations shall be marked either on a metal strip inside the measure and extending to the whole depth of the measure or on metal tablets securely soldered to the measure. 26 1 Liquid capacity measures shall have their maximum purported value conspicuously, legibly and durably marked on the outside of the body of the measure (and not upon the handle, bottom, rim or edges) either in full or by means of one of the following abbreviations only:— gal qt pt fl.oz fl.dr min l dl cl ml. 2 The maximum purported value shall be marked— a on measures made of glass on which the said value is defined by a line, at the line; b on measures made of enamelled-metal, in a distinctly different colour from that of the body of the measure; c on measures made of metal for use for the sale of milk and of a said value exceeding 5 gallons, on the graduated strip or the topmost tablet as well as on the outside of the measure; d on measures made of sheet metal, by means of embossing, engraving or impressing on the body of the measure or on a slip of tin or on a shield securely soldered to the measure. 27 1 Apothecaries measures which are subdivided shall be made of glass and shall be of the conical or cylindrical type. 2 If such measures are marked with an indication of their equivalent purported values in terms of weight, the words “of water” shall also be marked on the measure in close proximity to the said indication. Testing 28 1 Liquid capacity measures of maximum purported values between 8 gallons and one-sixth of a gill inclusive, shall be tested by transferring water from the local or working standard into the measure under test. 2 Measures— a with a lip or rim, shall be tested to the bottom of the lip or rim; b on which the purported value is defined by a line, shall be tested to the top of the line by taking the level of the water at the bottom of the meniscus. 29 Part II of Schedule I hereto shall have effect for prescribing limits of error in relation to liquid capacity measures. Stamping 30 The stamp shall be placed on liquid capacity measures as follows:— a on measures made of glass, earthenware, enamelled-metal, urea formaldehyde plastic or vulcanite, it shall be etched or sand-blasted beneath or near to the indication of the purported value on the outside of the measure; b on measures made of metal (other than enamelled-metal) which are subdivided, it shall be placed both on solder affixed to the inside strips or tablets near to the top-most graduation and also on the outside of the measure near to the indication of the purported value; c on measures made of metal which are not subdivided and which have no lip or rim, it shall be placed near to the indication of the purported value on the outside of the measure; d on measures made of metal (other than enamelled-metal) which are not subdivided but which have a lip or rim, it shall, as far as practicable, be placed on the bottom of the inside of the lip or rim; e on measures other than those specified in the preceding sub-paragraphs of this regulation, it shall be placed on a plug or stud of soft metal provided for such use. PART IV DRY CAPACITY MEASURES Materials and principles of construction 31 1 Dry capacity measures shall be made of aluminium alloys, copper, copper alloys, plated, tinned or galvanised steel or iron, stainless steel or well-seasoned wood, or of any other material approved by the Board. 2 Measures made of wood shall not be turned from the solid nor made of sappy wood. 3 Measures of a maximum purported value of half a bushel (4 gallons) or more shall be provided with handles. 32 Dry capacity measures of a maximum purported value not exceeding 1 bushel (8 gallons) shall be of cylindrical shape, with the internal diameter approximately equal either to the depth or to twice the depth, the difference between the internal diameter and the depth being not greater than 5 per cent. of the depth or twice the depth respectively. 33 1 Dry capacity measures made of wood (other than measures made of wicker or other open material) of a maximum purported value of 1 gallon or more shall be bound or strengthened with metal or wooden straps or hoops. 2 Such measures of a maximum purported value of 1 peck (2 gallons) or more shall have a metal band fixed around the rim. 34 Dry capacity measures shall have their purported values marked thereon in like manner as they are marked on liquid capacity measures, except that— a in the case of measures made of wood (other than measures made of wicker or other open material), the said values shall be marked by branding; b in the case of measures made of wicker or other open material, they shall be marked on a brass tablet or plate fastened to the measure by means of copper wire, or by branding on a tablet of wood securely worked into the side of the measure. Testing 35 1 Dry capacity measures (other than measures made of wicker or or other open material) shall be tested either with water or in the following manner with rape seed:— a the local or working standard of corresponding purported value shall be filled with seed which has been passed through a hopper, a vertical distance of 6 inches being left between the bottom of the hopper and the top of the standard; if the seed has been lying unused prior to the test, it shall be passed at least 6 times through the hopper; b all the seed contained in the standard shall then be replaced in the hopper and thence run from the hopper into the measure under test, which shall be so placed that the same vertical distance of 6 inches intervenes between the bottom of the hopper and the top of the measure; c the seed shall be levelled by means of a strike (made of hard wood, circular in section and 1½ inches in diameter) being swept across both the standard and the measures as quickly and lightly as possible to prevent any undue settlement or vibration. 2 Measures made of wicker or other open material shall be similarly tested by means of cereals of the smallest size practicable. 36 Part II of Schedule 1 hereto shall have effect for prescribing limits of error in relation to dry capacity measures. Stamping 37 1 Dry capacity measures made of metal shall be stamped near the brim in a vertical line with the indication of the purported value. Where necessary, such measures shall be provided with a plug of soft metal to receive the stamp. 2 Measures made of wood (other than measures made of wicker or other open material) shall be branded on the outside in a line vertical with the indication of the purported value and, in the case of new measures, also in the inside angle at the bottom of the measure. 3 Measures made of wicker or other open material shall be stamped on a tablet, plate or fastening affixed in such a manner that it cannot be removed without defacing the stamp. PART V WEIGHTS Materials and principles of construction 38 1 Weights shall be made entirely of metal, other than lead or other soft metal or soft alloy: Provided that lead may be inserted into a weight for the purposes of adjustment. 2 No weight of a purported value of less than 4 ounces in the imperial system, or less than 100 grammes in the metric system, shall be made of iron. 3 Avoirdupois weights shall not be made of aluminium or of any other metal or alloy of low density. 4 Subject to regulation 44(1), no weight shall be made of two or more different and unalloyed metals. 39 Avoirdupois weights shall be of the flat-circular, bar, bell or ring type, and, if they are of octagonal shape, they shall only be of a purported value of 50 pounds, 20 pounds, 10 pounds or 5 pounds. 40 Avoirdupois weights of the flat-circular type shall— a if made of iron, only be made in purported values from 4 pounds to 4 ounces inclusive; b if not made of iron, only be made in purported values from 4 pounds to half a dram inclusive, and the weights in each set shall be of similar shape and proportional dimensions. 41 Every avoirdupois weight of the bell type of a purported value set out in column 1 of the table contained in Schedule 3 hereto shall be so constructed that— a it is of such shape that a diagram of the figure of its vertical section taken through the centre from top to base would correspond to that contained in the said Schedule; and b the height of the said weight is that set out in column 2(a) of the said table appropriate to a weight of that purported value, or approximate thereto within the appropriate limits set out in column 2(b) of that table. 42 1 Apothecaries weights and troy weights of a purported value of 1 ounce or more shall be made of stainless steel, brass, gunmetal or bronze and shall be of the cylindrical type and provided with carrying handles or knobs. 2 Grain weights, apothecaries weights, troy weights and pennyweights of a purported value of less than 1 ounce shall be made of any of the metals aforesaid and may, in addition, be made of platinum, aluminium or aluminium alloys, and shall be of the flat or wire type. 43 Metric weights (other than carat (metric) weights), including counterpoises— a if made of iron, shall be of the hexagonal type; b if not made of iron, shall be of the cylindrical, hexagonal, flat or wire type; c if of the cylindrical type and of a purported value of 5 grammes or more, the height of the cylindrical portion shall be approximately equal to the diameter. 44 1 Weights made of iron shall be blacked, black-leaded, oxidised or protected by galvanisation or by any other process approved by the Board. 2 No weight made of iron shall be fitted with removable or split rings. 45 Weights shall be free from flaws and smooth on all their surfaces. 46 1 Weights shall have their purported values conspicuously, legibly and durably marked thereon, either in full or by means of one of the following abbreviations only:— lb oz dr gr oz.tr oz.apoth dwt kg kilog kilogram gram g milligram mg C.M.: provided that— a during a period of 5 years from the date of the coming into operation of these Regulations, metric weights which were first stamped prior to the said date may be marked with one of the following abbreviations:— grm dg cg b apothecaries weights may be marked by means of one of the following symbols:— iv (4 drachms) ij (2 drachms) i (1 drachm) ij (2 scruples) fs (1½ scruples) i (1 scruple) fs (½ scruples) 2 If the maker's name is stated on any weight, it shall be in letters not exceeding half the size of the letters or numerals indicating the purported value of that weight. 47 1 Avoirdupois weights (other than those made of stainless steel) of a purported value of 1 ounce or more, shall be provided with one adjusting hole only. 2 Avoirdupois weights made of stainless steel shall not be required to have an adjusting hole. 48 The adjusting holes in all weights shall be in the under surface of the weight and shall not extend to the upper surface. They shall be undercut and plugged with lead, which shall cover the bottom of the hole and shall not project beyond the surface. 49 No avoirdupois weight (other than one made of stainless steel) shall be adjusted otherwise than by means of an adjusting hole in accordance with regulations 47 and 48. 50 1 In the case of weights of the flat-circular type made of iron, the lead inserted for adjustment shall be not less than one-eighth of an inch in thickness; the approximate depth of the adjusting hole shall be equal to three-fifths of the centre thickness of the weight; and the approximate minimum distance of the lead from the surface of the weight shall, when new, be one-fifth of the centre thickness of the weight. 2 The adjusting holes in such weights shall be circular and their smallest diameter shall be approximately— a in the case of weights of a purported value of 4 pounds or 2 pounds, 1 inch; b in the case of weights of a purported value of 1 pound, three-quarters of an inch; c in the case of weights of a purported value of 8 ounces or 4 ounces, half an inch. 51 1 The adjusting holes in weights made of iron other than those of the flat-circular type, shall be rectangular or circular, and shall not be greater in area than the area of a rectangle of the following approximate dimensions:— Purported value of weight Length Width Approximate minimum distance of lead from surface when new inches inches inches 56 pounds 2½ 1¼ 1¼ 50 pounds 2½ 1¼ 1¼ 28 Pounds 2 1 1 20 Pounds 1½ ¾ ¾ 14 pounds 1¼ ⅝ ⅝ 10 pounds 1 ½ ½ 7 pounds 1 ½ ½ 5 pounds ¾ ½ ½ 4 pounds ¾ ½ ½ 2 pounds ⅝ ½ ½ 1 pounds ⅝ ½ ½ 8 ounces ⅝ ⅜ ¼ 4 ounces ½ 5 16 ¼ 2 The minimum distance of the lead (when new) from the surface of the weight shall correspond approximately to that specified in the fourth column of the foregoing table. 52 1 The adjusting holes in weights other than weights made of iron shall be circular and of the following approximate dimensions:— Purported value of weight Diameter Depth Approximate minimum distance of lead from surface when new inches inches inches Other than flat-circular shape:— 56 pounds 1½ 2 1 50 pounds 1½ 2 1 28 pounds 1 1½ ¾ 20 pounds 1 1½ ¾ 14 pounds 1 1½ ¾ 10 pounds ¾ 1 ½ 7 pounds ¾ 1 ½ 5 pounds ¾ 1 ½ 4 pounds ¾ 1 ½ 2 pounds ¾ 1 ½ 1 pound ½ ¾ ⅜ 8 ounces ½ ¾ ⅜ 4 ounces ⅜ ⅝ ¼ 2 ounces ⅜ ⅝ ¼ 1 ounce ¼ ⅜ 3 16 Flat-circular shape:— 4 pounds ¾ ⅗ths centre thickness of weight ⅕th centre thickness of weight 2 pounds ¾ ⅗ths centre thickness of weight ⅕th centre thickness of weight 1 pound ¾ ⅗ths centre thickness of weight ⅕th centre thickness of weight 8 ounces ½ ⅗ths centre thickness of weight ⅕ths centre thickness of weight 4 ounces ½ ⅗ths centre thickness of weight ⅕ths centre thickness of weight 2 ounces ¼ ⅗ ths centre thickness of weight ⅕ths centre thickness of weight 1 ounce ¼ ⅗ths centre thickness of weight ⅕ths centre thickness of weight 2 The minimum distance of the lead (when new) from the surface of the weight shall correspond approximately to that specified in the fourth column of the foregoing table. Testing 53 The inspector shall not test any weight unless his testing equipment is— a balanced in true equipoise; b free from any influences likely in his opinion to affect its accuracy. 54 In testing any weight, the inspector shall— a place the appropriate local or working standard on one pan of his testing equipment; and b place counterpoises on the other pan so that the pointer exactly indicates zero; and c replace the standard by the weight under test; and d if the pointer does not then exactly indicate zero, add sufficient testing counterpoises to either pan to determine whether the weight falls within the prescribed limits of error: provided that where in any particular case the inspector is of the opinion that it is not practicable to adopt such procedure, he shall test the weight by direct comparison with the appropriate local or working standard. 55 Part III of Schedule 1 here to shall have effect for prescribing limits of error in relation to weights. Stamping 56 1 Weights shall be stamped on the lead in the adjusting hole, if any. 2 Weights not provided with an adjusting hole shall be stamped on the under surface of the weight. PART VI ALL WEIGHING INSTRUMENTS 57 Notwithstanding anything contained in Parts VII to XIV relating to weighing instruments of a particular type, class or description, the provisions of this Part of these Regulations shall have effect in relation to all weighing instruments to which these Regulations apply. 58 1 New weighing instruments shall have their maker's name and their capacity conspicuously, legibly and durably marked thereon. 2 Where units of measurement are marked on weighing instruments, they shall be marked either in full or by means of one of the following abbreviations only:— cwt ctl qr lb oz dr gr oz.tr dwt oz.apoth kg kilogram kilog g gram grm mg milligram C.M. Materials and principles of construction 59 All knife-edges and bearings in weighing instruments shall be of hard steel or agate or of other material approved by the Board; they shall be so fitted as to allow the beam or steelyard indicator to move easily, and the knife-edges shall substantially near upon the whole length of their working parts. 60 1 All removable counterpoises weighing 1 ounce or more and all sliding poises on weighing instruments, shall contain an undercut adjusting hole or other means of adjustment. 2 Any loose material used in any such counterpoise or poise shall be securely enclosed therein. 61 Weighing instruments with removable parts, the removal of which would affect their accuracy, shall be so construed that they cannot be used if any of the said parts are removed. 62 Where weighing instruments have interchangeable or reversible parts, the interchange or reversal thereof shall not affect the accuracy of the instrument. 63 All graduations on weighing instruments shall be so defined that the positions of all sliding poises or indicators are clearly readable. 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. PART VII BEAM SCALES AND BALANCES Principles of construction 72 No beam scale shall— a if constructed with swan-neck ends, be of a capacity of 7 pounds or less or have a beam under 16 inches in length; b be fitted with loaded weight pans; c if of a capacity of less than 2 hundredweight, be fitted with wooden scale boards. 73 Beam scales which are constructed with swan-neck ends shall have flat end bearings and swivel hooks. 74 1 Any attachment for adjusting beam scales or balances shall be permanently affixed to the instrument and shall be so constructed that it cannot be readily tampered with. 2 All beam scales with wooden scale boards shall be provided with an adjusting balance ball or box. 75 All beam scales shall be indelibly marked either with the inscription “Class B” or with the inscription “Class C”. Testing 76 1 In testing beam scales and balances, the inspector shall satisfy himself that, when the pans are loaded to half the capacity of the instrument and the knife-edges or bearings are moved laterally or backwards and forwards within their limits of movement, there is no appreciable difference in the indications of weight shown by the instrument. 2 Beam scales and balances shall fall within the prescribed limits of error whether the load is on the middle or near the edges of the pans. 77 Parts I and II of Schedule 2 hereto shall have effect for prescribing limits of error in relation to beam scales and balances. Stamping 78 1 In the case of beam scales, the stamp shall be placed on the plug or stud provided for that purpose. 2 In the case of balances, the stamp shall be placed either— a on the plug or stud on the base of the pillar; or b upon a special plate permanently and irremovable attached to the base of the instrument. PART VIII COUNTER MACHINES Materials and principles of construction 79 Counter machines shall not be constructed upon the accelerating weighing instrument principle. 80 1 Where the beam of a counter machine has two side members, they shall be connected together by not less than two cross bars; and the supports for the pans shall be of suitably rigid structure, such as crosses strengthened by straps. 2 The centre forks of counter machines shall be so fixed that they cannot twist or get out of place. 81 The bearing surfaces and points of contact of all stays, hooks and loops of counter machines shall be of hard steel or gate or of other material approved by the Board. 82 1 Where a counter machine is adjusted by means of a balancing box, the box shall be permanently fixed beneath the weights pan and shall only be large enough to contain loose material to an amount not exceeding 1 per cent, of the capacity of the machine. 2 No other means of adjustment shall be fitted, except where the machine is 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. Testing 83 1 In testing counter machines, the inspector shall satisfy himself— a in the case of non-self-indicating machines, that the minimum movement of the beam from the horizontal in either direction is as follows:— Capacity of machine Minimum movement of beam from the horizontal Not exceeding 4 pounds ¼ inch Above 4 pounds and not exceeding 7 pounds 5 16 inch Above 7 pounds and not exceeding 28 pounds ⅜ inch Above 28 pounds and not exceeding 56 pounds 7 16 inch Above 56 pounds ½ inch b that, when the pans are loaded to half the capacity of the machine (the load being uniformly distributed) and the knife-edges or bearings are moved laterally or backwards and forwards within their limits of movement, there is no appreciable difference in the indications of weight shown by the instrument. 2 When the goods pan is not in the form of a scoop, the machine shall indicate the same weight within half the prescribed limits of error if the centre of a load equal to half the capacity of the machine is placed on the goods pan anywhere within a distance from the centre equal to one-third of the greatest length of the pan, or, if the pan has a vertical side, against the middle of that side; the load on the weights pan being entirely on that pan but in any position on it. 3 Where the goods pan is in the form of a scoop, the machine shall fall within the prescribed limits of error when a load equal to half the capacity of the machine is placed against the middle of the back of the scoop and again when a like load is placed in any position on the scoop; the load on the weights pan being entirely on that pan but in any position on it. 84 Parts I and III of Schedule 2 hereto shall have effect for prescribing limits of error in relation to counter machines. Stamping 85 The stamp shall be placed upon the plug or stud provided for that purpose on a conspicuous part of the counter machine. PART IX SPRING BALANCES Principles of construction 86 The extremity of the pointer of a spring balance shall not exceed one-thirty-second of an inch in width, and shall not be more than one-tenth of an inch from the scale or dial. 87 The scales of spring balances shall be subdivided into approximately equal parts, and the minimum width apart of the graduations shall be not less than one-sixteenth of an inch for spring balances of a capacity not exceeding 30 pounds, and not less than one-eighth inch for spring balances of a capacity of 40 pounds or more. 88 The maximum weights corresponding to the interval between consecutive graduations shall be as follows:— Capacity of spring balance Maximum weight corresponding to interval between consecutive graduations 1 pound 2 drams 2 pounds to 7 pounds 4 drams 10 pounds to 15 pounds 8 drams 20 pounds to 30 pounds 1 ounce 40 pounds to 60 pounds 2 ounces 100 pounds and over 1/200th of capacity 89 Where the graduations commence at any point of the scale or dial other than at the zero indication, the position of the pointer when there is no load shall be clearly indicated by a zero mark. 90 Spring balances of capacities between 1 pound and 100 pounds inclusive shall only be made in capacities corresponding to those specified in the first column of the table contained in regulation 88. 91 Where spring balances are provided with an adjustable pointer, the range of adjustment shall not exceed 1 per cent, of the capacity of the instrument, except that in the case of spring balances for use at a coal mine it shall not exceed 2 per cent. of the said capacity. Testing 92 Spring balances shall be tested at each numbered graduation and may also be tested at intermediate graduations. 93 1 Spring balances shall be tested by means of both increasing and decreasing loads, and the spring shall be allowed to vibrate before a reading is taken. 2 In the case of a spring balance the pan of which is above the spring— a if the pan is not in the form of a scoop, the instrument shall indicate the same weight within half the prescribed limits of error if the centre of a load equal to half the capacity of the instrument is placed on the pan anywhere within a distance from the centre equal to one-third of the greatest length of the pan, or, if the pan has a vertical side, against the middle of that side; b if the pan is in the form of a scoop, the instrument shall fall within the prescribed limits of error when a load equal to half the capacity of the instrument is placed against the middle of the back of the scoop and again when a like load is placed in any position on the scoop. 3 In the case of a spring balance the pan of which is below the spring, the instrument shall fall within the prescribed limits of error when a load equal to the capacity of the instrument is placed in any position on the pan. 94 Parts I and IV of Schedule 2 hereto shall have effect for prescribing limits of error in relation to spring balances. 95 Spring balances may be tested for efficiency or ability to recover by leaving on them for a period not exceeding 24 hours, a load equal to the capacity of the instrument; and then, after the expiration of a further period of 4 hours, by testing for accuracy. 96 Spring balances shall not be tested for sensitiveness. Stamping 97 The stamp shall be placed upon the plug or stud provided for that purpose, which wherever practicable shall pass through the scale or dial and the frame of the spring balance. The plug or stud shall be so supported as to avoid risk of injury to the instrument by stamping. PART X STEELYARDS Materials and principles of construction 98 Steelyards shall be made of wrought iron or of steel or of other material approved by the Board. 99 In the case of every steelyard— a the shank shall be straight; b each set of notches or graduations on the shank shall be cut in one plane and shall be at right angles to the shank; c there shall be fitted a stop or other device to prevent excessive oscillation of the shank; d end fittings, sliding poises and suspending hooks shall not be readily removable; e the sliding poise shall be freely movable without risk of injury to the notches or graduations from constant use, and there shall be a stop to prevent it from travelling behind the zero mark or lowest graduation. Testing 100 Steelyards shall be tested at each numbered graduation by means of both increasing and decreasing loads. 101 Parts I and V of Schedule 2 hereto shall have effect for prescribing limits of error in relation to steelyards. Stamping 102 The stamp shall be placed upon the plug or stud provided for that purpose on the shoulder of the steelyard. PART XI DEAD-WEIGHT MACHINES Materials and principles of construction 103 1 The bearing surfaces and points of contact of all stays, hooks, loops and adjustable slides on dead-weight machines shall be made of hard steel, and the knife edges shall be so fitted as to be incapable of twisting. 2 Adjustable slides shall be secured in position by means of lock nuts or other suitably secure device. 104 1 The goods platform of dead-weight machines shall not exceed in length the length of the beam, or in width double the width of the beam. Folding wings shall not increase such dimensions by more than one-third in either direction. 2 The platforms shall be made of metal or hard wood. 105 The minimum movement of the beam from the horizontal in dead-weight machines, shall be as follows:— a if the machine is of the vibrating weighing instrument type, five-eighths of an inch in both directions; b if the machine is of the accelerating weighing instrument type, seveneights of an inch in one direction only. 106 Loose balancing material for the adjustment of dead-weight machines shall be contained in a balancing box permanently fixed beneath one platform, and its weight shall not exceed three-quarter per cent. of the capacity of the machine. Any other balancing material shall be in one piece and shall be permanently attached to the machine. Testing 107 1 Dead-weight machines shall indicate the same weight within half the prescribed limits of error when a load equal to one-quarter of the capacity of the machine is placed successively at the middle of the front of each platform and centrally over the knife edges on each side of each platform. 2 Except in the case of double machines, dead-weight machines shall also fall within the prescribed limits of error when a load equal to the capacity of the machine is uniformly distributed over each platform. 3 Double machines shall also fall within the prescribed limits of error when a load equal to half the capacity of the machine is uniformly distributed over both goods platforms, a load equal to the capacity of the machine being uniformly distributed over the weights platform. 108 Parts I and VI of Schedule 2 hereto shall have effect for prescribing limits of error in relation to dead-weight machines. Stamping 109 The stamp shall be placed upon the plug or stud provided for that purpose on a conspicuous part of the beam of the dead-weight machine. PART XII PLATFORM WEIGHING MACHINES AND WEIGHBRIDGES Materials and principles of construction 110 1 The steelyard indicator of a platform weighing machine or weighbridge shall not incorporate any readily removable parts, except the support for the counterpoises. 2 There shall be a stop or stops to prevent any sliding poise from travelling behind the zero mark. 3 The indicating mechanism may be confined in a locked box or case, provided that the indications or graduations are clearly visible. 111 The minimum movement from the horizontal of the steelyard indicator shall be as follows:— a in the case of platform weighing machines— i if they are of the vibrating weighing instrument type, three-eights of an inch in both directions; ii if they are of the accelerating weighing instrument type, fiveeighths of an inch in one direction only; b in the case of weighbridges— i if they are of the vibrating weighing instrument type, half an inch in both directions; ii if they are of the accelerating weighing instrument type, threequarters of an inch in one direction only. 112 If a movable hutch, barrow, frame or bucket is used instead of an ordinary platform on platform weighing machines and weighbridges, it shall form an essential part of the instrument without which the instrument cannot be balanced. 113 1 Loose counterpoises for platform weighing machines and weighbridges shall be identified with the instrument to which they relate by a number or other sufficient mark of identification, which shall be indelible. They shall also be marked with the weight which they represent; for example:— =1 cwt . 2 Loose counterpoises which are marked in units in the imperial system shall not be of hexagonal shape. 114 In the case of small portable platform weighing machines for use in the weighing of coal and commonly known as bob-up weighing machines, the counterpoises shall not be threaded on to a pin rigidly attached to one end of the main lever, but shall either be used in a tray or pan suspended from a knife-edge bearing or be placed on a loose shackle. 115 The balancing arrangement for platform weighing machines and weightbridges to compensate for daily wear and tear shall have a range not exceeding one-half per cent. of the capacity of the instrument and not less than one-eighth per cent. in each direction, and it shall be securely attached to the instrument and actuated by a detachable key. 116 In the case of platform weighing machines and weighbridges which are fitted with dials— a all racks and pinions shall be made of hard metal; b the extremity of the pointer shall not be a greater distance than three sixteenths of an inch from the dial, and shall meet but not obscure the graduations; c the indicating mechanism and any cylinders or tanks containing liquid shall be protected from dust and from excessive variations of temperature; d if the instrument is of a type commonly known as a self-indicating pitbank weighing machine, the pendulous lever, suspension rod and water box shall be suitably enclosed. 117 Platform weighing machines and weighbridges for use in weighing in units of both the imperial system and the metric system shall bear a clear inscription to that effect. Testing 118 Platform weighing machines which are to be permanently fixed in the position in which they are to be used and weighbridges shall be tested, passed as fit for use for trade and stamped only when completely erected ready for use and installed at the place where they are to be used. 119 In testing platform weighing machines and weighbridges, the inspector shall where practicable— a test the instrument at each numbered graduation up to and includin 1 ton, or such smaller amount as the last graduation on the steelyard indicator or dial may show; and b test all loose counterpoises, if any, relating to the instrument; and c either test the instrument ton by ton, or load it with heavy material to within 1 ton of its capacity and ascertain that an additional ton is correctly indicated to within the prescribed limits of error. 120 1 In testing platform weighing machines fitted with relieving gear, the inspector shall satisfy himself that— a the machine falls within the prescribed limits of error when it is put steadily out of and into gear; b the plate or platform is entirely disengaged from its bearings when the machine is in relief. 2 Platform weighing machines and weighbridges shall indicate the same weight within half the prescribed limits of error when a load equal to one-quarter (or as near thereto as is practicable) of the capacity of the instrument is placed successively in the centre and near each end or corner of the platform. 3 Platform weighing machines and weighbridges shall also fall within the prescribed limits of error when a load equal to the capacity of the machine (or as near thereto as is practicable) is uniformly distributed over the platform. 121 Schedule 2 hereto shall have effect for prescribing limits of error— a in the case of Part I and VII, in relation to platform weighing machines (other than self-indicating pit-bank weighing machines); b in the case of Parts I and VIII , in relation to self-indicating pit-bank weighing machines; c in the case of Parts I and IX, in relation to weighbridges. Stamping 122 1 On platform weighing machines and weighbridges fitted with dials, the stamp shall be placed on the plug or stud provided for that purpose on the housing of the instrument. 2 On platform weighing machines and weighbridges not fitted with dials, the stamp shall be placed on the said plug or stud in a conspicuous position either on the shoulder or on the opposite end of the steelyard indicator. 123 Loose counterpoises for platform weighing machines and weighbridges shall not be stamped. PART XIII CRANE WEIGHING MACHINES Materials and principles of construction 124 All working parts of crane weighing machines shall be protected from damp and dust. – 125 1 The steelyard indicator on crane weighing machines constructed upon the lever principle shall be rigid and may be made of special metal to resist atmospheric influences. 2 The rack and pinion on machines fitted with dials shall be made of hard metal. 126 The range of any balancing or adjusting arrangement for crane weighing machines shall not exceed 2 per cent. of the capacity of the machine. 127 Crane weighing machines constructed upon the hydraulic principle, in the use of which it is necessary to twist the load hook in order to get a correct indication of weight, shall have a prominent notice to that effect permanently affixed to the machine. Testing 128 Crane weighing machines shall, if practicable, be tested at each numbered graduation up to the capacity of the machine. 129 Crane weighing machines fitted with dials shall not be tested for sensitiveness. 130 The steelyard indicator or pointer on a crane weighing machine shall move freely, and the pointer shall return to its initial starting point after the load has been removed. 131 Parts I and X of Schedule 2 hereto shall have effect for prescribing limits of error in relation to crane weighing machines. Stamping 132 The stamp shall be placed upon the plug or stud provided for that purpose on a conspicuous part of the crane weighing machine. PART XIV AUTOMATIC WEIGHING MACHINES Principles of construction 133 Subject to regulations 134 to 139 inclusive, every automatic weighing machine and its integral parts shall, as for as practicable, satisfy those requirements of these Regulations which are applicable to the type, class or description of weighing instrument to which the machine most nearly relates. 134 All beams of automatic weighing machines shall be identified with the machines to which they relate by means of a number or other sufficient mark of identification, which shall be indelible. 135 Any adjusting mechanism on automatic weighing machines shall be so secured and protected that it cannot readily be tampered with. Testing 136 1 Subject to paragraph (2) of this regulation, every automatic weighing machine shall be subjected to the following test (hereinafter referred to as “ test A ”), that is to say— a by weighing consecutively on the machine 20 separate loads (hereinafter referred to as “ test loads ”) selected for the purpose by the inspector, and then re-weighing the same loads on another weighing instrument: Provided that, if the inspector thinks fit, he may so weigh and re-weigh more than 20 separate loads of which any 20 separate loads consecutively so weighed and re-weighing may be treated as the test loads; or b in any case where the aforementioned testing procedure is not practicable, by directly applying to the machine the appropriate working standard weights. 2 In the case of a totalising weighing machine, the provisions of subparagraph (a) of the preceding paragraph shall apply as if for any reference to “20 separate loads” there were substituted a reference to “40 separate loads” ; and in such case the said test loads shall be made up as follows:— a 10 loads each equal to the minimum load which the machine is constructed to weigh; b 10 loads each equal to the capacity of the machine; c 20 loads each equal to the mean between the said minimum load and the load equal to the capacity of the machine. 137 1 Subject to paragraph (3) of this regulation, in the case of an automatic weighing machine 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 (or of a pattern modified in accordance with an authorisation for the time being in force under the said section 12), if, in the course of carrying out test A in the manner specified in paragraph (1)(a) of regulation 136, the weight of any of the test loads exceeds the purported weight of that load by more than one-half per cent of the said purported weight, the machine shall, when appropriate, be subjected to the further test (hereinafter referred to as “ test B ”) described in paragraph (2) of this regulation. 2 For the purposes of test B, there shall be extracted from each of those test loads used in test A (the weight of which was found to exceed the relevant amount specified in paragraph (1) of this regulation) that single piece or item appearing to the inspector to be the largest single piece or item in that test load; and the machine shall then be subjected to test by re-weighing each such test load as so modified on another weighing instrument. 3 This regulation shall not apply to automatic weighing machines of a capacity of 10 pounds or more, or to automatic weighing machines for use only for weighing solid fuel or for use only for weighing potato crisps, or to totalising weighing machines. 138 Parts I and XI of Schedule 2 hereto shall have effect for prescribing limits of error in relation to automatic weighing machines. Stamping 139 The stamp shall be placed on the plug or stud provided for that purpose on a conspicuous part of the automatic weighing machine. PART XV MISCELLANEOUS Interpretation 140 1 In these Regulations the following expressions shall have the following meanings respectively:— “ automatic weighing machine ” means a machine in which special self-acting machinery is introduced to effect an automatic feed, the rapid weighing of given loads, the registration and summation of loads, and other similar purposes or some of them; “ beam scale ” means any equal-armed weighing instrument, the pans of which are below the beam; “ capacity ” means , in relation to a weighing instrument, the maximum load which the instrument is constructed to weigh; “ counter machine ” means any equal-armed weighing instrument of a capacity not exceeding 1 hundredweight, the pans of which are above the beam, and includes, together with the ordinary type, such instruments as are specially designed for counter use, and which do not exceed the said capacity; “ dead-weight machine ” means any weighing instrument similar in principle of construction to a counter machine but of a capacity of 1 hundredweight or more, and includes— such an instrument with the weighing platform near to the ground and with the connecting stays or hooks above the beam and commonly known as a low pattern machine or cotton machine; such an instrument with the weighing platform at any convenient height and with the connecting stays or hooks below the beam, and commonly known as a high pattern machine or single machine; such an instrument which combines the characteristics of the instruments in (a) and (b) above, and commonly known as a double machine; “ error ” in relation to a weighing instrument includes, save where the context otherwise requires, deficiency in sensitiveness; “ weighing instrument ” means any weighing equipment other than a weight or counterpoise. 2 The Interpretation Act 1889 shall apply to the interpretation of these Regulations in like manner as it applies to the interpretation of an Act of Parliament. Citation and commencement 141 These Regulations may be cited as the Weights and Measures Regulations 1963 and shall come into operation on the 31st January 1964. David Price Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade 10th October 1963