Specifications Relating to Non-automatic Weighing Devices (1998)

Specifications Relating to Non-automatic Weighing Devices (1998) The Minister of Industry, pursuant to paragraph 10(1)(i)a of the Weights and Measures Act and sections 13b and 27b of the Weights and Measures Regulationsc, hereby establishes the annexed Specifications Relating to Non-automatic Weighing Devices (1998). June 15, 1998 S.C. 1993, c. 34, s. 136 SOR/93-234 C.R.C., c. 1605 The definitions in this section apply in these Specifications. actual scale interval or d means the value, expressed in units of mass with respect to analogue indications, of the difference between the values corresponding to two consecutive scale marks; and with respect to digital indications, the difference between two consecutively indicated values. (échelon réeloud ) automatic indicating device means a weighing device in which the position of equilibrium is obtained without an operator’s intervention. (appareil de pesage à équilibre automatique) auxiliary indicating element means a rider, a vernier or, in the case of a digital indicating device, the last figure after the decimal sign that is clearly differentiated from other figures such as by size, shape or colour. (dispositif indicateur auxiliaire) initial zero-setting mechanism means a feature that automatically sets a weighing device to zero at the time the device is switched on and before it is ready for use. (dispositif de mise à zéro initiale) maximum capacity or Max means the maximum weighing capacity of a weighing device and, in the case of a multiple range device, the maximum weighing capacity of the relevant range. (portée maximaleouMax ) metrological function means a function of a weighing device that is necessary for the measurement process — including the sensing of the measured quantity, the transmission, processing, storage and correction or adjustment of measurement signals or values and the indication or printing of measurement values — and that can impact on the final quantity determination or price calculation or affect the validity of transactions. Metrological functions include, but are not limited to, displaying or printing gross, tare, net and negative weight values, zero, and unit and total prices; setting zero, linearity, sensitivity, scale intervals, maximum capacity and motion detection; and performing the computation and rounding of price and weight values and the storing of values. (fonction métrologique) module means a part of a weighing device that performs a specific metrological function; can be examined and tested separately; and is subject to the error limits set out in these Specifications. (module) multi-interval device means a weighing device that has a single weighing range divided into partial weighing ranges, each of which has a different scale interval; and in which the appropriate partial weighing range is automatically determined according to the load applied, both for increasing and decreasing loads. (appareil à échelons multiples) multiple range device means a weighing device that has, for the same weighing and load-receiving element, two or more weighing ranges, each of which extends from zero to the maximum capacity of the range, and has a different verification scale interval; and selects automatically, or permits the operator to select manually, any of the weighing ranges. (appareil à étendues multiples) non-automatic indicating device means a weighing device that requires an operator’s intervention to obtain equilibrium, such as an equal-arm scale with weights. (appareil de pesage à équilibre non automatique) non-automatic weighing device or weighing device means a weighing machine that weighs discrete loads and that requires an operator’s intervention during the weighing process, such as to deposit the load to be measured on the weighing and load-receiving element and to remove it therefrom or to obtain weight results. (appareil de pesage à fonctionnement non automatiqueouappareil de pesage ) number of verification scale intervals means the value obtained by using the following formula: represents the maximum capacity, and represents the verification scale interval. (nombre d’échelons de vérification) on-board weighing system means a weighing device designed to be an integral part of, or attached or secured to, the frame, chassis, lifting mechanism or bed of mobile equipment such as a truck, tractor, trailer or forklift. (système de pesage monté sur véhicule) verification scale interval or e means a value, specified by the manufacturer and expressed in units of mass, that is used for the classification and inspection of a weighing device. (échelon de vérificationoue ) weight classifier means a weighing device with a digital indicating element that rounds a weight value up to the next verification scale interval. (appareil classificateur) In these Specifications, a reference to a verification scale interval or actual scale interval refers to that of the weighing range or partial weighing range, as the case may be, that is being tested. Subject to subsection (2), these Specifications apply to any non-automatic weighing device and to any equipment or accessory that is attached to the device or used in conjunction with it. A non-automatic weighing device that, before June 15, 1998, was approved under subsection 3(1) of the Weights and Measures Act or inspected under the terms of a previous enactment — or whose class, type or design was so approved — is subject to the performance requirements set out in these Specifications; and is not subject to any of the provisions of these Specifications relating to design, composition, construction or marking where the non-automatic weighing device meets the requirements that applied when its class, type or design was approved or, failing which, that applied to the device on its approval or inspection. Subject to subsections (2) and (3), the classes of non-automatic weighing devices are as set out in column 1 of the table to this subsection on the basis of the device’s accuracy, verification scale interval and number of verification scale intervals as set out in columns 2, 3 and 4, respectively, of that table. On-board weighing systems are limited to Classes Oval outline with the text III inside, Oval outline with the text IIIHD inside and Oval outline with the text IIII inside. The verification scale interval of Class Oval outline with the text III inside on-board weighing systems shall not be less than 5 g. Where a weighing device is marked or operates in legal units of measurement other than those referred to in these Specifications, such as in degrees Fahrenheit or carats, the equivalent values in those other units of measurement shall be used for the purpose of applying these Specifications. The verification scale interval for Class Oval outline with the text I inside and Oval outline with the text II inside weighing devices that are not equipped with auxiliary indicating elements, for Class Oval outline with the text III inside, Oval outline with the text IIIHD inside and Oval outline with the text IIII inside weighing devices, for multiple range devices and for multi-interval devices is equal to the actual scale interval. For multi-interval devices, the verification scale interval of a particular partial weighing range must be smaller than the verification scale interval of the immediately superior partial weighing range, and each range must comply with the requirements set out in section 3 for the class into which the device falls. The verification scale interval for Class Oval outline with the text I inside and Oval outline with the text II inside weighing devices that are equipped with auxiliary indicating elements corresponds to the value of the scale interval preceding the actual scale interval of the auxiliary indicating element, and is larger than the actual scale interval. The in-service limits of error set out in column I of the table to this section apply, in respect of each class of non-automatic weighing devices set out in column II of that table, according to the specified load. In the table to this section, m means the weight of the load placed on the weighing device, and is expressed in the number of verification scale intervals. The in-service limits of error that apply to a Class Oval outline with the text IIIHD inside weighing device are ±1 e where the load is not less than zero and not more than 500 verification scale intervals, and where the load exceeds 500 verification scale intervals, calculated by adding ±1 e for each additional 800 verification scale intervals or less, to a maximum of ±22 e. The acceptance limits of error applicable for each class of non-automatic weighing device are one-half the in-service limits of error set out in section 8 for that device for a specified load. Where a module, such as an indicating element, or a weighing and load-receiving element, is tested separately for approval pursuant to section 3 of the Weights and Measures Act, in the case of a module that is the only part of a weighing device that is subject to measurement errors due to disturbances or influence factors, the acceptance limits of error are the limits of error set out in these Specifications for that device for a specified load; and in the case of all other modules, the acceptance limits of error are 0.7 times the limits of error set out in these Specifications for the weighing device for a specified load. Regardless of the difference between the results permitted by these Specifications, no weighing result shall have an error that exceeds the applicable limits of error for the given load, with the exception of results obtained during disturbance tests. The difference between the results of several weighings of the same load placed in approximately the same location on a weighing and load-receiving element shall not exceed the absolute value of the applicable in-service limits of error for that load. The difference between the results for different positions of a load placed on a weighing and load-receiving element shall not exceed the absolute value of the applicable in-service limits of error for that load. With respect to non-automatic indicating devices, the addition or removal of a load equal to the applicable in-service limits of error for the load placed on the weighing and load-receiving element, but not exceeding two verification scale intervals, shall cause in the case of a weigh-beam or beam-over-pan scale that is without a supplementary indicating element and is equipped with a trig loop, a movement in the position of the weigh-beam from the centre position to either limit of the trig loop, and is not equipped with a trig loop, the position of rest of the weigh-beam or lever system to change from the horizontal position or midway between limiting stops to either limit of motion; and in the case of a weigh-beam or beam-over-pan scale that has a supplementary indicating element that has graduations without specific values, the position of the indicator to change in the case of a Class Oval outline with the text I inside or Oval outline with the text II inside device, by at least 1 mm (0.04 in.), in the case of a Class Oval outline with the text III inside or Oval outline with the text IIII inside device with a maximum capacity not exceeding 30 kg (70 lb.), by at least 2 mm (0.08 in.), and in the case of a Class Oval outline with the text III inside or Oval outline with the text IIII inside device with a maximum capacity greater than 30 kg (70 lb.), or a Class Oval outline with the text IIIHD inside device, by at least 5 mm (0.2 in.). With respect to automatic indicating devices, the addition or removal of a load equivalent to 1.4 times the actual scale interval to or from the weighing and load-receiving element shall cause a change of in the case of an analogue indicating element, at least one actual scale interval; and in the case of a digital indicating element, two actual scale intervals. Under stable environmental conditions, the deviation from zero as soon as the weight indication has stabilized following the removal of a load that has remained on a weighing and load-receiving element for up to 30 minutes shall not exceed in the case of a single range weighing device, one-half of the verification scale interval; in the case of a multiple range device, one-half of the verification scale interval for the range being tested; and in the case of a multi-interval device, one-half of the smallest verification scale interval. In the case of a multiple range device, following the removal of a load greater than the maximum capacity of the first range, which load has remained on the weighing and load-receiving element for up to 30 minutes, and immediately after switching the device to its lowest weighing range, the indication near zero shall not vary by more than one verification scale interval of the lowest weighing range over a period of five minutes after switching the device to its lowest weighing range. If a load is kept on a weighing and load-receiving element under stable environmental conditions, the difference between the weight indication obtained immediately after placing the load on the element and the weight indication observed during the following 30 minutes shall not exceed the absolute value of the applicable limits of error for that load. The weight values that are indicated or recorded by the indicating and recording elements of a weighing device and any equipment and accessories attached to the weighing device or used in conjunction with it shall agree exactly, in the case of digital values produced by electronic elements, equipment and accessories that have the same verification scale intervals; within 0.25 times the verification scale interval, in the case of analogue values produced by elements, equipment and accessories that have the same verification scale intervals; and within 0.6 times the largest verification scale interval or the verification scale interval common to the elements, equipment and accessories, in all other cases. The calculated value of the net weight shall equal the value of the gross weight minus the value of the tare weight. Indicated or recorded monetary value shall equal the product, rounded to the nearest cent, obtained by multiplying the weight indication or registration by the price per unit. A weighing device shall maintain its metrological characteristics and perform within the applicable limits of error for at least 100 000 weighings for a weighing device with a maximum capacity of not more than 1 000 kg (2 000 pounds), and for at least 300 weighings in all other cases. A portable or movable weighing device, other than a device of the freely suspended type or an on-board weighing system, shall be equipped with a permanent means of indicating when it is level, unless it is capable of performing within the applicable limits of error when tilted up to three degrees or five per cent in any direction from a level position. An on-board weighing system shall be capable of performing within the applicable limits of error when tilted up to three degrees or five per cent in any direction from a level position; and equipped with a means to blank the weight indications and prevent the transmission, printing and storage of the weight results when the registrations are no longer within the applicable limits of error. A weighing device shall perform within the applicable limits of error when exposed to the range of conditions specified by the manufacturer, as well as at any temperature, humidity, pressure, voltage, frequency or other influencing factors that may be encountered under normal conditions of use. The weight indication at or near zero shall not vary by more than in the case of Class Oval outline with the text I inside weighing devices, one verification scale interval for each change in temperature of 1°C; in the case of Class Oval outline with the text IIIHD inside weighing devices, three verification scale intervals for each change in temperature of 5°C; and in the case of all other classes of weighing device, one verification scale interval for each change in temperature of 5°C. A weighing device shall perform within the applicable limits of error when exposed where a temperature range is marked on the device, within that temperature range; and where no temperature range is marked on the device, at any temperature of at least -10°C and no more than 40°C. The minimum marked temperature range on a weighing device shall be in the case of Class Oval outline with the text I inside devices, 5°C; in the case of Class Oval outline with the text II inside devices, 15°C; and in the case of Class Oval outline with the text III inside, Oval outline with the text IIIHD inside and Oval outline with the text IIII inside devices, 30°C. The weight indication at or near zero on a weighing device shall not vary by more than one verification scale interval for a change in barometric pressure of 1 kPa in the barometric pressure range of 95 to 105 kPa. A weighing device that operates using alternating current shall, when exposed to voltage variations from -15 per cent to +10 per cent and to frequency variations of ± 2 per cent of its marked nominal values, perform within the applicable limits of error; or blank the weight indication and prevent the transmission, printing and storage of weight results. A battery-operated weighing device, when exposed to battery voltage output less than or in excess of the nominal voltage or voltage range, shall A weighing device shall perform within applicable limits of error when exposed to relative humidity of up to 85 per cent An electronic weighing device, when disturbed by interference such as the effects of electromagnetic or electrostatic fields, short time power reduction, voltage spikes, electrostatic discharges or other disturbances that may be encountered under normal conditions of use, shall provide a weight indication or recording that does not differ from the value of the weight indication or recording that would be provided without interference by more than one verification scale interval; blank the weight indication and prevent the transmission, printing and storage of weight results; provide an error message and prevent the transmission, printing and storage of weight results; or provide a weight indication that is so completely unstable that it cannot be interpreted, stored or printed as a correct measurement value. A weighing device shall be of a design, composition and construction that under normal conditions of use, enables it to measure accurately and does not facilitate the perpetration of fraud; and provides it with a static operating mode for inspection purposes, even if the device is designed to be used in a dynamic operating mode. Weighing device features that perform metrological functions shall be designed, composed and constructed so that they ensure accurate measurement; do not detrimentally affect the performance of the device; do not lead to measurement errors; and do not facilitate the perpetration of fraud. Neither gross values nor tare values shall be entered manually in on-board weighing systems. A weighing device may perform non-metrological functions provided that those functions do not alter the metrological functions of the device. Equipment and accessories attached to or used in conjunction with a weighing device shall not cause any alteration or degradation of the metrological functions of the device or facilitate the perpetration of fraud. A weighing device shall be provided with appropriate indicating and recording elements in terms of the design, number and size of digits to permit accurate measurement. The indications and recordings generated by a weighing device shall be clear, accurate, reliable and easy to read under normal conditions of use of the device. Indications or recordings, such as weight values, tare values and monetary values, and metrologically significant annunciators shall be identified with suitably located words, names, symbols or abbreviations that will not become obliterated or illegible under normal conditions of use of the weighing device. Subject to section 37, the scale interval of a weighing device or any equipment and accessories attached to or used in conjunction with the device shall be equal to 1 x 10x, 2 x 10x, or 5 x 10x units of mass where the power “x” is a negative or positive whole number or zero. The scale interval of a weighing device with an analogue indicating element may be equal to 1/2n of a Canadian unit of mass, where “n” is a positive whole number. Subject to subsection (2), the net, gross and tare weights, whether indicated or recorded, shall have the same verification scale interval for any given load. The scale interval of a printer may be larger than the verification scale interval of the weight classifier to which it is connected, provided that the measurement, weight classification and price calculation are established precisely and accurately. A weighing device shall not indicate or record a weight value in excess of in the case of an electronic computing scale other than a postal scale or weight classifier, its maximum capacity plus 9 verification scale intervals; and in the case of any other scale, 105 per cent of its maximum capacity. A weighing device shall have a means to set the zero indication within ± 0.25 of the verification scale interval, in the case of a device that does not have an auxiliary indicating element; and ± 0.5 of the actual scale interval, in the case of a device with an auxiliary indicating element. A weighing device equipped with a digital indicating element, other than a weighing device with an auxiliary indicating element, shall have an element that displays a special signal when the deviation from zero is not greater than 0.25 times the verification scale interval; or have an automatic means that maintains a zero balance condition to within ± 0.25 of the verification scale interval. Subject to subsection (2) and section 43, the overall range of the zero-setting mechanism and the zero-tracking mechanism of a weighing device shall not exceed 4 per cent of the device’s maximum capacity. The overall range of the zero-setting mechanism and the zero-tracking mechanism of a weighing device may exceed 4 per cent of the device’s maximum capacity provided that the maximum gross load that can be weighed on the device is decreased by an amount at least equal to the amount, in excess of 4 per cent of the maximum capacity, adjusted by either mechanism. The overall range of the initial zero-setting mechanism shall not exceed 20 per cent of the maximum capacity of the weighing device unless the device can perform within the applicable limits of error for any amount of initial load compensated by such mechanism. The zero-tracking mechanism of a weighing device shall not be operator-controlled. The maximum load corrected at any one time by the zero-tracking mechanism of a weighing device shall not exceed 0.6 times the verification scale interval. A weighing device that is operating in static mode and that has a digital indicating element shall permit zeroing, taring, printing or the storage of weight values only when the weight indication is stable within ± 3 verification scale intervals, in the case of a device with a maximum capacity of more than 2 000 kg (5 000 pounds); and ± 1 verification scale interval, in the case of all other weighing devices. A weighing device that calculates price and is intended for use in direct sales to the public, other than a postal scale or weight classifier, shall compute and indicate the total price only on the basis of the price per 100 grams, per kilogram or per pound. A weighing device that calculates price and is intended for use in direct sales to the public shall display the unit price when the total price is displayed. Access to the metrological functions and the adjustable components of an electronic weighing device shall be protected by means of readily accessible and observable physical seals or electronic sealing, such as an audit trail, that make apparent any accessing of the metrological functions or adjustable components. The information contained in an audit trail shall be available on site. In this section, audit trail means an electronic feature that counts the number of changes made to the calibration or configuration parameters of a weighing device, or records the values related to these changes. The information set out in column I of the table to this section shall be marked, using appropriate words or the symbols set out in column II of that table, on the weighing devices and modules described in columns III to VI of that table. In this section, Modules in the same housing includes indicating elements, and weighing and load-receiving elements in the same housing, and a weighing device composed of modules and approved as a single unit where the modules are not intended to be separated and interfaced with other modules approved separately; Indicating elements tested separately includes individually-approved indicating elements that may be attached to other approved modules; Weighing and load-receiving elements tested separately includes individually-approved weighing and load-receiving elements that may be attached to approved modules; and Other equipment and accessories approved separately includes other equipment and accessories that perform metrological functions and that can be tested and approved separately. In the case of the elements described in column IV of the table to this section, the maximum capacity and the actual scale interval shall be marked as required by paragraph 52(b) at the time they are attached to other modules to form a weighing device. Where a weighing device or module is exempt, pursuant to paragraph 13(3)(a) of the Weights and Measures Regulations, from the application of any or all of the provisions of these Specifications, the device or module shall be marked with information sufficient to identify any restrictions placed on its use as set out in the notice of approval for that device or module, in a conspicuous and permanent manner. All markings shall meet the following criteria: they shall be distinct, easily readable and of such nature that they will not become obliterated or illegible; they shall be of a height appropriate to the size of the device; and any capital letters in the markings shall be at least 2 mm high. All markings shall be located in a clearly visible place on a part of the weighing device or on a descriptive plate fixed to it; and near the weight display, in the case of the marking for the maximum capacity, the verification scale interval, and if it is different from the verification scale interval, the actual scale interval. Descriptive plates shall be made of durable material and shall be permanently affixed to the weighing device. Every weighing device shall have an area suitable for the application of the verification markings. A weighing device and any equipment and accessories attached to or used in conjunction with the device shall be installed and used in a manner that ensures accurate measurement; does not facilitate the perpetration of fraud; is in accordance with the manufacturer or importer’s instructions; and respects the parameters, restrictions and limitations set out in the notice of approval issued in respect of the device under section 3 of the Weights and Measures Act. The equipment and accessories described in subsection (1) shall be installed and used in such a manner that they do not detrimentally affect the performance of the device. A weighing device shall be installed on a level and stable supporting surface that has sufficient strength and rigidity to maintain the device’s accuracy and durability required by these Specifications under normal conditions of use. A weighing device shall be adequately protected from environmental factors, such as wind, extremes of temperature, vibration and electromagnetic or electrostatic fields, that may adversely affect the device’s performance or durability. A weighing device shall be used in such a manner that the commodities or objects that are being weighed are fully supported by the weighing and load-receiving element when their weight is observed or recorded. If a weighing device is operating in static mode, the commodities or objects that are being weighed shall be stationary when their weight is observed or recorded. A weighing device that is used for direct sales shall be positioned so that the indication relating to the measurement and the transaction can be easily read and the weighing operation observed from the normal location of the customer. A weighing device shall be installed in a manner that permits the operator of the device to observe the weighing and load-receiving element from the position of the operator reading the weight indications. A weighing device shall be suitable for its intended use with respect to elements of its design, including its maximum capacity, verification scale interval, number of the verification scale intervals, minimum net load that can be weighed and computing capability. A weighing device that is used in an application described in column 1 of the table to this section shall be from the accuracy class set out in column 2 for that device, or from a higher accuracy class, and shall be used to weigh a load that is not less than the amount obtained by multiplying the verification scale interval by the corresponding multiplying factor set out in column 3, and the device’s smallest verification scale interval shall not exceed that set out in column 4. A weighing device described in subsection 2(2) that is used or intended to be used in an application described in column 1 of the table to this section and that is not marked with an accuracy class designation shall, for the purpose of applying these Specifications, be considered to be of the corresponding accuracy class set out in column 2 of that table. In this section, primary elevator, terminal elevator and transfer elevator have the meaning given to them in section 2 of the Canada Grain Act. at the retail level at the wholesale or industrial level See table to section 3 for equivalent Canadian units. Approach and exit ramps to and from a permanently installed vehicle scale shall be straight for a distance of at least 3 m adjacent to the weighbridge; be as wide as, and in the same plane as, the weighbridge; be constructed, for a distance of at least 3 m adjacent to the weighbridge, of concrete or similar durable material to ensure that they remain smooth, level and in the same plane as the weighbridge; and beyond the 3 m distance set out in paragraphs (a) and (c), be constructed so as to permit easy access by the vehicle being weighed, ready access for testing purposes, and any water to drain away from the scale. Where approach and exit ramps to and from a permanently installed vehicle scale include grating, the grating shall be of sufficient strength to withstand all loads that are intended to be supported by the scale. Approach and exit ramps to and from a temporarily installed vehicle scale shall be constructed, for a distance of not less than 3 m adjacent to the weighbridge of the scale, in a manner that ensures that the ramps remain level and in the same plane as the weighbridge. An unattended vehicle scale shall be used only if it is part of an installation that has an automatic means to indicate to a vehicle operator that the indicating element of the scale has returned to zero and that the operator may drive onto the weighbridge; a printer that, on demand, prints a ticket bearing the information required by section 66; and an automatic means of preventing weight indications and printing of a ticket unless the scale has returned to zero prior to weighing a vehicle, and the load being weighed is fully supported on the weighbridge. Where a ticket printed by a weighing device shows a total price for a transaction, it shall also show the weight and unit price for the transaction. The cash register tape of a system comprised of one or more weighing and load-receiving elements that interface with one or more electronic cash registers shall show the net weight of the commodity weighed; the price per unit of weight; the total price; and the name or identification code of the product. The following information shall be provided for each transaction by an on-board weighing system for the weighing of waste or materials for recycling, whether at curbside or at the customer’s premises: an identification of the customer; the date of the transaction; the net weight of the waste or materials to be recycled; the price per unit of weight if the total price is indicated; the identification number of the vehicle on which the on-board weighing system is installed; and the identification number of the on-board weighing system used if more than one system is installed on the same vehicle. [Repeal] These Specifications come into force on June 15, 1998.