Scale Inspection and Certification in Calgary
When you go to the grocery store to buy 100g of ham, you expect to be charged for 100g of ham, not 110g or even 90g. Having strict measurement regulations in place ensures a competitive marketplace that is fair and equitable for both merchants and consumers. That’s why scale certification in Calgary and across Canada is so important.
At Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd., we have been accredited by Measurement Canada as authorized scale inspectors. Under the Weights and Measures Act, we can certify trade devices on behalf of Measurement Canada. If you’re having trouble understanding the process of scale certification in Calgary, feel free to contact us.
What Is Scale Certification?
Measurement Canada requires scales used in retail to be inspected and certified as “legal for trade” to ensure the accuracy and integrity of trade measurement in Canada. This is a very necessary process for businesses to avoid risk and loss in the future if they are caught without the certificates. It involves monitoring the accuracy of measuring devices through a variety of inspections and compliance improvement strategies. Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. can help you with the process of scale certifications in Calgary along with providing scale rental services to customers, hence making their work easy and effective. We are certified to offer a range of scale certifications services so get in touch with us today.
Why Is Scale Certification Important?
Scale certification is necessary because of the following reasons:
- To ensure that your equipment is legal for trade and has gone through the required inspection process.
- To make sure there are no hidden problems going on with your equipment and is fit to use.
- To promote customer confidence and build trust in the market.
- To ensure that your scale isn’t susceptible to going off the mark for a long period of time.
- To avoid a serious impact on your business because of measurement errors.
Regulations for Good Measure
Before Confederation in 1867, each province had its own system of regulating weights and measures. After Confederation, the Government of Canada took over as the authority on the issue. The Weights and Measures Act was first passed in 1872, followed by the Gas Inspection Act and the Electric Light Inspection Act, forming the basis of our measurement regulations today.
In 1999, Measurement Canada became a special operating agency under Industry Canada. Based in Ottawa, Measurement Canada is responsible for:
- Calibrating and certifying measurement standards, including mass, length, volume, temperature, electrical measurements, and more
- Approving instruments used to weigh and measure, such as gasoline pumps, natural gas meters, and scales
- Inspecting and approving measurement devices to ensure accuracy and prevent fraudulence
- Investigating complaints
As responsible individuals promoting fair marketplace values, it is accepted of everyone to report any inaccuracies or fraudulent practices that may compromise the integrity of this system. A regulated framework of measurements makes way for a well-functioning economy so all Canadians must work with integrity to aid the cause.
As Authorized Service Providers, we have the authority to inspect equipment to ensure its adherence to regulation. After an inspection done by us, Measurement Canada may also follow up with its own inspectors to ensure accuracy. If you find your device inaccurate, contact an Authorized Service Provider like Accurate/Western Scale Co. Ltd. to calibrate and certify your device. Once your device complies, we will give it a government-issued sticker to certify it.
Businesses that fail to comply with regulations may suffer consequences such as:
- Lost productivity and income due to withdrawal of equipment from use
- Lost income caused directly by inaccurate measurements
- Fines and closures
- Negative effect on the company’s reputation
To keep your equipment in good standing, we recommend:
- Using your equipment only for its intended measuring purpose – don’t measure material your device is not designed to measure
- Protecting your equipment from environmental damage
- Ensuring the device shows measurements clearly
- Thoroughly training staff on how to use the equipment properly
- Only buying and using equipment that has been approved, inspected, and certified – check to see if there is a valid sticker or certification, if not, you can get one from an Authorized Service Provider like us or Measurement Canada
If you need help with understanding certain rules, we have an article on commercial scale regulations that may apply to you and your sector. For further assistance on scale certifications in Calgary or other places in Canada, you can get in touch with us. Our experience and knowledge and a team of driven professionals always happy to help will offer you all the assistance you need.
