Measurement Canada's Policy related to the Year Mark on Seals Used in Weights and Measures Applications
2007-02-09
It is a well recognized metrological practice to seal the adjustable parameters of weighing and measuring devices to ensure confidence in their integrity. Measurement Canada inspectors and Authorized Service Providers apply seals on devices following inspections to indicate that no tampering has occurred.
A seal must be uniquely identifiable to the organisation which has applied it. In the case of Measurement Canada, inspection staff seal devices with a distinctive mark or symbol (the bar and maple leaf, the word Canada, the IC mark, etc.) so as to readily differentiate it from another organization. Authorized Service Providers use their organization number as their mark. Measurement Canada officers will continue to apply seals on weighing and measuring devices.
For many decades, Measurement Canada has also marked the current year (the Year mark) on its seals, as administrative policy, so that an inspector can readily identify the year of last inspection of the device. In some cases, Measurement Canada seals could not bear a Year mark. There is no legal requirement in the Weights and Measures Act, its regulations and in the related specifications for marking the year on a seal.
Until further notice, Measurement Canada will consider the non-application of the Year mark on seals as a permissive exemption. This change will be reflected in the next revisions to both the S-A-01:2006 accreditation standard and the Registration Program Terms and Conditions which are planned for March 2007.
Effective immediately, the use of the Year mark on seals used by Authorized Service Providers is permissible and left up to each organization to apply or not as they see fit.
Measurement Canada staff should not take any enforcement action where a seal is marked with a year which differs from the one stated on the inspection certificate.
Ted Kingsbury
Manager, Weighing and Measuring Division
Program Development Directorate
Measurement Canada
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