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1 - Scheduled Tests and Maintenance
Testing the scale
To test the scale, the technician or agency will bring a special truck equipped with certified test weights to the scale site. These weights will be applied to the scale in specific weight intervals and in different locations on the scale deck. The technician will monitor the weight indicated by the scale to check its accuracy and con- sistency. The technician will provide the customer with a report noting the scale’s level of accuracy, as well as findings from the inspection. What happens if the scale does not pass the Weights and Measures accuracy test? If the scale’s error is beyond the legal tolerance, the W&M agency may issue a yellow tag or a red tag (or something similar). A yellow tag is a warning that gives the scale owner a period of time (often 60 days) to have the scale recalibrated by a service provider and allows the scale to be used normally during this time. In contrast, a red tag requires that the scale be closed immediately. It cannot be used until it is recalibrated. Avoid- ing that situation is another reason that a scale owner may wish to be proactive about preventive maintenance. When discussing a maintenance program, ask the supplier exactly what services are covered. Also ask: • How often should scales be inspected? How long does it take? • How much time does a test require? • How often should we test? • How difficult is recalibration when we find an error? Recommended preventive maintenance procedures can vary between the needs of a specific make and model of scale, as well as the application and amount of traffic using the scale. However, a universal recom- mendation is that, in addition to W&M tests, any truck scale should undergo a thorough service inspection at least once each year. Who can perform service on my scale? A reputable company that is qualified to perform scale services can typically do so on any make and model of truck scale. You may wish to gather multiple quotes for maintenance and service programs. Be sure to compare the content of those programs and not just the price. Just as the prices may vary, so too can the level of service and expertise you receive. Good questions to ask can include: • Are there fixed rates for service calls? • Is there a guaranteed response time for service calls? • What are the technicians’ qualifications? • How do they source common replacement parts?
There are two types of ongoing scheduled activities that need to be performed on a legal-for-trade truck scale.
1. Weights and Measures Checks / Calibrations / Recertifications In many locations, the scale supplier is permitted to perform the initial calibration and accuracy check on the scale when it is installed. However, typically after 60 days the scale’s accuracy will be verified with tests performed by the local Weights and Measures (W&M) authority. W&M tests typically happen at predetermined intervals, most often once per year. Those tests are done in one of three ways: • The W&M agency is equipped to perform those tests and does so with its own truck and technicians • The tests are performed by a scale service provider but must be witnessed by a W&M agency representative • The tests are performed by a scale service provider and the scale owner must provide proof of the test and the results to the W&M agency
Your scale supplier can tell you how this is done in your location.
2. Manufacturer’s Recommended Preventive Maintenance Your scale supplier will probably offer you a maintenance program that includes periodic visits from a scale technician who will test and inspect the scale and perform preventive maintenance. While that type of main- tenance may not be legally required, to many scale owners, the largest benefit is protection from costly un- planned downtime. This program may or may not cover the Weights and Measures requirements, depending on your location. Note that the manufacturer may require preventive maintenance as a condition of the scale’s warranty.
Tip: Remember that standard calibration checks and recalibrations only ensure that the scale’s accuracy is within the legal tolerance. They do not ensure that the scale’s accuracy is perfect. To monitor your scale’s accuracy, ask your service provider to note the scale’s accuracy “as found” and “as left.” This helps you stay aware of problems with the scale’s performance and minimize revenue loss.
Special Note: Be aware that some scale companies generate most of their profit from performing scale service. Those companies may sell customers new scales at a very small profit margin, hoping that they will make their profit on servicing and repairing the scale later. Seeing a very low purchase price, some scale buyers purchase service-prone systems that leave them budgeting large amounts of money each year for service and repairs. That is one of the reasons to look at more than just the initial purchase price when buying a scale.
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