2025 NCWM Newsletter Issue #3

Inside This Issue: - Chairman's Column by Kevin Schnepp - 2026 NCWM Interim Meeting Information - Things to do in Mobile, Alabama - The Meetup by Elisa Stritt - 11th NCWM Annual Meeting Information - 2025/2026 Event Calendar - Highlight: Ohio Department of Agriculture - NTEP Colum by Jeff Gibson - NTEP Quick Guide - Keep CALM and carry on - Raising the Standard: Legal-for-Trade Belt Weighing in North America by CST - September Tip of the Month - Mental Health for Weights and Measures by Johnny Bell - 2026 EVSE Training for Weights & Measures Inspectors & Service Agents - NIST VTM Training, Hosted by the State of Illinois - Welcome New NCWM Members - First Annual EVSE Training for Weights & Measuring Inspectors & Service Agents - Women in Weights and Measures: The weight we all carry by Kate Smetana

NCWM· NEWS National Council on Weights and Measures “That Equity May Prevail”

2025 Issue 3

Table of Contents Chair’s Column.......................................................................................................1 2026 NCWM Interim Meeting................................................................................4 Things to do in Mobile, Alabama............................................................................7 The Meetup..............................................................................................................8 111th NCWM Annual Meeting.............................................................................11 Event Calendar.......................................................................................................12 Highlight: Ohio Department of Agriculture .........................................................13 NTEP Column.......................................................................................................15 NTEP Quick Guide................................................................................................18 Keep CALM and carry on......................................................................................19 Raising the Standard: Legal-for-Trade Belt Weighing in North America.............25 September: Tip of the Month.................................................................................28 Safety Article: Mental Health for Weights and Measures.....................................29 2026 EVSE Training for W&M Inspectors & Service Agents..............................31 NIST VTM Training, Hosted by the State of Illinois............................................32 Welcome New NCWM Members..........................................................................33 First Annual EVSE Training for W&M Inspectors & Service Agents..................36 Women in Weights and Measures: The weight we all carry.................................37

Chair’s Column

Kevin Schnepp - California NCWM Chair

Almost immediately after the conclusion of our 110 Annual Meeting in Reno, Nevada, I was tasked with writing this, my first NCWM newsletter column. As challenging as it first appeared, it has been a bit of a blessing with all the topics and challenges for the coming year fresh on my mind. th It is with humility and sense of service that I embark on this role over the next year as your National Council on Weights and Measures Chair. Thank you to all who offered their congratulations and best wishes, and special thanks to all members who serve on committees, subcommittees, task groups, and as appointed officials. It is your dedicated service that allows this organization to continue fulfilling its mission. My primary objective is that over the next year we continue to leverage the positive momentum and collaborative energy that has been built over the past several years within the Board, NIST OWM, and most importantly, you - NCWM members. Before diving into details about goals and initiatives, I would be remiss if I did not extend a huge thank you to the NCWM staff for another successful Annual Meeting and the awesome social event held at Greater Nevada Field on Wednesday evening. The activities, games, food, and entertainment were a hit with all. The expectations have been set high for Philadelphia next year. Now to the business of serving as your NCWM Chair: First, I have established a task group to address the needed updates and revisions to L&R Item Block-4 Moisture Allowance Consideration.

Chair’s Column

This task group will be chaired by the immediate past L&R chair, Tory Brewer and will report to the L&R Committee. Second, as announced previously, a national EVSE inspection data survey will be kicked off to facilitate the collection of needed in-the-field data for installed commercial EVSE. The EVSE landscape continues to evolve rapidly, and we will need data from across the country to facilitate informed changes and updates to the EVFS (EVSE) Code in Section 3.40 of Handbook 44. Third, I will be engaging with current and past members of the Professional Development Committee to refine the PDC report with a goal to update the format and content to include educational enhancement material such as topic specific short courses during the Interim and Annual meetings. This goal is intended to add value to the membership and promote enhanced engagement with the PDC. I encourage all to share ideas regarding value added topics that can be covered in a short-course or situational analysis format. In addition to my stated goals for the coming year, it is important that the Board and I support and continue the valuable initiatives and positive changes instituted by prior leadership, including: Field Training Manuals; Expanding VCAP; National RSA Certification Exams; Increasing the number of Professional Certification Exams; building capability and capacity within NCWM’s NTEP laboratory; improving the Standards Development Process; Membership Mentoring Program; and Committee Development Training. The business of NCWM relies on you to be effective. Please join me for our January 2026 Interim meeting in Mobile, Alabama as we continue to fulfill our mission by measuring what matters so that equity may prevail. In closing, I hope that words from my address at the 110 NCWM Annual Meeting ring as true for you as they do for me: “We measure what matters and our world is a better place because we do.” th

Coming Up............

2026 Interim Meeting January 11th-14th | Mobile, Alabama

The Interim Meeting is where our standing committees come together to hear testimony on new proposals brought forth from the regional meetings as well as carryover items from the previous year. In addition, the committees will determine the status of each item for the voting session of our Annual Meeting in July. There will be presentations, testimony, and work sessions throughout the week. Committee agendas will be available on our Publication 15 page . Meeting Location Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel 64 S Water Street Mobile, Alabama 36602 Group Rate: $114 Prevailing Government Per Diem Make your Hotel Registration Now! Reservation Discount Deadline: December 18th, 2025 Event The Chair’s Reception will honor Kevin Schnepp from the State of California. The reception will be Sunday, January 11th, from 5:30pm- 7:00pm. Dress is business casual.

NCWM HOW AN IDEA BECOMES A STANDARD

AUG

FORM 15

THE SUBMITTER SENDS A FORM 15 TO NCWM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BY AUGUST 15. NCWM SENDS THESE PROPOSALS TO THE REGIONS.

SEPT

REGIONALS CWMA, NEWMA, SWMA & WWMA MEET IN THE FALL TO DEVELOP RECOMMENDATIONS TO NCWM ON NEW AND CARRYOVER PROPOSALS.

OCT

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PUB 15

BY NOVEMBER 15, NCWM PUBLICATION 15 IS POSTED TO THE WEBSITE CONTAINING THE AGENDAS OF THE COMMITTEES.

DEC

NCWM INTERIM MEETING NCWM BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES HOLD OPEN HEARINGS AND DETERMINE THE STATUS OF AGENDA ITEMS.

JAN

FEB

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PUB 16 BY APRIL 15, NCWM PUBLICATION 16 IS POSTED TO THE WEBSITE CONTAINING REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEES SERVING AS THE AGENDA FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING.

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MAY

JUNE

NCWM ANNUAL MEETING NCWM BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES HOLD OPEN HEARINGS ON AGENDA ITEMS. MEMBERS VOTE ON AMENDMENTS TO STANDARDS.

JULY

Things to do in Mobile, Alabama

Local Sights

-History Museum of Mobile -Phoenix Fire Museum -National Maritime Museum of the Gulf -Colonial Fort Condé -Ruins of the Second Fort Condé -Bienville Square -Mardi Gras Park -Gator Boardwalk -USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park Local Cuisine -Ruby Slipper -The Cheese Cottage -The Royal Scam -Flip Side Bar and Patio -The Blind Mule -Squid Ink Electric Eats and Drinks -Noja -Le Moyne’s Chophouse -Debris Po-Boys -Mama’s on Dauphin

The Meetup

Elisa Stritt NCWM - Director of Operations

Meeting Highlights, What’s Next, and a Look Ahead to America’s 250th!

We’re thrilled to share that our recent meeting in Reno, Nevada was a tremendous success! With 256 attendees, an exciting special event, and a strong week of programming, the gathering exceeded expectations. It was our first meeting ever held in Reno, and we were welcomed warmly with great hospitality, beautiful scenery, and a memorable experience for all. The post- meeting survey results were predominantly positive in favor of Reno as a host city and the Silver Legacy as the host hotel. While we recognize that casino venues may not be ideal for everyone, and we currently have no plans to return to a casino-based property, I am pleasantly surprised by how many of you appreciated the convenience, amenities, and overall atmosphere. We’re already looking ahead to our January Interim Meeting in Mobile, Alabama, and registration is now open! We’ll be staying at the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel, conveniently located in the heart of the city with walkable access to some of Mobile’s best cultural, culinary, and historic attractions. One of my favorite parts of the city is historic Dauphin Street - lined with 19th-century architecture, live music, local boutiques, and a vibrant Southern charm. Just a few blocks away, you’ll find the Mobile Carnival Museum , showcasing over 300 years of Mardi Gras tradition through floats, costumes, and royal memorabilia. That’s right - Mobile is actually the original home of American Mardi Gras, not New Orleans! If you’ve never visited Mobile, I often describe it as New Orleans’ elegant, more refined older sister. That comparison may be a relief to some… and a disappointment to others!

Mark your calendars for July, when we’ll return to Philadelphia for our 111th Annual Meeting - at the very same hotel that hosted our 100th!

The Meetup

The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary (Semiquincentennial) of American independence, and Philadelphia, America’s birthplace, will be at the center of this historic, year-long celebration. We’ll be just an 8-minute walk from Independence Hall , where the Founding Fathers debated and signed the Declaration of Independence and later, the U.S. Constitution. Within walking distance of the Philadelphia Marriott Old City , attendees can also visit:

·The Liberty Bell ·Betsy Ross House ·Congress Hall ·Carpenters’ Hall ·The President’s House ·Elfreth’s Alley (the oldest continuously inhabited street in America)

The Constitutional Walking Tour comes highly recommended; visit this tour map to see how close the attractions are to our hotel; in the bottom-right corner, the building just under “WALNUT” is our hotel: Philadelphia Marriott Old City . We have a lot to look forward to, and it all starts with registering for the 2026 Interim Meeting and 2026 Annual Meeting . As always, we recommend reserving your hotel room early, as our blocks tend to sell out. It was truly wonderful to see so many of you in Reno. Thank you for your continued commitment to this remarkable industry and to our association. It is a privilege to support this organization by planning meaningful meetings and experiences for the most engaged and valued professionals in weights and measures.

Looking Forward....

111th NCWM Annual Meeting July 26th - 30th | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Annual Meeting is the high point of our year where all the hard work pays off. At this meeting, stakeholders will debate important proposals to amend the United States standards for weights and measures. When the debating is done, the votes will be cast. Our committees have their work cut out for them with some very full and diverse agendas. Committee agendas are available on our Publication 16 page .

Meeting Location Philadelphia Marriott Old City One Dock Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106

(215) 238-6000 Room Rate: $166 Reservation Discount Deadline: July 3 , 2026 rd, Make your Hotel Reservation Now!

Events The Chair’s Reception will honor Kevin Schnepp from the State of California. The reception will be Sunday, July 26th, from 5:30pm - 7:00pm. The reception attire is business casual.

September September 16 - 17 | NTEP Measuring Sector Meeting th th Pensacola Beach, Florida September 29 - October 2 | CWMA Interim Meeting th nd Dubuque, Iowa October October 20 - 22 | NEWMA Interim Meeting th nd Norwich, Connecticut October 26 - 29 | SWMA Annual Meeting th th Greenville, South Carolina Event Calendar 2025 Event Calendar 2026 January January 11 -14 | NCWM Interim Meeting th th Mobile, Alabama February February 10 - 13 | EVSE Training for Weights & Measures th th

Inspectors & Service Agents Garden Grove, California July July 26 - 30 | 111 NCWM Annual Meeting th th th Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Ohio Department of Ag, Division of Weights and Measures: Protecting consumers AND businesses! Chief Daniel Walker, and Central Region Rep on the NCWM Board of Directors, tells us, "This vendor would have lost over $8k during this year’s state fair if we hadn’t inspected their scales and discovered that they were going to be losing $0.60 for every pound sold." l

NTEP Column

Jeff Gibson NCWM - NTEP Administrator

NTEP Sectors and Workgroups: What They Are, What They Do, and Why You Should Participate? As I write this article, the NTEP Grain Analyzer Sector, Weighing Sector, Software Sector and Multiple Dimension Measuring Device workgroup have held their meetings with only the NTEP Measuring Sector remaining. NTEP holds the sector and workgroup meetings to provide input for the development of NCWM Publication 14. The input can be from device manufacturers, NTEP evaluators and weights and measures officials. Publication 14 is device specific and is used for the evaluation of all device types that are certified by NTEP. When an amendment to NIST Handbook 44 is adopted by the NCWM at its annual meeting in July, the Sectors meet to discuss the items that were adopted and to see if a new or revised test method needs to be developed for NTEP Publication 14, or if it would just need editorial changes. If a new test method or item for the checklist is necessary, the sectors or workgroups develop that test method or item, recommending the changes to the NCWM NTEP Committee. The sectors and workgroups are also an excellent venue for manufacturers to compare notes on common challenges they face. It is a great opportunity for weights and measures inspectors to interact with the device manufactures. There is an open forum discussion during the meetings, and it is beneficial to all in attendance to hear firsthand from weights and Measures inspectors, NTEP Evaluators and manufacturers about common challenges and opportunities they have. Anyone can participate in the Sectors or workgroups. if you are a member of the National Council on Weights and Measures there is no registration fee to attend. If you are not a member of the National Council on Weights and Measures, registration fees apply.

NTEP Column

NCWM members are eligible for an appointment to an NTEP Sector of Work Group. Simply submit your request to NCWM through the website or by email to info@ncwm.com.

If you want more information about the Sectors and Workgroups, the information can be found here NTEP | National Council on Weights & Measures then select the Sector or Workgroup you are interested in.

If you have additional questions or would like to discuss the content of this article, please contact me:

Jeff Gibson NTEP Administrator jeff.gibson@ncwm.com

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WHAT IS AN NTEP CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMANCE? NTEP QUICK GUIDE A certificate Issued by NCWM upon successful evaluation of a device, indicating the device tested is capable of meeting applicable Handbook 44 standards. NTEP APPROVED VERSES LEGAL FOR TRADE NTEP Approved: The evaluation demonstrated that the device is capable of meeting Handbook 44 standards. Legal for Trade: The inspector has verified the device can be used and installed. WHAT DOES AN NTEP EVALUATION COST? All applications fees are due at the time the application is submitted to NCWM. Applications will remain on hold until all funds are received. This fee is non-refundable. NCWM Member Rate: $950 Non-Member Rate: $1,425 Additional lab fees apply. HOW LONG DOES AN NTEP EVALUATION TAKE? It varies with the device type, any backlog that may exist at the laboratory, and if any corrective measures are required to achieve compliance. You will want to discuss progress and expectations directly with your assigned lab. ACTIVE VERSES INACTIVE STATUS Active: The devices are being manufactured or remanufactured for commercial use under an NTEP Certificate of Conformance (CC). The CC is in good standing and all fees are paid. Inactive: An NTEP CC going inactive means that the manufacturer decided not to continue manufacturing the device associated with the CC. Devices already manufactured and installed, or in inventory but not yet sold, may be used, sold, repaired, and resold under the inactive CC as long as they were manufactured prior to the inactive status date. WHAT ARE MAINTENANCE FEES? NCWM charges an annual maintenance fee for all active CCs. By paying the maintenance fees, the manufacturer declares intent to continue manufacturing the device and agrees to the terms and conditions for renewal of the NTEP CC. Maintenance Fees are invoiced each year on October 1st.

MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND ONLINE HERE! 18

Keep CALM and Carry On

Lisa Corn and Kate Smetana In the world of legal metrology, it’s easy to get caught up in the technical work and forget that behind every standard, procedure, and calibration is a community of dedicated professionals. When Kate and Lisa created CALM, the Community for All Legal Metrologists, the hope was simple….to create a space where legal metrologists could connect, share resources, best practices, and support one another. Seeing how it’s grown into a collaborative, welcoming community crossing state lines and organizational boundaries has been more rewarding than we could have imagined. Here’s what some of our members have to say about being part of CALM: “CALM is an incredible resource for us here at the Missouri Metrology Lab. When we have a question regarding procedures or specifications, artifact submission, or general laboratory operations we can always reach out to the CALM community. It is beneficial for any lab to have a variety of opinions and answers when receiving responses from the CALM community. It’s an invaluable resource because of the wide range of experience, knowledge, and scope of calibrations performed by the various labs across the country.” - Johnny Bell, MO “CALM provides a means of connection with other state labs that we otherwise would not have much interaction with. Knowing that I can contact other metrologists dealing with the same issues with a single email makes me more confident in the work I do and the results we provide. The informational meetings have helped our lab in multiple ways, not least of which by helping us to consider issues in our lab from multiple lens. After one meeting on lab safety, where it was suggested to use floor sticky mats in doorways leading in and out of the lab to contain potential lead contamination, we altered our policy and purchased mats to help keep our lab and metrologists safe. Interpersonal communication through CALM between labs has helped us to stay connected and active on current issues arising in the legal metrology field. Through discussions we are better equipped to stay ahead of current trends and complications that we face in our everyday work environment. Overall, CALM has been an incredibly beneficial group for our lab to be a part of, and we appreciate the work that Kate, Lisa, and all the members of CALM have put in to help improve our labs and our connections.” - Houston Naugher, MO

Keep CALM and Carry On

“What CALM has helped me with is the ability to be connected with other state and industrial metrologists from all across the country. This enables me to get valuable feedback from people who understand what I do. It has created a collaborative environment where you do not feel embarrassed for asking questions or for help. Actually, it makes me feel that my Lab is larger than what it is, with the knowledge base that is within the group. I know this is a tremendous amount of work for you and Lisa. Keep up the good work.” – Joel Lavicky, NE “CALM came in clutch when we were exploring different weighing designs. Having the real- time, nationwide feedback revealed concerns that were not yet on our radar, making our final approach more solid and well-rounded!” – Whitney Corley, LA “As a one person lab it’s difficult to solve all of the issues that need solving; for instance, discussions about environmental equipment have saved me hours of research. Instead of being by myself, I have a whole community of experience at my back.” – Leslie German, WA “CALM is a great forum for legal metrologists to receive training, share ideas, and is a great resource to ask and get answers to metrology questions. Kudos to Kate and Lisa for creating CALM. As a metrologist who has been in the system a long time I’ve always reached out to others when necessary, but this is a quick, efficient way to get everyone’s feedback on a topic. It’s too bad this hasn’t been around longer.” – Aaron Aydelotte, OR

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION EXAMS PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION EXAMS Large Capacity Scales LPG and Anhydrous Ammonia Liquid Meters Medium Capacity Weighing Systems Method Of Sale Package Checking Packaging and Labeling

Precision Scales Price Verification Retail Motor Fuel Dispensing Small Capacity Weighing Systems Class III Vehicle-Tank Meters

BASIC COMPETENCY EXAMS Measuring Weighing

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Raising the Standard: Legal-for-Trade Belt Weighing in North America By: CST (Control Systems Technology) with original article by the late Lorne Danielson, TD Micronic Since their invention in 1908, belt scales have become indispensable in bulk materials handling, evolving from mechanical devices to precision-engineered systems integrated with digital technologies. Today, with flowrates reaching thousands of tonnes per hour in high-value sectors like mining and ports, the demand for commercial certainty has made legal-for-trade belt weighing more important than ever. Global Certification for Commercial Integrity In global trade, where bulk shipments can exceed tens of millions of dollars, even a 1% discrepancy can result in six-figure losses. While legal-for-trade certification is about compliance, it’s also an important factor in protecting revenue, upholding commercial trust, and reducing risk. There are two major authorities for trade-approved scales in North America: · NTEP (United States) · Measurement Canada (Canada) The International Organization of Legal Metrology publishes model international technical recommendations and should be considered as they are intended to harmonize how countries specify, test, and approve instruments. Static scales have long been certified to 0.1% accuracy; however, belt scales operate under more dynamic conditions. They are continuously in motion, simultaneously processing weight and belt travel while the material passes by at up to 6 m/sec, and are subject to a variety of external factors that scale manufacturers must endeavor to accommodate. Belt scales have historically faced challenges in meeting such stringent standards, but recent regulatory advancements have begun to close this gap. Raising the Bar North American regulators have significantly tightened belt scale certification protocols. In 2006, Measurement Canada approved 0.1% accuracy certification under Article R174 for high-value materials, and in 2014, adopted OIML-aligned testing across a broader range of flow rates (down to 30%). In parallel, NTEP introduced multi-point flow testing requirements, enhancing

confidence in belt scale performance under real-world conditions. Changes by the NTEP and Measurement Canada address four areas:

Raising the Standard: Legal-for-Trade Belt Weighing in North America By: CST (Control Systems Technology) with original article by the late Lorne Danielson, TD Micronic

· Accuracy ·Flowrates for Certification ·Long-Term Stability ·Quantity of Test Material

These reforms are shaping belt weighing into a trusted method for regulated transactions in ports, terminals, and mineral operations where measurement disputes can have large-scale financial and operational consequences. Accuracy Modern belt scale standards now support certified accuracy levels that were previously unachievable with dynamic systems. The OIML offers Classes 0.2, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0, where each class represents double the verification error (+/-0.1% for Class 0.2). NTEP standards in the U.S. have similarly advanced, enabling certification at 0.1%, a threshold that had been considered the upper limit of belt scale precision. In Canada, Measurement Canada allows legal-for-trade approval at either ±0.5% or ±0.1%, depending on the material’s value. Since 2006, scales trading in high-value bulk commodities must meet the stricter 0.1% requirement. This shift in standards represents a significant step toward commercial belt weighing systems achieving the same level of trust as static scales. Flowrates for Certification Historically, belt scale certification tests were conducted at a single, controlled flowrate. While this simplified the process, it failed to reflect real-world variability and often resulted in discrepancies under normal conditions. Today, both NTEP and Measurement Canada require testing at multiple flowrates, typically low (20–30%), nominal (60%), and high (100%), to demonstrate consistent accuracy across operating conditions. This multi-point verification aligns with OIML standards and ensures that scales perform reliably, even when flowrates deviate from the norm. This is crucial in ensuring operational accuracy day-to-day and not just in test environments. Long-Term Stability Conveyor belts experience wear, stretch, and environmental exposure that can shift calibration over time. Unlike static scales, these changes are more complex and harder to detect without regular testing. NTEP addresses this with a mandatory permanence test conducted 6 to 12 months post- certification to confirm performance has not drifted. Additionally, annual recertification is required for all legal-for-trade belt scales under NTEP.

Raising the Standard: Legal-for-Trade Belt Weighing in North America By: CST (Control Systems Technology) with original article by the late Lorne Danielson, TD Micronic In Canada, a 2017 policy change now mandates biennial testing for mining-related belt scales. These regular intervals provide critical assurance that the systems remain within tolerance and that measurement accuracy can be relied upon. Quantity of Test Material Field certification of conveyor belt scales requires the use of actual product, often demanding significant site resources. For high-capacity belts (e.g. 6,000 tph), certification may require 5,000 tonnes of material, weighed using calibrated reference systems like rail test cars or track scales. This includes multiple test runs, each requiring precise coordination of equipment, personnel, and weather conditions. Recognizing this burden, recent changes by Measurement Canada and NTEP have adopted OIML provisions allowing for reduced test loads as little as 2% of the scale’s one- hour capacity. These revisions significantly reduce the time, cost, and logistical complexity of recertification, helping operators maintain compliance with less operational disruption. Conclusion While conveyor belt scales have existed for over a century, their recent certification under modern North American standards has elevated them to deliver accuracy once limited to static scales, far surpassing older methods like ship’s draft surveys. Modern legal-for-trade belt scales now provide a level of accuracy and efficiency far superior to legacy methods, ensuring equitable valuation in bulk trade. About the Author This article was originally authored by the late Lorne Danielson, a respected leader in belt weighing and major contributor to TD Micronic’s success, who are now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Control Systems Technology (CST). CST is a leading global engineering company that specialises in in-motion belt weighing for mining, ports and materials handling industries. Originating in Australia, CST delivers high- accuracy belt weighing systems for bulk material handling to projects and partners around the world. Backed by over 40 years of experience, CST is trusted across industry for reliable, application-engineered solutions. Learn more about CST: www.controlsystems.com.au

TIP OF THE MONTH Comparing Price and Quantity: Weights and Measures Inspectors test packages to verify net quantity based on the labeled contents. This allows consumers to compare price and quantity with confidence, knowing that they are getting what they pay for at the supermarket. Contact your local Weights and Measures Authority with questions or concerns.

Safety Column: Mental Health for Weights and Measures

Johnny Bell Missouri Department of Agriculture

Mental Health for Weights and Measures

The work of Weights and Measures inspectors can be very demanding. The job of inspections involves high-stakes decision-making, time constraints, liability, responsibility, emotional labor, and exposure to unpleasant conditions, can take a toll on mental health. However, combining proactive strategies and encouraging a supportive work environment can effectively mitigate these stressors and promote overall wellbeing. Inspectors encounter a variety of challenges while in the field and it’s important to understand how each can influence an individual. Accuracy and compliance are crucial, and inspectors must ensure the accuracy of measuring devices and adherence to regulations, a task that can be mentally taxing given the potential consequences of errors for both businesses and consumers. Inspectors also need to balance speed and thoroughness. Inspections often require rapid, yet precise assessments with a tight timeframe. This can create the challenge of managing cognitive load since it is important to regulators and the business that it is done quickly and effectively. One issue discussed often is navigating difficult interactions or de-escalation. Dealing with uncooperative or angry clients and communicating potentially negative findings demands tact, empathy, and emotional regulation, further adding to the inspector's emotional stress. There are also the potential legal or financial repercussions. The pressure of potential legal or financial liability from errors or missed issues can be a significant source of stress.

Safety Column: Mental Health for Weights and Measures

So, what are some of the strategies for fostering mental well-being? Promote open communication and encourage open dialogue about workplace stress and mental health challenges among employees and supervisors. Providing mental health support is crucial and often available through most human resource offices. These resources include access to counseling services or referrals through employee assistance programs. We also need to facilitate stress management training by providing workshops or resources on coping mechanisms and relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Encouraging peer support can help create opportunities for inspectors to share experiences, ask questions, and gain insights from colleagues, fostering a sense of community and reducing feelings of isolation. Supervisors can perform regular “check-ins” and listen or respond when issues with staff arise. It is also important to emphasize the importance of regular mental health and self-care activities, such as practicing hobbies, exercising, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Other times it’s important to evaluate current processes and documentation requirements to identify opportunities to streamline workloads and minimize unnecessary anxieties. Some organizations offer flexible work schedules such as working four 10-hour days versus five 8-hour days. Depending on the employee, incorporating flexible work options help balance personal and professional demands. Something else we need is to encourage is physical activity and healthy eating since it can contribute to mental resilience and the ability to handle job demands safely and effectively. By proactively addressing mental well-being in the Weights and Measures profession, organizations can support inspectors in fulfilling their critical role while prioritizing their health and fostering a positive, sustainable work environment.

EVSE Training for W&M Inspectors and Service Agents Please join us in Garden Grove, California for NCWM’s EVSE Training for Weights and Measures Inspectors and Service Agents, February 10 - 13 , 2026. th th This will be a 3.5 day event including hands-on and classroom training. Please visit our event page to find out more!

NIST VTM Training, Hosted by the State of Illinois

The event was hosted by the State of Illinois at the State Fairgrounds in Springfield, where Doug Rathbun and Steve Carter are based. NIST instructors Tina Butcher, Scott Simmons, and John McGuire led the training, which took place from June 23–27. They had 21 attendees from across the central weights and measures region. This was the first in-person VTM and Loading Rack training offered by NIST since 2019. The course included four days of classroom instruction and one day of field demonstrations. Participants observed Vehicle Tank Meter inspections and testing, as well as a Loading Rack inspection and testing at a nearby Growmark facility.

NCWM WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

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First Annual NCWM EVSE Training for Weights & Measures Inspectors & Service Agents

Denver, Colorado

August 2025

A great success with strong participation, expert-led instruction, and high energy around EV infrastructure.

Women in Weights and Measures: The weight we all carry

Kate Smetana Colorado Department of Agriculture

At my first national metrology training, I sat next to a male colleague during one of the training sessions. Before the instructor started, we chatted about our labs, our day-to-day work, and how we liked being state metrologists. After a moment of thought, he pointed out that my lab was made up of 2 females, then casually asked “who calibrates the 50 lb weights?”. My response – “Do I look like I can’t lift a 50 lb weight?”. Now, I can come off a little more argumentative than I intend to at times, that’s on me. He, of course, apologized profusely for coming off the way that I had interpreted the question. Did he mean to imply that women can’t lift 50 lb on a regular basis? Probably not. But this wasn’t the first time I had been on the receiving end of a questionable comment about my abilities as a woman in the field of weights and measures. I was an inspector before I moved into the lab. Ask any female inspector, and they have a story. I promise. I’m not sharing that anecdote to start a political debate about DEI or to set women apart from anyone else in the NCWM membership. I share it because I don’t think I’ve ever shared it with a male colleague before, and I’ve certainly never shared it with this group. I’m also not sharing it with all of you for pity or recognition either. I’m sharing it as an example of why Women in Weights and Measures means so much to those of us who joined the group. We can share these anecdotes freely and without judgement. We can offer suggestions on how to respond. We can encourage each other to take the questions and comments at face value. In all actuality, these anecdotes may be discussed, but rarely come up in our meetings, if ever. We are all colleagues in this group. We are not female or male colleagues. Just colleagues.

Women in Weights and Measures: The weight we all carry

If you missed the Women in Weights and Measures Subcommittee session at the 110 Annual Meeting, you missed a great session. An outstanding presentation on the use of LinkedIn was given by Samantha Foss, the Content Marketing Supervisor at Rice Lake Weighing Systems. It was a marketer’s guide to the use of LinkedIn for showcasing your professional skills whether you are looking for a new job or not. There were also tips on how to spot a real “go-getter” candidate when hiring. The presentation spoke to all generations in our industry and highlighted changes in the work culture and hiring process that are here to stay. I came away with new professional development skills to brush up on that I did not expect. I suspect all of us in attendance – women and men – came away with the similar ideas and to-do lists for our LinkedIn accounts. th The Women in Weights and Measures Subcommittee is not about advancing women’s careers because they are women. It is, however, about finding the people you can relate to in your chosen career field. It can be a forum to openly discuss gender-related issues in that field, but it’s mainly about growth. The group has evolved into a space where fostering innovative ideas and unique career-development ideas can be grown. It is a welcome addition to the usual Sunday meetings and a valuable resource for the entire membership.

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BE AN EXHIBITOR AT THE 2026 INTERIM MEETING

January 11 - 14 , 2026 th th Mobile, Alabama

Use our meeting as a platform to support the growth of your business, inform, and teach the weights and measures community about the products or services you have to offer PRICING: $400 FOR MEMBERS $550 FOR NON-MEMBERS WHEN YOU REGISTER BEFORE DECEMBER 18TH , 2025 Included: One skirted table and two chairs

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Don Onwiler Executive Director Elisa Stritt Director of Operations Danyelle Dolan Project Coordinator Jeff Gibson NTEP Administrator Brian Maser NTEP Evaluator Darrell Flocken NTEP Evaluator Allen Katalinic NTEP Evaluator Ed Payne NTEP Evaluator

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