 The Illinois Department of Agriculture's metrology lab achieved
a two-year certificate of traceability after a thorough review
of its proficiency and operations by the National Institute of
Standards and Technology.
"Almost everything we buy, from a gallon of gas to a pound of
beef, is sold by weight, volume, length, count or measure," said
Agriculture Director Bob Flider. "This lab protects consumers
and businesses alike from unfair practices by ensuring that the
standards used to test weighing and measuring devices are
accurate."
The department's Bureau of Weights and Measures uses those
standards to inspect scales at supermarkets, warehouses, packing
plants and other locations, as well as meters at gas stations
and motor fuel terminals. Last year, more than 128,000 devices
were tested.
"This certification is a tribute to metrologist Mike Rockford
and his staff," said Doug Rathbun, bureau chief of Weights and
Measures. "Because of their excellent work, the lab scored high
marks on the evaluation and was able to upgrade its former,
one-year certification."
[to top of second column] |
The NIST evaluation included assessments of the lab's calibration
and measurement capabilities, proficiency testing results and staff
competency, as well as the suitability of its facilities, equipment,
procedures and quality control systems.
[Text from
Illinois
Department of Agriculture
file received from the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
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