The Weights and Measures Division is committed
to protecting the economic health of the community by
preserving and maintaining confidence in the accuracy
of weighing and measuring instruments, product standards,
and business practices used in commerce. Through this
balanced commitment and timely response to citizen requests,
consumers and businesses are assured the means of accurate
value comparison and fair competition. The weights and
measures division is broken into several components: weighing
devices; measuring devices; quantity control; scanner
verification; and the certified weighmaster program. The
Weights and Measures Division also responds to firewood
complaints.
The County Sealer of Weights and
Measures ensures that all commercially used weighing devices
are tested for accuracy. In addition to being accurate, devices
must adhere to specific design and installation requirements,
and be used correctly. The most familiar types of devices are
the scales used at store check stands.
Instruments used
to determine volume, distance, dimensions, and time are all measuring
devices. The device that people are most familiar with is the
gas pump. Inside the cabinet is a meter that determines the quantity
of fuel dispensed. Standards Specialists test each meter by dispensing
five gallons at the fast (or open) speed then five gallons at
the slow (restricted) speed into calibrated measures, compare
the monetary computations, check that the tamper-proof seal on
the meter adjustment is intact, and other details required in
the Examination Procedure Outline distributed by Measurement
Standards. Other measuring devices include taximeters, wire and
rope meters; wholesale water meters; oil meters; timers in car
washes, laundromats, parking garages, milk tanks and propane
meters. Utility meters such as electric, gas, and water, used
in mobile home parks are required to be tested at least every
ten years. Each examination tests the meters ability to accurately
register at full and light loads and other specifications (as
outlined in the EPO). Our standards are verified by California
Measurements periodically for accuracy.
This program visits packers, distributors
and retailers to audit the contents of packaged products. The
contents must equal the amount stated on the label. Routine inspections
of meat counters, bakeries, and deli sections of supermarkets
are conducted. Samples of packages are taken and re-weighed using
the county's scale or measured in calibrated flasks. The labeled
amount and the true net contents are compared. Some commodities
require special test methods and are given certain allowances
for moisture loss, and individual variances are factored in.
Every type of commodity is subject to quantity control inspection,
not just food items. Categories of commodities tested include:
packaged seed and garden products, bread and bakery items, cheese
and dairy products, farm products and supplies, building materials
and maintenance supplies, feed and grain, and automotive and
industrial lubricants, chemicals, and cleaners. The State Division
assigns commodity categories to different counties on a quarterly
basis, so the same categories of products are inspected over
a wide geographic area.
Were you charged the lowest advertised
price? Bar code readers, scanners, and price look-up systems
have replaced individual prices on items. Price verification
consists of periodic simulated purchases at businesses utilizing
scanners, or point-of-sale systems, in an effort to eliminate
unfair competition and "bait and switch" activities.
This area has become more important because many or all stores
of national chains determine their pricing through a central
computer; an error in one 
store
is an error in them all.
Test purchases of other commodities, such as deli items, health
foods, hardware, landscape materials, U-haul concrete, and firewood
are also conducted, as are test sales of recyclables. Firewood
dealers are required to leave an invoice with their name, address,
date and amount of wood delivered. Any shortage from the amount
invoiced is a violation.
Weighmasters are persons, licensed by the Division of Measurement
Standards, who certify the weighed, measured, or counted quantity
of any commodity. Specific criteria must be followed when issuing
weighmaster certificates. Weighmasters are regularly inspected
to ensure the accuracy of their certifications.
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