
1986 No. 311
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Weighing Equipment (Filling and Discontinuous Totalising Automatic Weighing Machines) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1986
Made 1st October 1986
Coming into operation 10th November 1986
The Department of Economic Development, in exercise of the powers conferred by Articles 9(1) and (3), 10(6) and 13(1) of the Weights and Measures (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 and now vested in it and of every other power enabling it in that behalf, hereby makes the following Regulations:—
PART I GENERAL
Citation and commencement
1 
These Regulations may be cited as the Weighing Equipment (Filling and Discontinuous Totalising Automatic Weighing Machines) Regulations (Northern Ireland), 1986 and shall come into operation on 10th November 1986.
Interpretation
2 

(1) In these Regulations—
 “analogue” means capable of assigning any value or position within a continuous range;
 “automatic weighing machine” means weighing equipment that includes a machine which accomplishes a weighing operation without intervention by an operator and which sets in motion an automatic process characteristic of the machine;
 “certificate of approval” means a certificate of approval of a pattern of weighing equipment granted or renewed by the Department under Article 10 of the Order or any instrument having effect under Article 11(5) of the Order as if it were a certificate of approval so granted on 4th April 1979 or a certificate of approval of a pattern of weighing equipment deemed under Article 10(8) of the Order to have been granted and published under the provisions of the said Article 10;
 “device for interpolation of reading” means a device which subdivides without special adjustment the scale of a machine with an analogue indicator;
 “digital” means capable of assigning only certain discrete values or positions within a continuous range by a series of discontinuous steps;
 “discontinuous totaliser” means a discontinuous totalising automatic weighing machine which systematically subdivides material in bulk into separate loads, determines the mass of material in each load, effects a summation of loads and discharges the material into bulk;
 “filling machine” means an automatic weighing machine which systematically subdivides material in bulk into separate loads of a pre-determined mass and effects an automatic feed and weighing of them;
 “level indicating device” means a device which indicates when the structure to which it is attached is tilted away from its correct operating position;
 “live part” means a part of a machine which, when a load is applied to it, causes the mass of the load to be indicated, printed or otherwise processed by the machine;
 “load receptor” means a part of a machine on which loads are placed for the purpose of their being weighed;
 “material testing” means the testing of an automatic weighing machine by loading suitable material on the machine;
 “maximum capacity” means the maximum load which the machine is authorised to weigh by the certificate of approval;
 “maximum net capacity” means the maximum net load which the machine is authorised to weigh by the certificate of approval;
 “minimum load” means the minimum load which the machine is authorised to weigh by the certificate of approval;
 “minimum totalised load” means the minimum totalised load which the machine is authorised to weigh by the certificate of approval;
 “non-automatic zero-setting device” means a device which allows an operator to observe, alter and then check the setting of the machine to zero or a given point;
 “non-automatic weighing machine” means weighing equipment that includes a machine which accomplishes a weighing operation and which requires the intervention of an operator during the weighing process, especially to deposit loads on, or remove loads from, the load receptor and also to determine the result of the weighing process;
 “notice of examination” means a notice caused to be published by the Secretary of State in pursuance of section 12(3) of the Weights and Measures Act 1985 giving particulars of a pattern in respect of which a certificate of approval has been granted;
 “the Order” means the Weights and Measures (Northern Ireland) Order 1981;
 “prescribed limits of error” has the meaning set out in Regulation 33;
 “rider” means a poise which can be moved along a graduated bar or beam;
 “scale interval” means the value expressed in units of measurement of mass, equal to—
(a) in the case of a machine with an analogue device, the smallest subdivision of the scale; or
(b) in the case of a machine with a digital device, the smallest difference between two consecutive values indicated by the machine;
 “semi-automatic zero-setting device” means a device which, following a manual command, allows the automatic setting of the machine to zero or a given point or indicates the value by which it is necessary to adjust the setting to zero or a given point;
 “the stamp” means the stamp prescribed by the Weights and Measures (Prescribed Stamp) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1969;
 “tare device” means a device for resetting the weight indicating device and the weight printing device to zero when a load is placed on the load receptor;
 “test load” means a load of suitable material used for material testing;
 “totalisation scale interval” means the value, expressed in units of measurement of mass, of the scale interval of the totalisation indicating device of the machine;
 “weighing unit” means a device which provides information on the mass of the load being weighed by the machine;
 “weight indicating device” means a device which is not a weight printing device and which indicates the weight of a load on a load receptor of the machine; and
 “weight printing device” is a device which can print the weight of a load which is on a load receptor of the machine.
(2) The abbreviations of, and symbols for, units of measurement used in these Regulations refer to the relevant units as follows:—
hundredweight cwt
quarter qr
pound lb
ounce oz
tonne t
kilogram kg, kilog
gram g, grm.
Application of Regulations and prescription of automatic weighing machines
3 

(1) Subject to paragraph (2), Parts II and V apply to all automatic weighing machines of the following description namely filling machines and discontinuous totalisers, Part III applies to filling machines and Part IV to discontinuous totalisers, for use for trade, and such machines are hereby prescribed for the purposes of Article 9(1) of the Order.
(2) Nothing in these Regulations shall apply to any automatic weighing machine for use only for making up packages if, and only if, the packages are subsequently checked in accordance with Article 31(9)(b) of the Order.
(3) The Weights and Measures Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1967 are hereby amended in Regulation 3(2) by the addition after sub-paragraph (h) of the following sub-paragraph:—“
(i) filling machines and discontinuous totalisers to which the Weighing Equipment (Filling and Discontinuous Totalising Automatic Weighing Machines) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1986 apply, except in so far as such machines and totalisers are capable of also being used as a counter machine, platform weighing machine or weighbridge.”.
Purposes of use for trade
4 
A person shall not use an automatic weighing machine for trade except for the purpose of weighing material the values of which, expressed in units of measurement of mass, are neither less than the value of the minimum load and the minimum totalised load nor more than the value of the maximum capacity.
PART II GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MATERIALS, PRINCIPLES OF CONSTRUCTION AND MARKING OF AUTOMATIC WEIGHING MACHINES CONSISTING OF FILLING MACHINES AND DISCONTINUOUS TOTALISERS
Provisions applicable to filling machines and discontinuous totalisers
5 
Regulations 6 to 13 apply to automatic weighing machines consisting of filling machines and discontinuous totalisers.
Construction of automatic weighing machines with removable parts and metrological characteristics of such machines with interchangeable or reversible parts
6 

(1) Every automatic weighing machine which has readily removable parts, the removal of which would affect its accuracy, shall be so constructed that it cannot be used if any of the said parts are removed.
(2) Where an automatic weighing machine has interchangeable or reversible parts, the interchange or reversal thereof shall not affect its metrological characteristics.
Strength of constituent parts
7 
The constituent parts of an automatic weighing machine shall be sufficiently strong to withstand the wear and tear of ordinary use in trade.
Zero-setting device
8 
Where an automatic weighing machine is fitted with a zero-setting device designed to compensate for the wear and tear of ordinary use in trade, the device shall have a total range not exceeding 4 per cent. of the maximum capacity of that machine.
Visual indication of value of measurement
9 
Where an automatic weighing machine is provided with a means of giving a visual indication of the value of the measurement made of individual quantities of material or of comparisons with such values, it shall be so constructed as to provide for easy and practicable weighings for test purposes not exceeding the maximum capacity of that machine.
Approved patterns
10 

(1) Subject to paragraph (2), every automatic weighing machine shall be made in accordance with a pattern in respect of which a certificate of approval is in force.
(2) The marking of a machine in accordance with the requirements of Regulations 11, 18 and 25 after it has been made in accordance with such a pattern shall not in itself be a breach of paragraph (1).
Marking of automatic weighing machines
11 
Every automatic weighing machine passed as fit for use for trade on or after the date of coming into operation of these Regulations shall be legibly and durably marked with:—
(a) the name of the maker or supplier;
(b) the number of the certificate of approval or of the notice of examination in respect of the pattern in accordance with which the machine is made, preceded by the words "Certification No.“, ”Cert. No.“or ”Notice No.“or ”DED Certification No.“or ”DED Cert. No." as the case may be; and
(c) such other markings appropriate to the type of machine, as specified in Regulation 18 or 25.
Marking of units of measurement
12 

(1) Where units of measurement are marked on automatic weighing machines first passed as fit for use for trade:
(a) before 1st December 1980, they shall be marked in full or, except in the case of the ton, by means of one of the following abbreviations or symbols only:—
 cwt, qr, lb, oz, t, kg, kilog, g, grm;
(b) on or after that date, they shall be marked, in metric units or in pounds or ounces, in full or by means of one of the following abbreviations or symbols only:—
 lb, oz, t, kg, g.
(2) Nothing in paragraph (1) shall authorise the use for trade of the ton, hundredweight or quarter in any circumstances other than those permitted by Regulation 10(2) and (4) of the Units of Measurement Regulations 1980.
Provision of sealing devices
13 
Every automatic weighing machine shall be provided with a plug or stud made of soft metal and made irremovable by undercutting and with such sealing arrangements as may be specified in the particular pattern in accordance with which the machine is made as set out in any certificate of approval relating to it and which is in force or in the notice of examination.
PART III FILLING MACHINES
Provision of tare and level indicating devices
14 

(1) Every filling machine which is not provided with a load receptor, instead the material being put directly into a container attached to the live part of the machine, shall be provided with a tare device.
(2) Every movable filling machine shall be fitted with one or more level indicating devices.
Construction of filling machine with manually controlled discharge facility
15 
Where a filling machine is provided with a manually controlled discharge facility it shall be so constructed that the facility cannot be operated during an automatic process.
Purported weighing capacity
16 
Every filling machine shall be provided with a clear indication of the exact quantity of material it purports to weigh.
Restriction on fitting of rider or weight indicating device
17 
A filling machine shall not be fitted with a rider or with a weight indicating device incorporating a device for interpolation of reading.
Marking of filling machines
18 
Every filling machine passed as fit for use for trade on or after the date of coming into operation of these Regulations shall be legibly and durably marked, in addition to the markings required by Regulation 11, with:—
(a) either—
(i) the maximum capacity, or
(ii) the maximum net capacity;
(b) the minimum load; and
(c) if applicable—
(i) the range of any tare device; and
(ii) the scale interval of all weight indicating, weight printing and tare devices.
Filling machine to be positioned to facilitate cleaning and testing and restriction on use of a machine fitted with level indicating devices
19 

(1) Every filling machine in use for trade shall be so positioned as to facilitate cleaning and testing.
(2) A person shall not use for trade any filling machine fitted with level indicating devices unless each such device indicates that it has been set to its reference position.
Restriction on use of a filling machine marked with a temperature range
20 
Where a filling machine is marked with a temperature range, a person shall not use the machine for trade in temperatures outside that range.
Manner of erection and use of a filling machine fitted with a weight printing device
21 
Where a filling machine is fitted with a weight printing device, the machine shall be so erected and used for trade that the printing device, when used, produces a clear and indelible printout for all loads within the weighing range of the machine.
Pre-testing requirements
22 

(1) Every filling machine submitted for testing shall be completely assembled and in a clean condition.
(2) A filling machine, other than one which has been transported without having been dismantled, shall not be tested, passed as fit for use for trade and stamped unless it has been completely erected ready for use and installed in the position in which it is to be used.
(3) For the purposes of the performance by an inspector of his functions under the Order or these Regulations relating to inspection, testing, passing as fit for use for trade and stamping of any filling machine, a person submitting such a machine to an inspector or who an inspector has reasonable cause to believe has control of such a machine for use for trade shall, if requested, make available for the inspector's use such material in his possession as the inspector may reasonably require, and this material shall be returned to the person in question.
Requirements relating to testing
23 

(1) The inspector shall, subject to paragraph (2), test a filling machine in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 1.
(2) In the case of a machine made in accordance with a pattern in respect of which a certificate of approval is in force, being a machine for which certain of the testing provisions of Schedule 1 are not practicable or effective and which has a statement to that effect appended to the certificate of approval or the notice of examination in respect of that pattern, the machine shall, in place of the said testing provisions, be subject to any test or tests specified in the certificate of approval or the notice of examination.
PART IV DISCONTINUOUS TOTALISERS
Discontinuous totalisers provided with a visual weight indication
24 
Where a discontinuous totaliser is provided with a visual indication of the weight of individual quantities of material, the machine may, for test purposes only, be constructed so that—
(a) on manual command the automatic processing of material is interrupted prior to the filling stage and the discharge stage, and
(b) the weight display scale is further subdivided.
Marking of discontinuous totalisers
25 
Every discontinuous totaliser passed as fit for use for trade on or after the date of coming into operation of these Regulations shall be legibly and durably marked, in addition to the markings required by Regulation 11, with:—
(a) the maximum capacity of the load receptor;
(b) the minimum load for automatic operation;
(c) either—
(i) the maximum number of discharges of material per hour, or
(ii) the maximum load weighed and totalised per hour;
(d) the minimum totalised load; and
(e) the totalisation scale interval.
Manner of erection of discontinuous totalisers and availability of non-automatic weighing machine
26 

(1) Every discontinuous totaliser shall be erected in such a way that it is possible to test it in situ, including in particular the depositing on and removal from every load-receptor of test loads in a reliable and easy manner, without disrupting the normal operation of the machine.
(2) A person shall not use a discontinuous totaliser for trade unless a non-automatic weighing machine which meets the provisions of paragraph (5) in Part II of Schedule 2 is sited in the vicinity of, and is available for use in conjunction with, the totaliser.
(3) Nothing in paragraph (2) shall apply where a machine constructed in accordance with Regulation 24 is tested in accordance with paragraph 3 in Part I of Schedule 2.
(4) Nothing in paragraphs (1) and (2) shall apply to any discontinuous totaliser first passed as fit for use for trade before 1st January 1988.
Manner of use for trade
27 
A person shall not use a discontinuous totaliser for trade in such a manner as to cause—
(a) spillage of material from a load receptor; or
(b) loading of the weighing unit above its maximum capacity.
Accessability of information and controls to operator
28 

(1) Subject to paragraph (3), every discontinuous totaliser having either a non-automatic zero-setting device or a semi-automatic zero-setting device shall be erected in such a manner that the operator can, notwithstanding the nature of the machine or its surroundings, readily take up a single position from which he can:—
(a) check the zero or given point indication; and
(b) operate the zero or given point setting controls.
(2) Subject to paragraph (3), every discontinuous totaliser shall be erected in such a manner that access is provided to facilitate the cleaning of the interior of every load receptor.
(3) Nothing in paragraphs (1) and (2) shall apply to any discontinuous totaliser first passed as fit for use for trade before 1st January 1988.
Manner of erection and use of a discontinuous totaliser fitted with a weight printing device
29 
Where a discontinuous totaliser is fitted with a weight printing device, the machine shall be so erected and used for trade that the printing device, when used, produces a clear and indelible printout for all loads and with the same scale interval as the relevant indicator.
Restriction on use of a discontinuous totaliser marked with a temperature range
30 
Where a discontinuous totaliser is marked with a temperature range, a person shall not use the machine for trade in temperatures outside that range.
Pre-testing requirements
31 

(1) A discontinuous totaliser shall not be tested, passed as fit for use for trade and stamped unless it has been completely erected ready for use and installed at the place where it is to be used.
(2) Every discontinuous totaliser submitted for testing shall be in a clean condition.
(3) For the purposes of the performance by an inspector of his functions under the Order or these Regulations relating to inspection, testing, passing as fit for use for trade and stamping of any discontinuous totaliser, a person submitting such a machine to an inspector or who an inspector has reasonable cause to believe has control of such a machine for use for trade shall, if requested, make available for the inspector's use such material in his possession as the inspector may reasonably require, and this material shall be returned to the person in question.
Requirements relating to testing
32 

(1) The inspector shall, subject to paragraph (2), test a discontinuous totaliser in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 2.
(2) In the case of a machine made in accordance with a pattern in respect of which a certificate of approval is in force, being a machine for which certain of the testing provisions of Schedule 2 are not practicable or effective and which has a statement to that effect appended to the certificate of approval or the notice of examination in respect of that pattern, the machine shall, in place of the said testing provisions, be subject to any test or tests specified in the certificate of approval or the notice of examination.
PART V SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS
Prescribed limits of error
33 

(1) The prescribed limits of error relating to filling machines shall be those set out in columns 3 to 6 of Table 1 in Schedule 3.
(2) The prescribed limits of error relating to discontinuous totalisers shall be those set out in columns 2 and 3 of Table 2 in Schedule 3.
Passing as fit for use for trade
34 
An automatic weighing machine shall not be passed as fit for use for trade unless:—
(a) it complies with all the appropriate requirements of these Regulations; and
(b) on testing, it falls within the prescribed limits of error in relation to passing as fit for use for trade.
Stamping
35 

(1) The stamp shall be placed on the plug or stud and on every sealing device referred to in Regulation 13.
(2) An automatic weighing machine shall not be stamped in accordance with paragraph (1) if it bears any mark which might reasonably be mistaken for the stamp, or any statement or mark (other than the stamp) which purports to be or might reasonably be mistaken for an expression of approval or guarantee of accuracy by any body or person.
Obliteration of stamps
36 
Stamps shall be obliterated by an inspector, in accordance with the requirements of these Regulations, by means of punches or pincers of suitable sizes of a six-pointed star design as shown in the following illustration:—
Inspectors' powers and duties regarding obliteration of stamps
37 

(1) Subject to paragraph (2), an inspector shall obliterate the stamp on any automatic weighing machine which—
(a) fails upon testing to fall within the prescribed limits of error in relation to obliteration of the stamp; or
(b) fails to comply with any other appropriate requirement of these Regulations.
(2) Except as provided by Regulation 38, where any automatic weighing machine does not fully comply with the requirements of these Regulations, but the nature or degree of the non-compliance is not, in the inspector's opinion, such as to require the immediate obliteration of the stamp, he shall give to the proprietor or any person in control of the machine a notice calling on him to have the machine corrected within a stated period not exceeding 28 days, and shall obliterate the stamp if the correction has not been made within the stated period.
Mandatory obliteration of stamps by an inspector
38 
An inspector shall obliterate the stamp on any automatic weighing machine which has, since it was last stamped, had any alteration or addition made to it such that it could not be passed as fit for use for trade under Regulation 34.
Discretionary obliteration of stamps by an inspector
39 
An inspector may obliterate the stamp on any automatic weighing machine which:—
(a) has, since it was last stamped, been the subject of any adjustment, alteration, addition, repair or replacement which could have affected its accuracy or function;
(b) is in use for trade for a particular purpose and:—
(i) which does not meet the requirements of Regulation 4; or
(ii) for which purpose, in the opinion of the inspector, it is otherwise unsuitable; or
(c) is in use for trade in circumstances where the machine is subjected to any extraordinary environmental or operating conditions which, in the opinion of the inspector—
(i) prevent the machine operating consistently and correctly; or
(ii) are likely prematurely to degrade the metrological characteristics of the machine.
Consequence of the obliteration of a stamp
40 

(1) For the purpose of these Regulations, the obliteration of any one stamp on any automatic weighing machine shall, subject to paragraph (2), be deemed to be the obliteration of all other stamps on that machine.
(2) Where the stamp on one automatic weighing machine forming part of an interconnected system is obliterated, paragraph (1) shall not apply so as to prevent the system or any other machine in the system being used provided that the integrity of the remainder of the system is unimpaired.
Sealed with the Official Seal of the Department of Economic Development on 1st October 1986.
(L.S.)Margaret L. Johnston
Assistant Secretary

SCHEDULE 1
FILLING MACHINES
TESTING
Regulation 23
1 

(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), in testing any filling machine, the inspector shall satisfy himself that:—
(a) it is properly balanced or set to zero when unloaded;
(b) any beam or leverwork has sufficient room for oscillation and returns to the position of equilibrium when the load is removed;
(c) any indicator returns to the zero mark or given point when the load is removed.
(2) Sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (c) shall not apply in the case of a filling machine of a pattern in respect of which a certificate of approval is in force, if, in the certificate of approval or the notice of examination in respect of that pattern, it is described as not being so constructed as to balance when unloaded.
2 
Before commencing material testing of the filling machine, the inspector shall satisfy himself that the arrangements to be used for determining the weight of material used in test loads selected in accordance with paragraph 3(1)(a) will give weight determinations such that in respect of each test load the weight determination shall be to an accuracy equal to or better than one-fifth of the limits of error prescribed in respect of that load.
3 

(1) Every filling machine shall be subjected to the following test (hereinafter referred to as “test A”), that is to say, the inspector shall—
(a) select 20 separate consecutive test loads;
(b) determine the weight of the material in each test load using the arrangements referred to in paragraph 2;
(c) ascertain the difference between the weight of the material determined in accordance with head (b) and the value for that weight indicated on the machine (hereinafter referred to as the “purported weight”).
(2) The difference referred to in sub-paragraph (1)(c) shall constitute the error for the purposes of test A in calculating the prescribed limits of error in excess set out in columns 3 and 
5 of Table 1 in Schedule 3 in relation to the description of machine set out in column 1 other than filling machines for use only for weighing potato crisps and other similar products commonly known as snack foods.
(3) The total of the differences referred to in sub-paragraph (1)(c) in relation to each test load shall constitute the error for the purposes of test A in calculating the prescribed limits of error in excess set out in columns 3 and 5 of Table 1 in Schedule 3 in relation to filling machines for use only for weighing potato crisps and other similar products commonly known as snack foods.
(4) Where a filling machine is constructed to feed and weigh material of more than one purported weight, the inspector shall select two groups of 20 separate consecutive test loads, one group of test loads each made up as nearly as practicable equal to the minimum load and one other group.
4 

(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (3), if in the course of performing test A the weight of any test load exceeds the purported weight by more than:
(a) one-half per cent., or the appropriate amount per cent. given in column 3 of Table 1 in Schedule 3 for weighing specified materials, of the purported weight in relation to passing as fit for use for trade, or
(b) one per cent., or the appropriate amount per cent. given in column 5 of the said Table 1 for weighing specified materials, of the purported weight in relation to the obliteration of the stamp,
the filling machine shall be subjected to the further test B, that is to say, the inspector shall remove that single piece or item of material appearing to him to be the largest piece or item at the top of that test load, and the inspector shall then re-determine the weight of material used in each such test load using the arrangements referred to in paragraph 2 and ascertain the difference between the weight of material so determined and the purported weight.
(2) The difference referred to in sub-paragraph (1) shall constitute the error for the purposes of test B in calculating the prescribed limits of error set out in columns 4 and 6 of Table 1 in Schedule 3.
(3) Sub-paragraph (1) shall apply only to filling machines of the following description—
(a) with a maximum capacity of 110 kg or less, used only for weighing solid fuel;
(b) with a maximum capacity of 55 kg or less, used only for weighing vegetable produce;
(c) with a maximum capacity of less than 5 kg, used for weighing all other materials except potato crisps and other similar products commonly known as snack foods.
SCHEDULE 2
DISCONTINUOUS TOTALISERS
Regulation 32
PART I TESTING — GENERAL REQUIREMENT
1 
Discontinuous totalisers to which the requirements of Regulations 9 and 24 do not apply, i.e. are provided with a display of totalised weight only, shall be subject to material testing in accordance with the provisions of Part II.
2 
Discontinuous totalisers which embody the facilities in Regulation 9 but not those in Regulation 24 shall be subject to the requirements of Regulation 32(2) in addition to the provisions of Part II.
3 
Discontinuous totalisers to which Regulation 9 and 24 are applicable may, as an alternative to the testing in paragraph 2, be tested in accordance with the provisions of Part III.
4 

(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), in testing any discontinuous totaliser, the inspector shall satisfy himself that:—
(a) it is properly balanced or set to zero when unloaded;
(b) any beam or leverwork has sufficient room for oscillation and returns to the position of equilibrium when the load is removed;
(c) any indicator returns to the zero mark or given point when the load is removed.
(2) Sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (c) shall not apply in the case of a discontinuous totaliser of a pattern in respect of which a certificate of approval is in force, if, in the certificate of approval or the notice of examination in respect of that pattern, it is described as not being so constructed as to balance when unloaded.
PART II TESTING — USING A SEPARATE NON-AUTOMATIC WEIGHING MACHINE
5 
Before commencing material testing of the discontinuous totaliser, the inspector shall satisfy himself that the non-automatic weighing machine available in accordance with Regulation 26(2) is such that the arrangements to be used for determining the weight of material used in material testing will give weight determinations of each test load to an accuracy equal to or better than one-fifth of the prescribed limits of error for material testing, whether such test load is determined in one or more weighing operations.
6 

(1) With the load receptor of the discontinuous totaliser empty, the inspector shall ensure that—
(a) the totalisation indicating device is set to zero; and
(b) any individual weight indicating device is set to zero or a given point.
(2) A minimum of two individual tests, each consisting of 20 separate loads, shall then be carried out on the machine under normal conditions of use in accordance with sub-paragraph (3).
(3) At least two of the individual tests referred to in sub-paragraph (2) shall consist of tests involving the weighing on the machine of approximately the same quantity of suitable material, at least equal to the minimum totalised load marked on the machine.
(4) Where the quantity of material weighed by the machine can vary, each individual test referred to in sub-paragraph (2) shall be made with a quantity of suitable material as nearly as practicable equal to the minimum totalised load and another individual test consisting of 20 separate loads with a quantity of suitable material as nearly as practicable equal to the maximum capacity shall then be carried out on the machine.
(5) For each of the tests carried out in accordance with sub-paragraphs (2), (3) and (4), the inspector shall determine:—
(a) the weight of material used in the test using the arrangements referred to in paragraph 5;
(b) the material testing error by ascertaining the difference between the weight of the material determined in accordance with head (a) and the value for that weight of the material obtained from the totalisation indicating device.
(6) Subject to sub-paragraph (7), the inspector shall determine the repeatability error for each of the tests carried out in accordance with sub-paragraph (3), being the difference between the material testing errors determined in accordance with sub-paragraph (5).
(7) Before 1st January 1988, the inspector shall not carry out his duty specified in sub-paragraph (6) in respect of any discontinuous totaliser which is made in accordance with a pattern in respect of which a certificate of approval was in force before the date of coming into operation of these Regulations.
PART III TESTING — USING AN INTERNAL NON-AUTOMATIC WEIGHING FACILITY
7 
Where a discontinuous totaliser is constructed with a weighing unit in accordance with Regulations 9 and 24(a), the machine may be tested by means of standard weights or masses for accuracy and as far as practicable otherwise satisfy those requirements which are applicable to a non-automatic weighing machine of the type and class to which the machine relates, using the individual weight indicating device.
8 

(1) The inspector shall use the subdivided scale provided in accordance with Regulation 24(b) to obtain an accuracy determination to one-tenth of a scale interval at not less than six positions of the weighing range, including zero, minimum load and maximum capacity.
(2) The inspector shall then prepare a calibration chart or graph from the results obtained.
9 

(1) After allowing the machine to weigh and discharge suitable material for at least five fillings of the load receptor by the normal automatic process, the process shall be stopped with the load receptor empty and the inspector shall:—
(a) using the subdivided scale, ensure that the individual weight indicating device is set to zero or a given point; and
(b) set the totalisation indicating device to zero.
(2) The automatic processing of material shall then be interrupted when the load receptor is loaded and ready to be discharged, the inspector, shall note the individual weight value indicated and then allow the material to be discharged by the automatic process.
(3) When the load receptor is emptied the weighing process shall again be interrupted and the indicated weight value noted; the inspector shall then determine the true net weight of material discharged, taking account of any appropriate errors of the weighing unit obtained from the calibration chart or graph.
(4) The inspector shall then:
(a) determine the total true net weight of a group of 20 separate loads in accordance with sub-paragraphs (2) and (3); and
(b) record the corresponding value of that weight of material indicated by the totalisation indicating device.
(5) The total net weight of a minimum of two groups of 20 separate loads shall be determined with at least two of the groups consisting of tests involving the weighing on the machine of approximately the same quantity of suitable material, at least equal to the minimum totalised load marked on the machine.
(6) Where the quantity of material weighed by the machine can vary, each group of tests referred to in sub-paragraph (5) shall be made with a quantity of suitable material as nearly as practicable equal to the minimum totalised load and another test consisting of a group of 20 separate loads with a quantity of suitable material as nearly as practicable equal to the maximum capacity shall then be carried out on the machine. 
(7) For each group of tests carried out in accordance with sub-paragraphs (4), (5) and (6), the inspector shall determine the material test error by ascertaining the difference between the weight of material determined in accordance with sub-paragraph (4)(a) and the value for that weight of material obtained from the totalisation indicating device in accordance with sub-paragraph (4)(b).
(8) Subject to sub-paragraph (9), the inspector shall determine the repeatability error for each of the group of tests carried out in accordance with sub-paragraph (5), being the difference between the material testing errors determined in accordance with sub-paragraph (7).
(9) Before 1st January 1988, the inspector shall not carry out his duties specified in sub-paragraph (8) in respect of any discontinuous totaliser which is made in accordance with a pattern in respect of which a certificate of approval was in force before the date of coming into operation of these Regulations.
SCHEDULE 3
PRESCRIBED LIMITS OF ERROR
Regulation 33

FILLING MACHINES
TABLE 1
Description of machine Maximum capacity of machine  In relation to passing as fit for use for trade In relation to the obliteration of the stamp 
for the purposes of test A for the purposes of test B for the purposes of test A for the purposes of test B
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
Filling machines for use only for weighing potato crisps and other similar products commonly known as snack foods any capacity 20 per cent., in excess only, of the total purported weight of 20 test loads, and no error in deficiency of the purported weight of any of those test loads test not applicable 20 per cent., in excess only, of the total purported weight of 20 test loads, and no error in deficiency of the purported weight of any of those test loads test not applicable
Filling machines for use only for weighing solid fuel 110 kg or less 1 per cent., in excess only, of the purported weight of each test load 1 per cent., in excess and no limit in deficiency, of the purported weight of each test load 2 percent., in excess only, of the purported weight of each test load 2 per cent., in excess and no limit in deficiency, of the purported weight of each test load
Filling machines for use only for weighing vegetable produce 55 kg or less
All filling machines other than those described in columns 1 and 2 less than 5 kg
5 kg or more 0.5 per cent., in excess or in deficiency, of the purported weight of each test load test not applicable 1 per cent., in excess or in deficiency, of the purported weight of each test load test not applicable

DISCONTINUOUS TOTALISERS
TABLE 2
Test applicable In relation to passing as fit for use for trade In relation to the obliteration of the stamp 
(1) (2) (3)
Material testing Plus or minus 0.5 per cent. of the weight of material used in each test determined as described in paragraph 6(5)(a) in Part II or 9(4)(a) in Part III of Schedule 2. Plus or minus 1 percent. of the weight of material used in each test determined as described in paragraph 6(5)(a) in Part II or 9(4)(a) in Part III of Schedule 2.
Repeatability 0.5 per cent. of the average value of the loads used in the individual tests in accordance with paragraph 6(3) in Part II or 9(5) in Part III of Schedule 2, the weight of which being determined as described in paragraph 6(5)(a) in Part II or 9(4)(a) in Part III of Schedule 2. 1 percent. of the average value of the loads used in the individual tests in accordance with paragraph 6(3) in Part II or 9(5) in Part III of Schedule 2, the weight of which being determined as described in paragraph 6(5)(a) in Part II or 9(4)(a) in Part III of Schedule 2.