Met Q&A bro

Further information can be obtained at our office: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO BUREAU OF STANDARDS 1-2 Century Drive, Trincity Industrial Estate, Macoya, Tunapuna Tel.: (868) 662-(TTBS) 8827, 662-4481/2, 663-4835/6 Fax: (868) 663-4335 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ttbs.org.tt

1 Q What is Metrology? 6 Q Will imperial units be allowed in 12 Q What penalties are in place for 20 Q WouldTTBS do on-site calibra- persons found in breach of the Act? tions or would the instruments / A Metrology is de ned as the science of some areas for example the Penalties include nes up to $100,000 equipment have to be brought to measurement. It includes both construction industry? dollars and imprisonment of up to 2 the Bureau’s compound? theoretical and practical with refer- e Metrology Act does allow for the A A use of some imperial units though the ence to measurements. years. A As far as is possible they will be done on site. SI is presented as the National Unit 13 Q How will TTBS ensure compliance 2 Q What is the Metrology Act? System. uInniatrsecaasnwbheerueseitdi.s essential 21 Q How would a consumer know that imperial to the Act? e Metrology Act of 2004 lays the Veri cation of measuring devices, the weight of their purchase is A basis for modernizing the measure- A inspection of goods and regular surveil- being measured on a calibrated 7 Q How is a customer to be sure that scale? ment process in Trinidad and the stated value on a package is lance of both will be the main compli- ey should look for the Bureau’s mark Tobago. It re-enacts and revises the correct? ance tools. Public information and on the device. It is our evidence of laws respecting Weights and Mea- other initiatives will also be included. A sures, gives e ect to the International A Under the Metrology Act 2004, the veri cation. Calibration is included in System of units (SI) and establishes as contents of prepackaged goods shall 14 Q Are the current Weights and Measures the veri cation process. be regulated. Tolerances are set for system of National Measurement variation from the stated value of the Inspectors still functioning? 22 Q What is the cost for calibration? Standards. contents and the Bureau is autho- A Yes, the Weights and Measures Inspec- rized to sample, verify and sanction if torate will function until the proclama- It varies between devices and service 3 Q What is the SI system of units? necessary. tion of the Metrology Act. A providers. Is it the same as the metric system of units? 8 Q Would market vendors need to 15 Q Will TTBS be controlling prices? 23 Q Will spring scales be allowed for e SI (Système International change the scales they currently A d'Unités) is e International use? A No. commercial use? All scales that comply with the tolerances System of Units on which all A Not necessarily, some may need to be A of the Act will be allowed. measurements worldwide; are based. changed. Scales that satisfy the e SI was established in 1954. It requirements of the Act can continue 16 Q How will gas station pumps be 24 Q Is TTBS the only body certi ed to uses the principles of the metric to be used. regulated? system which was established in calibrate equipment/instruments in France in 1799 but is much more 9 Q WouldTTBS be certifying other A Like other measuring devices, through Trinidad and Tobago? scienti cally de ned and developed. companies to do calibrations? veri cation and surveillance. A No it is not. 4 Q Are there Metrologists in Trini- A All calibration companies will require 17 Q DoesTTBS have the authority to go 25 Q How will the registration of equip- dad and Tobago? to the markets and check the vendors ment and companies be done? certi cation from TTBS. scales? A A metrologist is someone engaged in 10 Q Will there be standardization A Yes we do and we shall. A Guidelines will be published and the study of measurement. ere are for length and thickness of steel prospective applicants can ll out and several people who would t that submit the application form. A special de nition locally involved in speci c rods? 18 Q Is calibration training available at committee will manage this process. Standardisation for steel rods exists, it the Bureau? areas such as Chemistry , Physics, Oil A is not mandatory and is not 26 Q Where would the National Metrol- Exploration and other elds. Few ogy Institute be located? would consider themselves Metrolo- regulated. A Yes it is. We have on-going pre-planned programmes, other programmes can be gists however. With the establish- 11 Q What is the relationship between developed as per user request. ment of the NMI at TTBS there will Consumer A airs and TTBS in Initially at the Bureau; however relocatio dealing with discrepancies regard- to new premises may be required soon. ing volume / weight content etc? MetrologytheBritishSystem.be more Metrologists in the pure 19 Q Where should one go to have instru- A sense in Trinidad and Tobago. ments calibrated? 5 Q What is the imperial system of A Once the Act is proclaimed this will be A At TTBS or any other service 27 Q Where can one obtain a copy of the units? primarily a problem for the Bureau provider that can demonstrate compe- Regulations? is term usually refers to the British however complaints can still be made to tence and traceability. A Guidelines will be published and e Imperial System based on the foot the Consumer A airs Division. TTBS website www.ttbs.org.tt once they A have been completed. the second and the pound. ere is also the American Imperial System which is actually an older version of