WEIGHTS & MEASURES

Key Objectives

• Make consumers aware of their rights concerning commercial transactions, and publicize the Weights and Measures consumer complaint investigation function.
• Provide a visible inspection seal on all commercial weighing and measuring devices to properly notify the public of the accuracy of these devices.
• Maintain the integrity of Weights and Measures field standards by assuring their traceability to the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Legally acceptable standards must be used to verify the accuracy of commercial weighing and measuring devices.
• Provide opportunities for inspectors to participate in training seminars that will improve their skills and inform them of the latest inspection procedures.

Background

The Weights and Measures Section has an impact on virtually every aspect of our lives from the moment you awaken in the morning until you lie down to rest at night. The weights or volumes of your toothpaste, bath soap, cereal, milk, coffee, luncheon meat, bread, hamburger, vegetables, soft drinks, and snacks are all regulated by Weights and Measures. The meter that delivers your heating fuel and the pump that fills the gas tank of your car is checked by our inspectors. The price of every item that you purchase through a store scanning system in verified by our office. The amount of time that the local do-it-yourself car wash provides for you to wash your car falls under our jurisdiction. The vehicle scales that determine the price that your refuse hauler charges for garbage service are inspected for accuracy and correctness by our staff. The list goes on and on, but every item that is sold by weight, measure, or count falls under the scrutiny of our Section.

Education is the cornerstone of Delaware's Weights and Measures program. Our inspectors receive countless hours of formal classroom and informal on the job training throughout the year. We provide educational presentations to local businesses to ensure their full compliance with Delaware laws and regulations. Through our Voluntary Serviceperson Registration program we have trained and licensed over 300 scale and liquid measurement service technicians in the state. We actively participate in the Department of Agricultures " Ag in the Classroom" program, and are readily available to provide informational seminars to local organizations.

Laws and Regulations We Enforce

Delaware Code - Standard Weights and Measures
Uniform Regulation for the Voluntary Registration of Servicepersons and Service Agencies for Commercial Weighing and Measuring Devices