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(DENVER) — In the United States, the first weights and measures law was signed by President John Adams on March 2, 1799, but having reliable scales has been a concern of merchants and buyers dating back to biblical times (Leviticus 19:35-36). And who can forget George Washington’s Dream (from a recent Saturday Night Live episode) of a country where we choose our own system of weights and measures.
This year, Governor Polis proclaimed March 1-7 as Weights and Measures Week, to recognize the critical role accurate measurement systems play in commerce and consumer protection.
Every day, commercial scales, meters and scanning equipment are used to ensure fairness in the marketplace for both the buyer and seller. Two Colorado agencies – the Department of Agriculture (CDA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) – work together to protect Colorado consumers by checking and calibrating that the devices are operating properly. The work of these two teams touches every Coloradan by ensuring the accuracy of all commercial weighing and measuring equipment.
“Ensuring accurate measurement systems has traditionally been a critical role of the government,” said Mark Gallegos, Director of the Division of Inspection and Consumer Services at the Colorado Department of Agriculture. “Weights and measures inspectors are responsible for inspecting and testing equipment, measuring pre-packaged goods, and ensuring accuracy across the state.”
“Equity and uniform standards in the marketplace help us protect Colorado consumers and businesses alike," said Mahesh Albuquerque, Director of the Division of Oil and Public Safety within CDLE. "The work our inspectors are doing maintains public confidence and peace of mind whenever you purchase fuel at the pump."
Inspectors at CDLE’s Division of Oil and Public Safety (OPS) and CDA’s Measurement Standards Programs combine forces to test the accuracy of weights and measurement devices every day.
Division of Oil and Public Safety (OPS), CDLE
Inspectors with the Division of Oil and Public Safety ensure motorists are getting precisely what they are paying for at more than 50,000 retail motor fuel dispensers throughout Colorado. These inspectors routinely collect samples of fuel products at retail stations statewide and analyze the samples to ensure compliance with fuel quality standards. Each year the Colorado program inspects more than 55,000 gas pumps and hundreds of fuel oil and propane truck meters.
OPS inspectors also verify bulk propane, gasoline, diesel truck meters, retail propane, compressed and liquified natural gas dispensers for accuracy. In addition to this consumer protection work, OPS addresses environmental protection by overseeing the cleanup of contamination of soil and groundwater caused by petroleum leaks and spills.
Consumers who have questions or concerns about gas dispensed at a Colorado service station, should contact the Weights and Measures Section of the Division of Oil and Public Safety at 303-866-4967 or by email at cdle_oil_inspection@state.co.us.
Measurement Standards Program, CDA
Inspectors within the Department of Agriculture’s Measurement Standards Program test scales at retail businesses, grain elevators, livestock scales, and other commercial locations across the state.
You can see a round CDA inspection sticker on various scales, including meters and scanning equipment used at supermarkets, warehouses, packing plants, storage facilities, and other retail stores. Even the scales used at Denver International Airport to determine allowable luggage weights are calibrated by CDA inspectors. The program also does price verification and label requirement checks, to ensure consumers are well informed about the product they are purchasing.
Consumers with questions about the accuracy of commercial scales should contact the Measurement Standards Program with the Department of Agriculture at (303) 477-4220 or submit a complaint online on the Measurement Standards page.
Metrology Laboratory, CDA
The Measurement Standards Program works closely with CDA’s Metrology Laboratory, which holds the official standards of weights and measures for the State of Colorado. The metrology lab calibrates the equipment used by both CDA and CDLE inspectors as well as licensed providers. Additionally, the lab certifies speed detection devices used by law enforcement agencies throughout Colorado. Equipment and devices are calibrated using methods traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
To share the importance of the work they do, CDA’s laboratories offer an outreach program targeted at student groups from middle school through college and beyond. CDA’s Laboratory Outreach Program welcomes groups of learners to visit the Metrology, Biochemistry, and Animal Health laboratories to see first hand the science behind agriculture.
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