Public weighbridge operator’s licence
Operators of public weighing equipment must
ensure that they can perform their duties competently and
honestly. To operate public weighing equipment you must hold a
certificate from the Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures.
Applicants will be tested by an Inspector of Weights and
Measures to show that they can:
- operate the weighbridge satisfactorily
- complete any weighbridge tickets and documentation
satisfactorily
- understand basic terms associated with operating a
weighbridge
- understand their duties as a weighbridge
operator
- understand potential frauds which a weighbridge
operator may unknowingly assist
- understand how the accuracy of the weighbridge may be
affected
- perform simple arithmetic
Before applying for a test, please make sure
you have received sufficient training in the operation of the
equipment.
The scope of an operator's certificate is
limited to the type of weighbridge you will be expected to use.
Should the weighbridge be replaced, a new certificate will be
required.
Good weighing practice
Click here
to view Annex1 (PDF, 42k) this contains a
glossary of terms associated with public
weighing.
Regular checks should be made to ensure:
- there is clearance between the plate and its
surrounding frame – if the weighing machine operates using a lever
bottomwork, the plate should swing freely endways
- the weighbridge is properly balanced when unloaded and
the indicator shows zero
The weighbridge operator must know how to
balance the weighing machine. The balance of a weighbridge will be
affected by the accumulation of dirt, etc, on or around the plate.
This should be regularly cleaned to avoid any excessive
build-up.
Beneath the plate, levers or load cells may be
affected by the build-up of dirt or sand and this should be cleared
as necessary. If your weighbridge is prone to such contamination, a
regular maintenance programme should be implemented.
In a pit-mounted weighbridge, balance and
accuracy may be affected by a high water level in the pit which
'floats' the bottom work. In such circumstances, pumping facilities
should be available and the weighbridge operator will be expected
to know how to use it.
The most common cause of balance error is due
to rain on the plate. During periods of rain, balance should be
checked and adjusted more frequently, and again as the plate
dries.
It is good practice to note on the weighing
certificate if any parts of a vehicle are missing. It is not
unusual when weighing for taxation purposes for seats, spare tyres
and even batteries to be removed in order to get the weight down to
a lower category.
Click here
to view Weighbridge Notes (PDF, 23k)
CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR PUBLIC WEIGHBRIDGE OPERATORS
LICENCE
