New 2011 Edition of the NBS HDBK 44 on weighting and measuring devices is now available

NBS HDBK 44, Specifications, Tolerances, and Other Technical Requirements for Weighing and Measuring Devices, is now available in the 2011 Edition.  The 479 page standard was adopted by the 95th National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) in 2010.

Handbook 44 was first published in 1949, having been preceded by similar handbooks of various designations and in several forms, beginning in 1918.  It is reviewed annually by the NCWM.

The handbook conforms to the concept of primary use of SI (metric) measurements recommended in the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988.  In some cases, however, trade practice is currently restricted to the use of inch-pound units; therefore, some requirements continue to specify only inch-pound units until the NCWM achieves a broad consensus on the permitted SI units.

The purpose of Handbook 44 is to prevent the use of weights and measures and weighing and measuring devices that give readings that are false,  faulty (that is, that are not reasonably permanent in their adjustment or will not repeat their indications correctly), or that facilitate the perpetration of fraud.

It has been designed to be a working tool for federal, state, and local weights and measures officials, the equipment manufacturers, installers, and service agencies/agents.  Many organizations cite the Handbook in calibration or quality documentation.

This NBS Handbook, and other standards on calibration and measurement,  is available from Document Center Inc.’s website, www.document-center.com.  You can also order by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com).  If you have any questions about this standard, please get in touch.