The Weights and Measures Regulations 1963

PART II LINEAR MEASURES

Materials and principles of construction

9.—(1) Linear measures shall be made of steel, brass, aluminium alloys, ivory, laminated bakelite, reinforced fibreglass, hard wood or woven tape, or of any other material approved by the Board.

(2) Such measures of a maximum purported value of 2 feet or more and made of wood shall have both ends tipped with metal and the tips shall be riveted through the wood.

10.—(1) Linear measures shall be straight and free from flaws.

(2) In the case of measures with sliding or calliper arms, such arms shall have no more play than is necessary for easy movement.

11.—(1) Linear measures which are subdivided shall be graduated clearly and indelibly, and the numbered graduations shall be marked by longer lines than the graduations which are not numbered;

(2) Linear measures which are not subdivided shall be clearly and indelibly marked with the words “not subdivided”.

(3) Linear measures shall have their maximum purported value conspicuously, legibly and durably marked at one and of the measure, either in full or by means of one of the following abbreviations only:—

• yd

• ft

• in

• m

• dm

• cm

• mm.

Testing

12.  Linked measures and riband or tape measures shall be tested when subjected to a tension or pull as follows:—

(a) Riband or tape measures made of material other than metal	2 pounds;
(b) Riband or tape measures made of metal	10 pounds;
(c) Linked measures	15 pounds;

and the measures under test shall be supported throughout its whole length on a plane and even base.

13.  Part I of Schedule 1 hereto shall have effect for prescribing limits of error in relation to linear measures.

Stamping

14.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this regulation, linear measures shall be stamped near one end or, in the case of sub-divided measures, near the beginning of the scale on each graduated side.

(2) In the case of linked measures and riband and tape measures, the stamp may be placed on a metal label or disc permanently attached to the measure or on the handle thereof.