The Measuring Instruments (Liquid Fuel and Lubricants) Regulations 2006

PART III USE FOR TRADE OF MEASURING SYSTEMS

Requirements for use for trade

14.  No person shall use for trade a measuring system unless—

(a) it is compliant with the essential requirements other than the provisions relating to maximum permissible errors referred to in paragraph 16 of Schedule 1;

(b) it is so positioned as to facilitate testing;

(c) it operates within the maximum permissible errors in regulation 15; and

(d) the requirements of regulation 16 are complied with.

Maximum permissible error

15.—(1) In the case of a measuring system used to measure a quantity of liquid fuel—

(a) above the minimum measured quantity of the instrument, the maximum permissible error shall be determined in accordance with Table 1 in Schedule 5; and

(b) equal to the minimum measured quantity of the instrument, the maximum permissible error shall be determined in accordance with Table 2 in Schedule 5.

(2) But the maximum permissible error for a quantity above the minimum measured quantity of the instrument shall not be less than the maximum permissible error for a quantity equal to the minimum measured quantity.

(3) Where the instrument falls within an accuracy class of 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 or 2.5, it shall, for a quantity set out in column 1 of the relevant Table, operate within the maximum permissible error set out in column 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 of that Table for that class and that quantity.

Manner of use

16.—(1) Where a measuring system is marked with—

(a) a temperature range, it shall not be used for trade in temperatures outside that range;

(b) a flowrate range, it shall not be used for trade at a flowrate outside that range.

(2) A measuring system shall not be used for trade unless it is marked in a manner which is sufficiently clear to enable the buyer to identify the product which that instrument delivers but this paragraph shall not apply where the instrument is used in the absence of the buyer.

(3) A measuring system shall not be used for trade in circumstances which are likely prematurely to degrade its metrological characteristics.

(4) A measuring system shall not be used for trade unless the sales indicator—

(a) is set to zero before measurement of the liquid fuel commences;

(b) remains at zero until that fuel starts to emerge from the instrument;

(c) is not reset to zero during measurement of that fuel; and

(d) cannot be advanced by any means other than by the discharge of that fuel from the instrument and the proper operation of the instrument.

(5) If a measuring system is adjusted, it shall not be used for trade unless the calibration of the instrument is set as close to zero error as is practicable.

(6) Where a measuring system used for trade bears a mark (other than a mark referred to in paragraph (1)) which signifies the manner and purpose of use, that instrument shall not be used in a manner or for a purpose which does not accord with that marking.

(7) A measuring system shall not be used in circumstances in which it may be prevented from operating consistently or accurately.

(8) Nothing in paragraphs (6) or (7) shall prevent the use for trade of an instrument where a buyer chooses to take a delivery which is less than the minimum measured quantity.