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But that is not all: he must also keep himself regularly informed
of his firm’s activities that have a direct influence on measuring
problems, current and future. He must visit laboratories and meet
other metrologists.
Be tidy and methodical
Frequently, measuring means comparing an unknown object to a
reference.
These comparisons will be worthless if they are not always
performed in exactly the same way. For some complex operations, it
would be advisable to write detailed procedures and faithfully follow a
guide list rather than rely on one’s memory or on instinctive habits.
Be open to doubt
A good metrologist ought to question everything: references,
comparators, proceedings. Doubt will urge him to, for example:
– criticize the processes in order to improve them;
– check that the references implemented were calibrated when
they were supposed to be;
– check the proceedings are correct: right temperature,
stabilization, creating a vacuum for measurements of absolute
pressure, etc.
Doubting inevitably leads to repeat measurings, preferably with
several instruments and, even better, applying other methods. It is best
to aim for a repeatability and reproducibility of measurings.
Be observant
A keen sense of observation will enable a metrologist to avoid
many mishaps, for example:
– by noticing that an assembly has to be modified;
About Measuring 223
– by noticing that a 127/220V tension switch must be reversed;
– by finding out the temperature of an instrument is not normal;
– by noticing that a standard gauge is scratched.
Be honest
Being honest for a metrologist means:
– leaving a blank in a result table every time a determination has
not been worked out because of a lack of time or any other cause;
– writing down all the results without making any change, even
unexpected values; odd values can be of great interest because they
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