Page 83 - 4150

– the absence of national or international instructions for some models
of standards;
– the trend towards the automation of measurements and calculations;
– the influence of traditions, etc.
Most of these factors have overall effects (metrological, technical,
but also economic) and are liable to considerably restrain the choice.
Conclusion
Today, more than ever, the firm focuses its attention on its
particular activity. In relation to its metrological function, it must
focus its energy on its primary responsibility: the analysis of the
requirement, the selection of the materials and the authentication of
their metrological capability. Doing that requires data that no one else
possesses. The periodical follow-up and the administrative
management are somebody else’s affair; a quick economic survey will,
most of the time, show that having these activities carried out
externally is less expensive – just add up the investments (initial and
periodical), the training, the drafting of the procedures and the
periodical calibration of the reference standards. The reality is that
doing metrology, that is, trying to give meaning to the results of a
measuring instrument, is a full-time job which requires you to be
independent. However, one must not forget the necessity to compare
the specifications (tolerances) on the measured parameters to the
uncertainties of measurements of these parameters.

Legal metrology

Scope of legal metrology
The term “legal metrology” applies to any application of
metrology that is subject to national laws or regulations. This
definition means that the scope of legal metrology may vary
considerably from one country to another. With the exception of
research, any application of metrology may fall under the scope of
legal metrology if regulations are applicable to all measuring methods
and instruments, and in particular if quality control is supervised by
the state. This is the case in some countries, whereas in most countries
the regulated area generally concerns measurements for trade.
81