20% of shop scales gave false readings

More than one in five weighing scales in shops gave false readings last year, while more than a third of taxi meters also failed inspection.

According to the annual report of the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), 31% of 2,130 vehicle taxi meters tested failed inspections, while 21% of weighing scales in shops tested by NSAI inspectors failed.

Despite this, however, last year saw a sharp increase in the compliance rates among petrol stations. Of the 5,941 petrol/diesel pumps tested by NSAI inspectors to ensure they were calibrated correctly, just 393 failed (7%). Some of the reasons for failures include the petrol/diesel pumps or taximeters had recently been repaired, altered or adjusted, or the seals were broken or damaged.

NSAI inspectors issued warnings to the businesses affected, specifying that the issue be rectified within a certain time frame. The NSAI also investigated 128 consumer complaints of inaccurate weights and measurements.

Throughout 2014, NSAI inspectors conducted 5,659 site visits to businesses, testing 15,032 instruments, from alcohol or liquor dispensers to scales for retail and points of sale.

Head of NSAI’s legal metrology division Paul Turner said not all petrol pumps were under-dispensing petrol to unsuspecting motorists.

“NSAI’s inspectors not only protect consumers, they also look out for traders as well. We had instances where petrol pumps can over-dispense. Ensuring petrol pump instruments are tested on an annual basis, not only increases consumer confidence, but also can potentially save business owners thousands of euro in lost petrol and diesel,” he said. A total of 545 construction industry-related audits were conducted in areas such as external wall insulation systems, window energy ratings, product certifications, air tightness and cavity bead insulation. All 545 were found to be compliant.

Over 7,500 automotive approvals were granted for vehicles, components and systems, focusing on issues such as emissions, engine power, tyres and seat belts.

The NSAI is the Irish approval authority for an EU scheme where a manufacturer can obtain certification for a vehicle type in one EU country and market it EU-wide without further tests.