Press Release  Audit Calls for Improved Inspections of Gasoline Pumps, Grocery Scales in Small Massachusetts Communities

Boston — In an audit released today, State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump is calling on the Division of Standards (DOS) to improve oversight of commercial weighing and measuring devices in smaller towns across the Commonwealth. These devices include gasoline pumps and grocery store food scales, which, without proper inspection, could lead to consumers being overcharged or businesses being underpaid. Under state law, DOS is responsible for performing annual inspections of these devices in towns with 5,000 or fewer residents. The audit examined the period of July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2018.

In the audit, Bump recommends the DOS establish formal policies for annual inspection procedures. She also encourages the agency to develop an electronic database to help it effectively monitor completion of these inspections. The audit found DOS had no inspection records for many towns with fewer than 5,000 residents, and auditors found instances in which devices were in operation without inspection stickers, devices had inspection stickers but DOS had no record of inspecting them, and devices in operation that had not been tested since 2014.

“The Division of Standards has a responsibility to our smaller communities, many of which are in Western Massachusetts, to ensure that when consumers fill their gas tanks or purchase produce, they are getting their money’s worth, and likewise, that the businesses that support these communities are properly paid,” Bump said of the audit. “It is imperative that the agency not only develop a centralized list of all devices in operation in these small communities but that it also use the technology at its disposal to develop an effective method of conducting and documenting required inspections.”

In addition, the audit also found the DOS’s internal control plan (ICP), an agency-wide document that summarizes risks and controls, has not been updated annually.

The Division of Standards is responsible for enforcing standards for weighing and measuring devices used in the sale of items, such as food and fuel. The DOS regulates the sale of gasoline and sets standards for lubricating oils, antifreeze, and other items. It also monitors and approves coin-operated devices, licenses auctioneers, registers car-repair shops, and offers training for town and city inspectors. During the audit period, the DOS had 17 employees; 10 certified inspectors and seven managerial employees. 

The audit of the Division of Standards is available here.

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