- Division of Standards

The Division of Standards (DOS) enforces accuracy requirements and other standards relating to weighing and measuring devices and their use in the sale of food, fuels and other products. As part of this work, the DOS Metrology Laboratory tests and calibrates a range of weights, volumetric, and linear measuring devices for both municipal and private sector agencies.
Metrology is the scientific study of measurement. The purpose of the Metrology Laboratory is to provide calibration services of the field standards used by the state Compliance Officers, as well as the town and city Sealers of Weights and Measures, for the testing of weighing and measuring devices throughout Massachusetts. These field standards are used to calibrate deli scales, supermarket check-out scales, gasoline dispensers, oil delivery vehicles, and more. Regulating these devices out in the field ensures that items like produce purchased at grocery stores are being accurately weighed for consumers, so we all can be sure that we are getting what we are paying for.
As part of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation Co-op Program with Northeastern University, students had the opportunity to visit the lab. Ray Costa, the state metrologist and laboratory manager, and Will Setow, the metrology technician, gave the Co-ops a tour of the facility. This included viewing the State Standards of the Commonwealth as well as the precision weighing and volumetric measuring devices used by the laboratory to perform their services. DOS Commissioner Dave Rodrigues and Deputy Commissioner Mark Merante were also present for the tour.
“We had the opportunity to learn about the purpose of the lab, how it works, and meet the amazing staff that works with such interesting equipment,” said co-op Anushka Scudder. “For example, we learned about the three different echelons of laboratories.”
Laboratory echelons roughly correlate to weight categories within nominal mass value measurement ranges. The laboratory's echelon is related to standards, procedures, measurement control, facility environmental conditions, machinery, staff capability, and overall performance. Echelon 1 is defined as extra fine accuracy, (calibrations in ranges such as 30 kg to 1 mg). Echelon 2 is defined as fine accuracy, (calibrations in ranges such as 1200 kg to 1 mg). In Massachusetts, we have an Echelon 3 laboratory that calibrates field standards to verify an instrument's accuracy and determine the traceability of the measurements. Echelon 3 is defined as medium accuracy, (calibrations in ranges such as 2500 kg to 1 mg.) “It was interesting to learn that weights and measures used out in-the-field are allowed a little bit more leeway because they're being used outside, instead of inside under controlled conditions,” said co-op Chanel Lebrun.
“Here at the lab, we compare the measurement values of weights and measures to calibration standards of what we call, ‘known accuracy,’” said Costa. “This means our weights, volumetric, linear measures, and instruments get calibrated against the national standards, and then State Compliance Officers, and Sealers use these calibrated devices in-the-field to implement consistent and uniform standards across the Commonwealth for both municipal and private sector agencies.” Currently, there are 11 field compliance officers in Massachusetts.
“We are required to submit data to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) every year,” said Setow. “There is a check standard for nearly every piece of equipment that is submitted, then the collected data is sent to NIST for review. This process determines our eligibility for earning a Certificate of Metrological Traceability from NIST.”
Costa and Setow are the only workers in the laboratory and work closely with the nine compliance officers and two field supervisors at DOS. By law, DOS is responsible for the inspection and sealing of municipalities with fewer than 5,000 residents and can contract with cities and towns with 20,000 residents or fewer. In addition, DOS relies on individual cities and towns with more than 20,000 residents to directly hire and assign sealers of weights and measures. Those sealers have to be trained in the laboratory and also out in-the-field and must pass an examination for both. Their equipment also must be calibrated and certified by the metrology laboratory.
On a weekly basis, Costa and Setow receive equipment from various agencies for calibration. Calibration Certificates are issued by the lab, indicating equipment type, calibration date, results of calibration and more, so that sealers can conduct proper inspections in their jurisdictions.
Every day, workers both in the Metrology Laboratory and in the field quietly conduct their duties on behalf of consumers, making sure we all get what we expect and pay for in the marketplace.
“Next time I am pumping gas or buying groceries, I will think about all of the work that is done by the lab and field staff, to be sure that I get the proper value for my purchases,” said co-op Caitlin Prichett.