2008 MDA Annual Report - Maryland Department of Agriculture

More documents

Recommendations

Info

| Ma r k e t i n g, An im a l In d u s t r i es a n d Co n s u m e r Services |The Maryland Weights and Measures Laboratory is recognizedby the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program(NVLAP) for compliance with criteria set forth in TheInternational Standard ISO/IEC 17025:1999 and relevantrequirements of ISO 9002:1994. The NVLAP is an independentagency under NIST in Gaithersburg, Md. The NVLAP accreditstesting and calibration laboratories that are found competentto perform specific tests or calibrations, or types of tests orcalibrations.It is the laboratory’s policy to provide the highest qualitymeasurement services attainable to clients and field staff througha continuous improvement of the quality system. Following theInternational Standards, the Maryland Weights and Measureslaboratory assures consistency and accuracy in regulatory activitiesand test measurement services for many industries, includingmanufacturing, science and technology, in addition to calibrationlaboratories and government agencies.Maryland’s National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) Laboratoryis authorized as one of only four fully participating laboratoriesin the nation. NTEP laboratories are authorized by the NationalConference on Weights and Measures. Meeting the requiredperformance standards and formalized procedures denotes a highdegree of technical and professional competence. Authorization isspecific to a type of weighing or measuring device. The MarylandNTEP laboratory is authorized in 14 areas of evaluation.Weights and Measures Activities TablesField Inspection and Test Effort2006 2007 2008Percent Percent Percentin Total in Total in TotalViolation Tests Violation Tests Violation TestsA. Weighing SystemsLarge Scales 35.5 1,269 35.5 1,230 24.1 786Medium Scales 20.0 1,315 22.3 877 17.9 677Small Scales 16.0 11,289 16.0 12,140 17.5 6,971B. Liquid Measuring SystemsRetail Gasoline Meters 18.7 35,486 18.7 32,012 18.0 27,665L P Gas Meters 26.7 511 26.7 852 18.7 465Vehicle Tank Meters and Other Large Meters 15.5 1,323 15.5 1,641 20.8 1,288C. Grain Moisture Meters 9.0 157 9.0 132 8.0 136D. Programmed Tare Inspections 10.8 4,640 10.8 4,107 9.0 2,026E. Price Scanning and Method of Sale 3.4 8,161 3.4 7,249 5.1 5,962F. Delivery Ticket Inspections 1.7 2,572 1.7 3,715 .9 2,852G. Package Lots 12.5 12,759 12.5 11,680 15.8 12,761Inspection and testing of packages involve not only correct weight or measure determinations but also compliance with method of saleand labeling requirements.40
| Ma r k e t i n g, An im a l In d u s t r i es a n d Co n s u m e r Services |Laboratory Effort Inspection and TestNumberTested2006 2007 2008PercentRejectedNumberTestedPercentRejectedNumberTestedPercentRejectedWeights 6,901 5.1 6,773 9.8 4,256 10.7Volumetric Measures, (Non-Glass) 188 32.4 254 29.5 138 37.6Length Devices 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0Temperature Devices 46 0.0 46 0.0 0 0.0Timing Devices 0 0.0 13 24.0 0 0.0Volumetric (Glass) 12 0.0 10 0.0 0 0.0Scales/Meters 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0Milk Samples 114 2.6 108 5.6 0 0.0Standard Grain Samples 654 N/A 710 N/A 700 N/AThe laboratory effort involves technical support of the field effort and provides a base of measurement for Weights and Measuresofficials. Additionally, it provides measurement support for other state agencies and Maryland industries.Administrative Controls and MiscellaneousWeighing and Measuring Devices RegistrationCertificates, Issued2006Number2007Number2008Number7,239 7,255 7,239Type Evaluation of Devices Conducted (NTEP) 57 26 21Samplers and Testers Licenses, Issued 19 15 10Citizen Complaints Received and Investigated 567 515 716Disciplinary Hearings, Criminal Arrests,Summonses Obtained and/or Civil Penalties18 25 44Aside from day-to-day administration, coordination and support of the laboratory and field activities, the Weights and MeasuresSection is involved in the registration of commercial weighing and measuring devices, and the examination and licensing ofindividuals for specific functions.41
Page 5 and 6: Dear Friends,Since coming to office
Page 9 and 10: | Office o f t h e Secretary |Offic
Page 11 and 12: | Office o f t h e Secretary |USDA/
Page 13 and 14: | Office o f t h e Secretary |Netwa
Page 16 and 17: | Office o f Resource Co n s e r v
Page 22 and 23: | Ma r k e t i n g, An im a l In d
Page 46 and 47: | Office o f Pl a n t In d u s t r
Page 78 and 79: | Ma ry l a n d Department o f Agri

2008 MDA Annual Report - Maryland Department of Agriculture

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?