Metrology Laboratory

The Metrology Laboratory charges $105.50 per hour, minimum of 1/2 hour, for all services performed at the metrology laboratory. The fee schedule is outlined in chapter 16-675 WAC.  

Calibration services must be scheduled. The lab's daily workload is based on first come, first served appointments. There are no exceptions and no same day calibrations.

The WSDA Metrology Laboratory's goal is to turnaround items within 10 business days. There will be exceptions for very large quantities and Echelon I weight sets.

It is the customer's responsibility to arrange shipment of their standards to and from the laboratory. The customer must call in advance if they are going to hand-carry items to the laboratory. Large items shipped by truck must be palletized. Small individual items packed in cardboard boxes must be protected with appropriate packing materials. Foam peanuts are not acceptable. Items packed in foam peanuts will be returned to the customer without calibration. Small weight kits should be secured to prevent opening during shipment. If a customer's standards arrive poorly packaged and require repackaging, the customer will be charged for packaging materials and the time required to repackage the items.

Important: Please call (360 764 0199) or email: lgerman@agr.wa.gov for shipping and mailing information.

All standards delivered to the WSDA Metrology Laboratory must be cleaned, and where necessary painted, and in good repair. Cleaning and/or repair of standards in the metrology laboratory will add considerably to the calibration cost.  

• Cast iron weights should be free of rust, loose paint, and adhering debris.
• Cast iron weights should be painted with a light coat of aluminum paint (silver for avoirdupois and gold for metric weights). Do not use epoxy or enamel paints.
• Stainless steel weights can be wiped down with an ethanol-dampened rag. Echelon I weights should only be cleaned if there is visible debris or fingerprints.
• Weight carts should be inspected before delivery according to 105-8 Specifications and Tolerances for Field Standard Weight Carts https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures/ nist-handbook-105-series
• NIST Handbook 105-1 class F: https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures/nisthandbook 105-series

• 5-gallon field test measures must be cleaned inside and out with a mild detergent. Make sure the glass gauge tube is cleaned and that the gauge scale plate is readable.
• Large volume provers must be cleaned inside and out with detergent and water and all discharge pipes and/or hoses must be purged and cleaned.
• Provers and test measures can not be tested if they have not been cleaned or are received with leaks, large dents, or badly corroded interiors. They will be returned to the customer and billed for time expended.
• NIST Handbook 105-3 Specifications and Tolerances for Graduated Neck Type Volumetric Field Standards and

For more information email Leslie German, State Metrologist, or call and leave a message at (360) 764- 0199.
 

Please be advised that all laboratory data and records are considered official public record according to state law.
The laboratory will release records in accordance with chapter 42.56 of the Revised Code of Washington (the Public Records Act), chapter 16-06 of the Washington Administrative Code (Public Records), and agency policy.