Public weighbridge operators information
General information
Operators of public weighing equipment have responsibilities to ensure that they can perform their duties competently and honestly. Further, no one may operate public weighing equipment unless he/she holds a certificate from a chief trading standards officer.
Applicants for a certificate will be tested verbally and practically by an inspector and will be required to show that they can:
- operate the weighbridge satisfactorily
- complete any weighbridge tickets and associated documentation satisfactorily
- understand basic terms associated with the operation of a weighbridge
- understand their duties as a weighbridge operator
- understand potential frauds which may unknowingly be assisted by a weighbridge operator
- understand the potential offences associated with public weighings
- understand how the accuracy of the weighbridge may be affected
- perform simply arithmetic calculations (use of a calculator is permitted)
Before applying for a test, make sure you have had sufficient training in the operation of the equipment and that you have completed the application form. This document will be required by the inspector when they test you.
It is the policy of this authority to limit the scope of any certificate to the weighbridge the operator will be expected to use. Should the weighbridge be replaced or changed a new certificate may be required. You should check with your local trading standards office if the weighbridge is replaced or changed.