National instrument test procedures (NITP) are the step-by-step procedures published by the National Measurement Institute (NMI) for verifying measuring instruments used for trade. They are used to check that an instrument measures within the maximum permissible error (MPE) and complies with its certificate of approval.
OpsChase for trade measurement verifiers sets up test sheets for each instrument class in line with them.
Why servicing licensees care
Under regulation 2.43(18) of the National Trade Measurement Regulations 2009, a servicing licensee or its employee must not verify an instrument unless it has been tested in line with the relevant national test procedure, in the latest edition, and any particular tests in its certificate of approval.
How they are organised
NMI says the number of a procedure generally matches the class or subclass of servicing licence. For example:
- NITP 0 covers measuring instruments where no particular procedure has been set.
- NITP 6.1 to 6.4 covers non-automatic weighing instruments, such as shop scales and weighbridges.
- NITP 6.5 covers belt weighers, and NITP 6.6 automatic rail weighbridges.
- NITP 5.1 covers fuel dispensers other than liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) dispensers, and NITP 10.1 covers LPG dispensers.
NMI also publishes general information to go with the procedures.
Equipment for the tests
Where a procedure requires equipment to hold a current certificate of verification, verifiers must use equipment with a current Regulation 13 certificate.
After the test
If the instrument passes, the verifier applies a verification mark and the licensee reports it on Form 6 or Form 6A. If it does not comply with the relevant procedure and is not verified, the regulations require notice to NMI within 14 days. Read when a repaired scale needs re-verifying.
How OpsChase follows the procedures
Test sheets are set up for each licence subclass you hold, so every verifier records the same tests the same way, on a phone or tablet with or without signal. Results are flagged against the MPE as they are entered. OpsChase is independent software and is not made or endorsed by NMI.
On OpsChase: one queue for your team and contractors, follow-up when a job goes quiet, and photos or sign-off before it closes. Book a demo — one site or many.
- Are the test procedures free to read?
- Yes. NMI publishes them on its website, with general information to go with them.
- Do the procedures replace the certificate of approval?
- No. Verifiers also run any particular tests the instrument’s certificate of approval specifies.
- Does OpsChase include test sheets for each instrument class?
- Yes. Test sheets are set up for each licence subclass you hold, with results flagged against the maximum permissible error as they are entered.