JJF 1001 - 1998: Legal Metrology and Management in the General Metrological Terms and Definitions

  

Explanation of relevant formats for general metrological terms and definitions

  In the "General Metrological Terms and Definitions (JJF 1001 - 1998)", the characters in the square brackets [] are generally the parts that can be omitted. The characters within these brackets are often auxiliary expressions, and omitting them does not affect the understanding of the core content of the terms. The characters in the round brackets () play the role of annotation or supplementation, helping us to more accurately and comprehensively grasp the meanings of relevant terms. This format rule runs through the entire standard document, and this rule is followed when defining various terms later.

  

Legal metrology and measurement management

  

Legal metrology

  Legal metrology is an important part of the metrology field, mainly involving the work carried out by legal metrology institutions. This includes strict regulations on measurement units to ensure the unity and accuracy of measurements across the country and even internationally. For example, the length unit "meter" and the mass unit "kilogram" have clear legal definitions.At the same time, legal metrology also focuses on the standardization of measurement methods, ensuring that the measurement process is scientific and reasonable to obtain reliable measurement results. The management of measuring equipment is also a key aspect of legal metrology. There are corresponding legal requirements for the production, calibration, and use of equipment.In addition, the construction and operation of measurement laboratories are also restricted by legal metrology. Laboratories need to have the corresponding qualifications and conditions to ensure the authority of test results.

  

Legal [measurement] unitLegal unit

  Legal [measurement] units are measurement units that are clearly recognized and given legal status by national laws. A country determines these units through legal means to ensure the consistency and accuracy of measurements, and to maintain market order and social public interests. Different countries will formulate corresponding legal measurement unit systems according to their own situations, and there is also a unified International System of Units (SI) internationally. In practical applications, legal measurement units are widely used in various fields such as trade, scientific research, and production. For example, in international trade, using unified legal measurement units can avoid misunderstandings and disputes caused by unit differences.

  

Legal metrology institution

  Legal metrology institutions are responsible for implementing national laws and regulations in the field of legal metrology. They can either be government agencies, which carry out their work by virtue of the government's administrative power and resources, or other institutions authorized by the state, which possess professional technical capabilities and management levels.The main task of legal metrology institutions is to conduct metrological control and ensure that metrological activities comply with legal requirements through a series of measures. For example, they supervise measuring instruments to ensure their performance is accurate and reliable; they also monitor metrological processes to prevent illegal acts such as metrological fraud.

  

Measurement assurance

  Measurement assurance refers to a series of measures taken to ensure measurement reliability and achieve appropriate measurement accuracy. It encompasses all relevant regulations, technical means, and necessary operations.In terms of regulations, the state has formulated a series of metrology laws and regulations to standardize every aspect of metrological activities. Technical means cover advanced measurement technologies, calibration methods, etc., aiming to improve the accuracy and reliability of measurements. Necessary operations include regular maintenance and calibration of metrological equipment, as well as training for measurement personnel.Only through comprehensive measurement assurance measures can the credibility of measurement results be ensured, meeting the metrological needs of various fields.

  

Measurement control

  Measurement control is a working system that provides measurement assurance by designated institutions in accordance with national regulations. It is mainly implemented through three aspects: control of measuring instruments, measurement supervision, and measurement assessment.The control of measuring instruments involves determining the performance of measuring instruments and issuing official documents regarding their legal status.Measurement supervision aims to control the manufacture, installation, repair, or use of measuring instruments to ensure their correct and honest use in accordance with metrological laws and regulations. It can also be extended to controlling the accuracy of the indicated quantities on pre - packaged products.Measurement assessment encompasses all actions carried out for the purposes of inspection and certification. For example, testifying to the status of measuring instruments in court, or determining whether the metrological performance of measuring instruments meets legal requirements.

  

Control and inspection related to measuring instruments

  

Measurement instrument control

  Measurement instrument control is an important process for determining the performance of measurement instruments and conferring legal status on them. It may include one, two or all three operations of type approval, verification, and inspection.Type approval is a decision recognizing that the form of a measurement instrument complies with legal requirements. Here, the form includes the measurement instrument itself, its prototype, and relevant technical documents.Verification is a procedure for ascertaining and confirming whether a measurement instrument complies with legal requirements, including inspection, marking, and/or issuing a verification certificate.Inspection is carried out to ascertain the relevant status of a measurement instrument, such as whether the verification mark or certificate is valid, whether it has been significantly altered, and whether the error exceeds the maximum permissible error in use, etc.

  

Measurement supervision

  Measurement supervision is an important procedure to ensure the correct and honest use of measuring instruments. It covers the control of all aspects of the manufacturing, installation, repair, and use of measuring instruments.In the manufacturing stage, the supervision authorities will check whether the production enterprises produce in accordance with the statutory standards and requirements. During the installation and repair process, it is ensured that the operations comply with the specifications and do not affect the performance of the measuring instruments. In the usage stage, users are prevented from using the measuring instruments in an improper way.In addition, measurement supervision can also be extended to the control of the correctness of the indicated quantities on pre - packaged goods to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of consumers.

  

Metrological review

  Measurement assessment is a comprehensive inspection and certification work carried out for specific purposes. For example, in a court, measurement assessment can provide professional testimony on the status of measuring instruments, ensuring the reliability of measurement evidence in judicial procedures. Meanwhile, in accordance with relevant legal requirements, measurement assessment can determine whether the metrological performance of measuring instruments meets the standards, providing a scientific basis for the use and management of measuring instruments.

  

Type approval and type evaluation

  Type approval is the official recognition that the type of a measuring instrument complies with legal requirements. The types of measuring instruments include physical objects, prototypes, and technical documents, etc. Type evaluation is an inspection carried out to determine whether the type of a measuring instrument can be approved. It is sometimes also referred to as type approval testing. By evaluating various performances of the measuring instrument, it is judged whether it meets the legal requirements, so as to decide whether to grant approval or issue a document of rejection of approval.

  

Conformity inspection [in accordance with the approved type]

  Conformity inspection [in accordance with the approved type] is an inspection carried out to verify whether a measuring instrument conforms to its approved type. This inspection ensures that the measuring instruments sold and used in the market are produced strictly in accordance with the approved type, guaranteeing the consistency of the quality and performance of the measuring instruments.

  

Verification [of measuring instruments]

  Verification (of measuring instruments) is an important procedure to ascertain and confirm whether measuring instruments meet statutory requirements. It includes the inspection of measuring instruments, marking, and/or issuing verification certificates. Through verification, the accuracy and reliability of measuring instruments can be ensured, enabling them to be used normally in various fields. Verification is further divided into initial verification and subsequent verification. Initial verification is carried out on new measuring instruments that have never been verified before, ensuring that new instruments meet statutory requirements before being put into use. Subsequent verification is conducted after the initial verification, including mandatory periodic verification, verification after repair, and verification within the validity period of periodic verification.

  

Periodic verification

  Periodic verification is a subsequent verification of measuring instruments carried out regularly in accordance with the specified time intervals and procedures. This system can promptly detect possible performance changes of measuring instruments during use, ensuring that they always remain in an accurate and reliable state. Through periodic verification, the problem of inaccurate measurement caused by excessive errors of measuring instruments can be effectively avoided, thus guaranteeing the normal operation of activities such as production and scientific research.

  

Inspection Certificate and Non-conformity Notice

  A verification certificate is a document that certifies that a measuring instrument has undergone verification and obtained satisfactory results. It is an important proof that a measuring instrument meets the statutory requirements and plays a crucial role in fields such as trade and scientific research.A non - conformity notice, on the other hand, is a document stating that a measuring instrument does not meet the relevant statutory requirements. When a measuring instrument fails to meet the standards after verification, this notice will be issued to remind the user to take corresponding measures, such as repair or scrapping.

  

Inspection and verification [of measuring instruments]

  Inspection [of measuring instruments] is an operation carried out to determine whether measuring instruments meet relevant legal requirements. It is a relatively comprehensive check that covers all aspects of measuring instruments. Examination [of measuring instruments], on the other hand, is a check carried out on specific aspects of measuring instruments, such as the validity of verification marks or certificates, whether the protective marks are damaged, whether there are obvious alterations, and whether the errors exceed the maximum permissible errors in use, etc. In - use examination is a special form of examination, which is mainly carried out during the use of measuring instruments.

  

Sampling inspection

  Sampling inspection is an inspection of a whole batch of measuring instruments based on the inspection results of a limited number of samples taken from the entire batch. This method is of great significance in practical applications. When the batch size is large, conducting a comprehensive inspection on each measuring instrument may be overly costly and time - consuming. Through sampling inspection, the inspection efficiency can be improved and the cost can be reduced on the premise of ensuring a certain degree of accuracy.

  

Relevant content of the International Organization of Legal Metrology

  

OIML International Recommendations and International Documents

  The OIML International Recommendations are one of the two main types of publications of the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML). They are typical regulations aimed at specifying the metrological characteristics that a certain type of measuring instrument must possess, and prescribing the methods and equipment for checking its compliance. These recommendations play an important guiding role in the international metrology field and contribute to the unification of metrological standards and requirements across countries.OIML International Documents, on the other hand, are publications that provide information. Their purpose is to improve the work of legal metrology institutions and offer references for the management and technological upgrading of metrology institutions.

  

OIML Measuring Instrument Certificate SystemOIMLInternational Organization of Legal Metrology

  The OIML Measuring Instruments Certificate System is a system for issuing, registering, and using certificates for measuring instruments that comply with the recommendations of the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) on a voluntary basis. The main purpose of this system is to promote, accelerate, and coordinate the work of national or regional organizations that approve the forms of measuring instruments, and to facilitate the international recognition and circulation of measuring instruments. Meanwhile, in countries where there are no requirements for type approval, this system also helps to promote the initial inspection of measuring instruments and improve the quality and reliability of measuring instruments.

  

OIML Certificate of Conformity

  The OIML Certificate of Conformity is a document that certifies that a certain form of a measuring instrument represented by the submitted test sample complies with the relevant requirements of OIML International Recommendations. This document is issued by the authorized institutions of OIML member countries and has high authority and recognition. Measuring instruments with an OIML Certificate of Conformity are more likely to be accepted in the international market, which helps to promote international trade and technological exchanges.

  

Contents related to laboratory and metrological confirmation

  

Laboratory Accreditation and Assessment

  Laboratory accreditation is an official recognition of the ability of calibration and testing laboratories to perform specified types of calibration and testing. It is an important symbol that the laboratory has the corresponding technical capabilities and management level. Laboratory assessment, on the other hand, is an inspection conducted to evaluate whether the calibration and testing laboratories comply with the specified laboratory accreditation criteria. Through the assessment, problems existing in the laboratory can be identified and promptly addressed, ensuring that the laboratory can provide accurate and reliable testing and calibration services.

  

Calibration measurement capability

  Calibration measurement capability is generally the highest calibration measurement level provided to users, which is represented by the expanded uncertainty with a coverage factor r = 2. This indicator reflects the laboratory's technical level and measurement accuracy in a specific measurement field. Sometimes it is also referred to as the best measurement capability and is an important parameter for evaluating the laboratory's calibration ability.

  

Metrological confirmation

  Metrological confirmation is a set of operations required to ensure that measuring equipment is in a state that meets the requirements for its intended use. It includes a series of measures such as calibration, adjustment, and repair of measuring equipment to guarantee the accuracy and reliability of the measuring equipment. Through metrological confirmation, measuring equipment can provide accurate measurement results in actual use, meeting the needs of activities such as production and scientific research.

  

Contents related to the traceability hierarchy diagram

  

Traceability hierarchy diagram

  A traceability hierarchy diagram is a block diagram representing a hierarchical order, which shows the relationship between the metrological characteristics of measuring instruments and the reference standard of a given quantity. It is an illustration of the comparison chain used for a given quantity or a given type of measuring instrument, serving as evidence of its traceability. Through the traceability hierarchy diagram, one can clearly understand the value transfer process of measuring instruments and ensure the accuracy and reliability of measurement results.

  

National traceability hierarchy diagram

  The national traceability hierarchy diagram is a traceability hierarchy diagram that is effective for measuring instruments of a given quantity within a country. It includes recommended (or permitted) comparison methods and means, and is sometimes also referred to as the national metrological verification system diagram. The national traceability hierarchy diagram provides important guidance for the establishment and operation of the national measurement system, ensuring the uniformity and accuracy of measurements across the country.

  

Definition and properties of the international traceability hierarchy diagram

  The International Hierarchy Scheme is a concept that holds an important position in a specific field. In essence, it is a form of hierarchy chart adopted by international organizations. International organizations play a crucial and leading role in coordinating and standardizing various fields. When they decide to adopt the International Hierarchy Scheme, it means that this hierarchy chart has a certain degree of authority and universality. It can be regarded as a tool selected by international organizations to unify standards and processes in a certain aspect, similar to the establishment of international standard units, providing a framework for relevant work to follow.

  

The significance as the basis for regional traceability

  It is used as the basis for traceability in a certain region, which contains profound significance. Traceability is extremely important in many fields, such as product quality traceability and data source tracking. For a specific region, having the International Traceability Hierarchy Diagram as a foundation is like laying a solid cornerstone for the traceability work within the region. It can help all entities within the region, whether they are enterprises, institutions, or individuals, have a unified reference standard when conducting traceability operations.For example, in international trade, if the products from a certain region need to prove the reliability of their quality and origin, they can build their own traceability systems based on the International Traceability Hierarchy Diagram. This enables the trading partners to clearly understand the entire process of the products from production to sales, enhancing trust and promoting the development and exchange of the regional economy.

  

Impact on regional development

  From a more macroscopic perspective, the application of the International Traceability Hierarchy Diagram has multi - faceted impacts on regional development.At the economic level, it helps to enhance the competitiveness of regional products. When products within a region can achieve clear and accurate traceability through the International Traceability Hierarchy Diagram, consumers will be more willing to buy these products, thus increasing the market share of the products.At the management level, it provides an effective regulatory tool for regional administrators. Administrators can conduct more scientific management of production, circulation and other links within the region based on the International Traceability Hierarchy Diagram, and promptly discover and solve potential problems.In terms of international cooperation, it can promote the integration of the region with the international community. Since the International Traceability Hierarchy Diagram is recognized by international organizations, when a region adopts it as the basis for traceability, it can better integrate into the international market and conduct smoother exchanges and cooperation with other countries and regions.