What does ‘legal for trade’ weighing mean, and how might it affect my business?

Many words are used to describe weighing equipment performance, but ‘legal for trade’ is one of the most important things to look out for, if you sell goods by weight

Abacus Weighing Services of Littleborough, the European Distributor and Dini Argeo Calibration specialist and equipment supplier, is very familiar with ‘legal for trade’ requirements, having specified weighing systems for use in different and demanding applications.

“It makes sense that, when selecting a scale to weigh your product or packages, that your equipment has been tested and approved by an independent third party, confirming that it’s fit for purpose and legally compliant,” said Abacus.  

Read more at Dini Argeo Calibration

The key things to consider when purchasing industrial weighing scales

Start with an open mind

A good place to start when purchasing equipment like Industrial Weighing Scales is to write down a few questions that you need to address.  

 Ask yourself things like: do you need scales to work inside and outside?  Do you work in a hazardous, or potentially explosive location?   Might there be limited storage and/or weighing space?  How often will you need to clean your scales?  Is it a rough industrial environment, or a laboratory location?   What are you weighing?  Food?  Pharmaceuticals?  Vehicles? 

All of these factors will determine the type of scale that you choose and help to lead you in a direction.

For example, if your workplace has been certified as potentially explosive, you will need to look for ATEX Certified scales relevant to your zone classification. 

Or if you regularly need to wash down equipment, ie: for Food Industry use, a stainless steel, non-corrosive scale would be best.

Don’t overlook the upper capacity of products you may need to weigh a few years ahead

Don’t only think about the average weight of product at the present time also consider the upper capacity that you might need in the future.  It’s much more cost effective to buy scales that not only fit your present requirements, but also cater for the years ahead too.

What type of application?

And don’t forget the obvious!  What will the product be regularly used for – and where?  This may dictate whether you go for, say, a static weighing station, or something more mobile like axle weight pads.  The available space you have can greatly influence the design and configuration of weighing platform that you buy.

Things like readability, servicing, calibration, additional software, connectivity (analogue or mobile), etc should also be considered, so that you end up with a weighing solution that not only provides accurate, reliable readings, but fits around your business perfectly! 

Do I really need ATEX Certified weighing scales?

What to look out for when purchasing ATEX industrial weighing scales

Any manufacturer or supplier of equipment (and that includes importers) must ensure that their products meet essential health and safety requirements and undergo appropriate conformity procedures, before they can be used in a workplace that has been classified as potentially explosive. 

This usually involves testing and certification by a third-party, but manufacturers can also 'self-certify' equipment intended to be used in less hazardous explosive atmospheres.  It’s important to check what classification equipment needs to conform to, before making a final decision about which weighing scales are right for your environment.

Once certified, equipment is marked with the 'EX' symbol and can be promoted as ATEX Certified weighing scales by the manufacturer or distributor.

ATEX Certified weighing scales have been checked and confirmed as fit for purpose, for use in explosive atmospheres 

ATEX Certification confirms that your weighing equipment is fit for its intended purpose, and that adequate information is supplied with it to ensure that it can be used safely and consistently in a potentially explosive environment, as classified.  

In short, it gives you surety that the weight readings you take will be accurate, and that you can use equipment safely and efficiently, if appropriately maintained in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.

What if I don’t use ATEX Certified scales?
Your business could be at serious risk in terms of endangering life, and/or creating unnecessary ignition risks by use of equipment that is not fit for purpose.  We strongly recommend, therefore, that you use ATEX Certified weighing scales that are appropriate for use in the appropriate hazardous zone.  

If in doubt, ask your manufacturer for the certificate of conformity so you can check the extent of cover.

Key buying considerations – industrial weighing equipment

Do a thorough assessment

If you’re in the market for industrial scales, then you need to do your homework. Rushing into a decision without proper consultation with colleagues, a risk assessment and consideration of operational, environmental and legal requirements could prove risky.

Any investment in new systems or equipment, particularly if it could affect your manufacturing capability, product quality or processes, requires careful planning and execution.

Properly assess all practical, physical and cost considerations

Understanding where and how weighing scales are to be used, is crucial. That means knowing where the scales will be located – ie: do you need floor standing, mobile, bench or worktop scales? Some may even be wall mounted. Many mobile weighing solutions such as portable axle-weighing pads come with a special indicator, or handheld devices. Others come with mounting kits.

Don’t overlook specific product features that could prove useful. For example, if weighing scales are to be used in a restricted access area, a surface that is low maintenance and easy to clean, might be preferable.

ATEX-Weighing solutions

If weighing scales are to be used in potentially flammable, explosive or hazardous environments, then they need to be ATEX-approved, to meet current legislation requirements

Some models are better suited to certain environments than others. For example, stainless scales are commonly used in the food and drink industry, given they are hygienic, can be made wash-proof, right through to water-proof and, therefore, perfect for use in damp, humid and even wet working environments. Your proposed supply partner can provide detailed guidance in this respect.

Talking to colleagues, operational staff and quality control personnel will give you a broad appreciation of what you should be looking for – you can then move forward with confidence, knowing that the equipment you have selected is right for you.

General questions to ask of your preferred supplier:

1.      Period of guarantee

2.      Installation support

3.      Calibration requirements and service provision

4.      Future parts availability and maintenance

5.      Test standards (compliance) and precision

6.      What after-scale care is available

7.      Terms of delivery details

8.      Costs and benefits