P&SP 4200 Livestock Scale Test Report

OMB Control No. 0580-0015

U.S. Department of Agriculture Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration Packers and Stockyards Program

Livestock Scale Test Report

1 Page No.

2 Test Agency (Name, address, city, state, zip code, phone number, and e-mail address)

3 Scale Owner

4 Address

5 City

6 County

7 State

8 Scale Manufacturer (Indicator)

9 Model Number

10 Serial Number

11 Type Indicator  Beam  Dial  Digital  Printer

12 Balance Indicator (Name)

13 Pit Depth Ft.

14 Type Levers

15 Scale Capacity Lbs.

16 Scale Division (d) Lbs.

17 Class of Scale  Not Marked  Marked III  Marked III L

18 Platform Size x

19 Platform Cap. Lbs.

20 Category of Livestock Weighed

21 Accessories:  AZSM (auto-zero)  Motion Detection  Video Displays  Scoreboard  Scale & Computer are Interfaced  Computes: Head/Average Weight

22 Access to Scale for Testing

23 Test Date (mm/dd/yyyy)

24 Last Test Date (mm/dd/yyyy)

25 Condition of:

26 Test Results

a. Gates and Racks

 Approved  Condemned  Scale & Computer  Rejected  Other_________

b. Scale Deck

c. Scale Pit

Test Data

27 SR (Sensitivity Response) Or Discrimination Test Zero Load = ______________ Lb. Maximum Load = ______________ Lb.

28 Motion Detection Range = ______________ Lb.

29 AZSM (auto zero) Range = ______________ Lb.

Test Weights

Balance Weights (Pounds) (30c)

Error Weights or Indicated Weight (30d)

Error Column 3 – 4 (Pounds) (30e)

Test Weights

Balance Weights (Pounds) (30c)

Error Weights or Indicated Weight (30d)

Error Column 3 – 4 (Pounds) (30e)

Position (30a)

Pounds (30b)

Position (30a)

Pounds (30b)

Balance

31 Decreasing Load Test (Dial and Digital Scales Only)

Balance

32 Remarks

33 Receipt of Report Acknowledged (Signature):

34 Scale Inspector (Signature):

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information is 0580-0015. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average .25 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection.

Response is required in order to assure that tests and inspections have been made on scales to show their accuracy so that livestock may be weighed (9 CFR 201.72). Information held confidential (9 CFR 201.96).

Explanation of Terms and Abbreviations

1. Test Weight Position (Corners and Sections).

The corners and sections of a scale platform are designated as shown in diagrams below when an observer is standing in the weighing position facing the scale platform.

2-Section Scale
L.	1	Sec. 1	Center	Sec. 2	2	R.
	4				3
			Beam

4-Section Scale
L.	1	2		3		4	R.
	Sec. 1	Sec. 2		Sec. 3		Sec. 4
	8	7		6		5
			Beam

2. SR (Sensitivity Response).

SR is a measure of the sensitiveness of a scale and is defined as the change in load required to change the position of rest of the indicator a definite amount. The term SR does not apply to automatic indicating scales.

3. Errors.

If the scale indication exceeds the value of the applied test load (overregistration) the error is designated as plus (+). If the scale indication is less than the value of the applied test load (underregistration) the error is designated as minus (-).

Suggestions to Owners of Livestock Scales

The following suggestions and recommendations are offered in the interest of improving maintenance and livestock weighing practices.

1. Visibility. The weighbeam, dial, or digital instrument should be located so that the weighmaster has a full and unobstructed view of the platform, stock racks and gates. The weighbeam, dial, or digital instrument should be located so that the weighing will be done in full view of the interested parties.	5. Stock Racks. Stock racks should be of substantial wooden or steel construction, and be firmly anchored to the platform. Stock racks should have a clearance of at least 3 inches from all adjacent structures and have adequate side protection to prevent interference during the weighing. Entrance and exit gates on stock racks should swing
2. Installation. Careful installation by a competent scale mechanic will tend to reduce maintenance costs and improve weighing accuracy. Scales are precision devices and require regular maintenance to assure continued accuracy. Ready access to the scale pit should be provided through the neck of the pit or by an outside entrance. For a fully electronic load cell scale, access to the weighing elements (load cells) must be provided for the purpose of inspection and maintenance of the weighing elements.	freely and have positive latches. The preferred location of gates is at the ends of the platform rather than the sides. 6. Maintenance. The scale should be regularly serviced by a competent scale technician. The lever system and structural steel in the pit should be kept well painted. Pivots and bearings should be packed with a protective grease. Periodically this grease should be removed and the pivots and bearings repacked.
3. Approaches. Approaches should be level and on the same plane as the scale platform. 4. Scale Platform. The scale platform should be waterproof.	Weighbeam notches and poises should be kept clean. The weighbeam should be protected by a fabric cover when not in use.
Concrete platforms, scored, or well roughened, are recommended. Where cleats are used, they should be of metal or sturdy wooden construction in the form of a hinged grid. Clearance around edges of platform should be not less than ½ inch, and edges should be undercut.	7. Testing. Scales must be tested at least twice a year by a competent scale testing agency. Adequate provision should be made for access of the testing equipment to the scale.

Form P&SP-4200 August 2007 Page 3 of 3