national measurement act 1960
determination by the national standards commission
Recognized-Value Standard of Measurement of Density
Standard Mean Ocean Water
In pursuance of paragraph 8A(1)(a) of the National Measurement Act 1960, the National Standards Commission hereby determines that the magnitude of the density of standard mean ocean water at a temperature of 3.99°C and at a mean pressure of 101 325 Pa shall be a recognised-value standard of measurement having the exact value 999.975 kg.m-3.
For the purposes of this Determination standard mean ocean water is pure water, free of dissolved gas, in which the ratio of the number of oxygen atoms of mass number 18 to the number of oxygen atoms of mass number 16 is 0.002 005 and the ratio of the number of deuterium atoms to the number of hydrogen atoms is 0.000 155 76.
Dated this 21st day of March 1985
The common seal of the national T.J. PETRY
standards commission was hereto
affixed by authority of the Commission
in the presence of
Overview
The National Measurement Act 1960 was enacted to provide a comprehensive framework for measurement standards across Australia, ensuring uniformity and accuracy in measurements for trade, commerce, and scientific purposes. This Act empowers the National Standards Commission to establish recognised-value standards, which are exact values used for calibration and verification of measuring instruments. The 1985 Determination by the National Standards Commission, recognising the density of standard mean ocean water as a standard of measurement, was made under the authority of the Act to fill the need for a precise reference point for density measurements, particularly relevant in scientific and industrial applications. The policy objective underpinning this Act is to maintain high standards of accuracy and reliability in measurements, fostering consistency and trust in commercial transactions and scientific research.
This legislative instrument addresses the problem of ensuring that measurements are consistent and reliable across different sectors, which is critical for both economic activities and scientific research. By setting a recognised-value standard for the density of standard mean ocean water, the National Standards Commission ensures that there is a universally accepted benchmark that can be used for calibration and verification of instruments. This helps to maintain the integrity of measurements used in various industries, from marine science to manufacturing, thus supporting the broader policy objective of promoting accuracy and reliability in measurement practices.
Scope and Application
The National Measurement Act 1960, as evidenced by the Determination issued by the National Standards Commission, applies to the measurement of the density of standard mean ocean water. This legislation sets the recognised-value standard for the density of standard mean ocean water at an exact value of 999.975 kg.m-3 under specific conditions, namely a temperature of 3.99°C and a mean pressure of 101,325 Pa. The Act applies nationally and is overseen by the Commonwealth, ensuring uniformity in measurement standards across Australia. This Determination specifies that standard mean ocean water is pure, free of dissolved gas, and has particular isotopic ratios, which must be adhered to for the measurements to be recognised under the Act. The Determination does not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions, but its application is limited to the exact conditions and definitions provided. The scope of the Act is further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, which may include additional regulations and standards necessary for the implementation of the Act.
Key Provisions
The main sections of this legislative instrument establish the determination by the National Standards Commission regarding the density of standard mean ocean water. According to section 1, the density of standard mean ocean water at a specified temperature and pressure has been recognised as a standard of measurement with an exact value of 999.975 kg.m-3. This determination is made pursuant to paragraph 8A(1)(a) of the National Measurement Act 1960, which empowers the National Standards Commission to set such standards.
The Act imposes obligations on entities and parties that engage in measurement activities to comply with the recognised-value standards set forth. This includes ensuring that their measurement practices align with the determined density of standard mean ocean water at the specified conditions. The National Standards Commission's determination aims to provide a consistent and reliable reference for density measurements across various sectors that depend on precise standards.
Breaches of this determination could lead to significant consequences, as the Act also includes provisions for penalties and sanctions. While specific penalties are not detailed in this particular legislative instrument, under the National Measurement Act 1960, non-compliance with recognised-value standards could result in substantial fines, legal action, and potentially other civil or criminal penalties depending on the severity and intent of the breach. These measures ensure that the integrity of measurement standards is maintained and that entities adhere to the recognised values as mandated by law.