National Measurement Act 1960 - Determination by the National Standards Commission - Recognized-Value Standard of Measurement of Viscosity - Dynamic Viscosity of Water at a Temperature in the Range 19.98°C to 20.02°C

Overview

The National Measurement Act 1960 was enacted to provide a comprehensive framework for measurement standards in Australia. The Act was introduced to address the need for nationally consistent and accurate measurement standards across various industries, ensuring that trade and commerce are conducted fairly and accurately. This legislative instrument, enacted by the National Standards Commission, aims to establish a recognised-value standard for the measurement of the dynamic viscosity of water. The determination sets the value of 0.001 002 Pa.s for the viscosity of water prepared under specific conditions, ensuring a high level of precision and reliability in measurements. The policy objective behind this legislation is to maintain and improve the accuracy and consistency of measurement standards, which is crucial for scientific research, industrial processes, and consumer protection.

Scope and Application

The National Measurement Act 1960, as applied through the Determination by the National Standards Commission, establishes a recognised-value standard of measurement for the dynamic viscosity of water. This legislation applies to entities and individuals involved in measurement and testing activities within Australia, particularly those requiring a precise and recognised standard for dynamic viscosity measurements. The specified parameters for the preparation of water, including the distillation process, the addition of potassium permanganate, and the electrical resistivity requirement, are intended to ensure the water meets the stringent criteria for accuracy in viscosity measurements. The geographic reach of this Act is national, impacting all sectors that rely on accurate viscosity measurements across Australia. The determination does not explicitly exclude any particular industry or entity, thus broadly impacting any field that utilises these standards. However, it is understood that the Act extends its application through subordinate instruments, which may further specify or refine the application of these standards in various contexts.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of this Determination under the National Measurement Act 1960 establish the specific conditions and values associated with the recognised-value standard of measurement for the dynamic viscosity of water (section 1). The National Standards Commission sets forth that the dynamic viscosity of water, prepared according to the detailed specifications in the Schedule and at a temperature between 19.98°C and 20.02°C, shall be recognised with a measurement value of 0.001 002 Pa.s. The uncertainty of this measurement is defined, ensuring there is no more than a one in one hundred chance that the viscosity differs from the designated value by more than 0.000 001 Pa.s (section 2). This Determination imposes clear obligations on entities handling measurements of water viscosity within the specified parameters. These entities must ensure that the water used for these measurements is distilled at least twice, with the final distillation involving the addition of potassium permanganate to achieve a concentration of at least one part per ten thousand by mass. The final distillation must be collected in silica or borosilicate glass. After distillation, the water must be maintained in contact with air at a pressure between 80 000 and 120 000 Pa and must be free from any bubbles. Additionally, the electrical resistivity of the water at 20°C must be at least 1 000 Ω.m (section 3). Any failure to comply with the requirements stipulated in this Determination could result in significant consequences. Although the legislation does not explicitly state specific offences or penalties within the text, breaches of measurement standards under the National Measurement Act 1960 could potentially lead to legal repercussions. These may include civil penalties for non-compliance, which can vary depending on the severity and intent of the breach. In more serious cases, criminal penalties might apply, though these would be subject to the broader provisions of the Act and relevant case law. The exact penalties would be determined by a court, taking into account the nature and circumstances of the breach.