National Measurement Act 1960 - Determination by the National Standards Commission - Recognized-Value Standard of Measurement of Viscosity - Dynamic Viscosity of Water at a Temperature of 20°C

Overview

The National Measurement Act 1960 was enacted to provide for the regulation of measurement standards in Australia, ensuring uniformity and accuracy in trade and commerce. This legislation was introduced to address the need for a cohesive framework that governs the standards of measurement across various industries and sectors within the country. The Act empowers the National Standards Commission to determine and recognise specific standards, including those of fundamental importance such as the viscosity of water. The policy objective behind this determination is to provide a precise and universally accepted standard for dynamic viscosity, facilitating consistency in scientific and industrial applications. The determination in question, made under the authority of the National Standards Commission, sets forth a recognised-value standard for the dynamic viscosity of water, specifying its exact value at a defined temperature and detailing the precise method of preparation to ensure accuracy and reliability in measurements.

Scope and Application

The National Measurement Act 1960, as amended by the legislative instrument F2009B00182, pertains to the establishment and maintenance of recognised-value standards for measurements across Australia. This particular legislative instrument designates the dynamic viscosity of specially prepared water at a temperature of 20°C as a recognised-value standard, with a specified magnitude of 0.001 002 Pa.s. The Act applies to all entities involved in measurement processes within Australia, including industries that require precise measurements and conduct scientific research or manufacturing activities. The geographic reach of this legislation is nationwide, covering all states and territories within the Commonwealth of Australia. This determination by the National Standards Commission is intended to ensure uniformity and accuracy in measurements, thus supporting trade, commerce, and scientific integrity across the country. The Act does not specify any exclusions or exemptions, and its application is not restricted by subordinate instruments beyond the scope defined in the Act itself.

Key Provisions

The National Measurement Act 1960 (section 8A(1)(a)) mandates that the National Standards Commission determines recognised-value standards of measurement. In this instance, the Commission has determined that the dynamic viscosity of water, when prepared as specified in the Schedule and at a temperature of 20°C, shall be a recognised-value standard with an exact value of 0.001 002 Pa.s. The Schedule outlines the precise preparation method for the water, which includes double distillation, the addition of potassium permanganate, and specific collection conditions in silica or borosilicate glass. The water must be bubble-free, and its electrical resistivity at 20°C must be at least 3 000 Ω.m. The obligations imposed by the Act on parties and entities governed by it include ensuring that the water used for measurement purposes adheres to the stringent preparation and quality standards outlined in the Schedule. This involves meticulous adherence to the distillation process, the precise concentration of potassium permanganate, and the maintenance of specific environmental conditions during collection and storage. Any entity relying on this standard for measurements must verify that their water preparation processes meet these exacting specifications to ensure the validity and accuracy of their measurements. Violations of the requirements set forth in the Act may result in various legal consequences. While the Act itself does not explicitly detail specific offences or penalties, breaches of measurement standards can lead to broader legal implications under other related Acts, such as the Trade Practices Act 1974. Inaccurate measurements could result in misleading commercial practices, potentially leading to civil penalties, fines, or even criminal charges under consumer protection laws. The severity of penalties would depend on the extent of the inaccuracy and the impact on consumers or businesses.