national measurement act 1960
determination by the national standards commission
Recognized-Value Standard of Measurement
of Acceleration due to Gravity
In pursuance of paragraph 8A(1) (a) and (b) of the National Measurement Act 1960, the National Standards Commission hereby determines that the acceleration in vacuum of a body due to the gravitational attraction of the earth at the locations specified in the report 207, entitled Australian Gravity Network Adjustment 1975, of the Bureau of Mineral Resources Geology and Geophysics, shall be a recognized-value standard of measurement, the magnitude of the acceleration in m.s-2 being the value in milligals specified for those locations in that Report multiplied by 10-5
For the purposes of the Determination the chance is not more than one in one hundred that the magnitude of the acceleration so ascertained differs from the true magnitude by more than 0.000 01 m.s-2
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, enacted by the Australian Parliament, was introduced to address the need for a unified system of measurement standards across the nation. This legislation aimed to ensure that all measurements were based on a consistent and reliable standard, thereby facilitating trade, commerce, and scientific research. The Act empowered the National Standards Commission to establish recognised standards of measurement, including those related to the acceleration due to gravity, as outlined in the determination made in 1985. This determination specifies the recognised-value standard for the acceleration due to gravity based on the Australian Gravity Network Adjustment 1975 report, ensuring that measurements are accurate within a specified margin of error. The policy objective of the Act is to maintain the integrity and uniformity of measurement standards, thereby supporting the broader aims of national economic and scientific advancement.
Scope and Application
The National Measurement Act 1960, as amended and extended by the legislative instrument F2009B00169, applies to all entities and individuals engaged in measurement activities within Australia, particularly those involved in the field of gravimetry. This Act, through the determination by the National Standards Commission, establishes a recognized-value standard for the measurement of acceleration due to gravity in vacuum at specified locations as outlined in the Australian Gravity Network Adjustment 1975 report by the Bureau of Mineral Resources Geology and Geophysics. The Act mandates that the values derived from this report, when converted from milligals to m.s-2 by multiplying by 10-5, shall be used as the standard for measurements of gravitational acceleration within Australia, with a confidence level that the true magnitude of the acceleration does not differ by more than 0.000 01 m.s-2. This legislation is applicable nationwide, ensuring consistency and accuracy in gravitational measurements across the country. The Act does not specify exclusions or exemptions but relies on the subordinate instrument to outline the precise application and adherence to the standards set forth.
Key Provisions
The National Measurement Act 1960 (section 8A) mandates the National Standards Commission to set recognised-value standards of measurement for various physical quantities. In this particular determination, section 8A(1)(a) and (b) specifically empowers the Commission to recognise the acceleration due to gravity at specified locations in Australia as a standard of measurement. This is detailed in the report 207, "Australian Gravity Network Adjustment 1975," produced by the Bureau of Mineral Resources Geology and Geophysics. The recognised-value standard for the acceleration due to gravity at these locations is calculated by taking the values in milligals specified in the report and multiplying them by 10^-5, thereby converting them into metres per second squared (m.s^-2).
The obligations placed upon parties and entities by this determination are primarily administrative and compliance-based. The National Standards Commission, as the governing body, must ensure that the values derived from the report are accurately applied and communicated. Any entity or individual using measurements of acceleration due to gravity in Australia must adhere to this recognised-value standard unless otherwise specified by law. This standard ensures uniformity and consistency in measurements, which is critical for scientific research, engineering projects, and other applications that require precise gravitational measurements.
Breaches of the provisions set out in the National Measurement Act 1960 may result in legal consequences. While the specific determination does not explicitly outline penalties for non-compliance, the general act provides a framework under which penalties can be applied. Offences under the National Measurement Act could include using non-standardised measurements in commercial transactions, which could lead to civil penalties. Additionally, if such breaches are considered fraudulent, they may attract criminal penalties. The maximum penalties can vary widely depending on the severity and intent behind the offence, but typically could include fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment. The exact penalties would be determined by the courts based on the specific circumstances of the breach.