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News
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The keepers of Oregon's measurement standards
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7/28/2010
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Article Content Suggested lead
Good news for Oregon consumers. The state's metrology lab, which ensures accurate standards of measurement in the marketplace, has received an excellent report card:
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Audio 01
Simply put, the Oregon Department of Agriculture's metrology laboratory is one of the best in the country, according to a third party audit team that recently completed an extensive review of the lab:
AYDELOTTE: "We had two guys that are leading metrologists in the world, frankly, come into our laboratory, look at what we do, and basically say we are doing a really good job." :13
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Audio 02
Aaron Aydelotte (like "ate a lot") is one of two metrologists with ODA's Measurement Standards Division. The lab ensures the accuracy of all weighing and measuring devices used in commerce in Oregon by offering high precision mass and volume calibrations. Basically, the lab checks the equipment used by ODA inspectors to check licensed scales and meters:
AYDELOTTE: "There's a lot of business in Oregon right now that needs to know you are accredited. It's a part of doing business now, not only within the state, but national and internationally. People have quality standards they need to meet." :14
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It's estimated that about 80 billion dollars in annual sales in Oregon involves weighing and measuring at some point. When weighing and measuring devices are even slightly off, the inaccuracy can have an impact of millions of dollars, either for or against the consumer. That's one reason why having a high rated metrology lab in Oregon is important. In Salem, I'm Bruce Pokarney.
Additional audio: Audio 03
JASON BARBER, administrator of ODA's Measurement Standards Division, says there is a good financial reason to make sure weighing and measuring devices in Oregon are accurate. And that accuracy starts with the metrology lab:
"When you are talking approximately 60 billion dollars in commerce, the standards that the field inspectors are using to calibrate all this weighing and measuring equipment, are calibrated by our Metrology Laboratory." :15
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Additional audio: Audio 04
Assistant Administrator CLARK COONEY says the audit proves that ODA's metrology laboratory is one of the best and most precise n the country, and that ultimately is good for businesses and the consumer:
"This precision lays out the foundation of Oregon's weights and measures. The further you get away from those standards and that precision, more and more uncertainty comes into the measurement." :12
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Full story
http://oregon.gov/ODA/news/100728metrology.shtml |
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