M-26—Use and Application of a Class Approval

Category: Mass
Bulletin: M-26
Document(s): W&M Regulations, Section 41, CLASS - A Guide for the Approval of Large Capacity Weighing Devices, Bulletin M-08
Issue Date: 2010-07-27
Effective Date: 2010-10-01
Supersedes:

Table of Contents

1.0 Purpose

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide clarification on the use of a CLASS Approval.

2.0 Scope

This bulletin applies to all companies who use or refer to a CLASS Approval for inspection of a Class approved weighing device. This document should be considered as a reference when referring to a CLASS Approval.

3.0 Class Approvals

CLASS Approvals are a specific type of device approval issued by Measurement Canada (MC) for select Non-automatic Weighing Devices. Once a CLASS Approval is issued, all devices described in the approval document, manufactured by or for the approval holder, are considered to be approved.

CLASS Approvals apply to the Load Receiving Element (weighbridge) only. They do not apply to self contained weighing devices with integral indicators, nor to Indicating Element components. There are currently five separate device classes covered by CLASS Approvals, namely:

Vehicle Weighbridge

A vehicle load receiving element used for static weighing. Does not include portable wheel weighers.

Railway Weighbridge

A railway load receiving element used for static weighing. Includes combination railway/vehicle scales.

Tank or Hopper

A tank or hopper load receiving element used for static weighing. May include devices used in a Discontinuous Totalizing Weighing System (Bulkweighers). Does not include any on-board weighing devices.

Platform

A platform load receiving element used for static weighing. Does not include any on-board weighing devices.

Scale System Assembly

Other specialized large capacity load receiving elements used for static weighing not included in one of the other classes above. Examples include paper roll scales, coil scales or ingot scales. These approvals are not intended to market weighing kits without load receiving elements.

Any Non-automatic Weighing Device with a configured and inspected capacity of greater than 10 000 kg is automatically eligible to be covered by a CLASS Approval.

A Non-automatic Weighing Device with a configured and inspected capacity of 10 000 kg or less may be covered by a CLASS Approval if it is of such a size or configuration that it cannot be readily tested in the laboratory (generally greater than 1.6 m in any direction). The Approval & Calibrations Services Laboratory (ACSL) should be contacted for more information. See section 6.3 below for additional requirements.

4.0 Background

CLASS Approvals were introduced 01 July 1993. Since then, they have become widespread and many companies hold these approvals. CLASS Approvals differ from conventional approvals in a few important ways. This document is intended to address the unique nature of CLASS Approvals and should be read in conjunction with the document CLASS - A Guide for the Approval of Large Capacity Weighing Devices Footnote 1.

5.0 CLASS Approval Policy

5.1 A CLASS Approval will identify the approval holder. The CLASS Approval holder is granted authority to manufacture, install and have initially inspected, approved devices as described in the CLASS Approval. This authority extends only to the CLASS Approval holder named in the document.

5.2 A CLASS Approval allows the approval holder to build, or have built, an unlimited number of devices of the class identified. Each of these devices is considered as an approved device. Each device requires an Initial Inspection before being placed into trade service.

5.3 Devices initially inspected under the authority of a CLASS Approval must be appropriately marked as per the Specifications Relating to Non-automatic Weighing Devices (1998).

5.4 A CLASS Approval may contain specific requirements applicable to the device class. Each device initially inspected under the authority of the CLASS Approval must adhere to the specific requirements listed.

5.5 A CLASS Approval holder may authorize a third party contractor to utilize an appropriate CLASS Approval for purposes of building, modifying or requesting inspection of an existing device. The CLASS Approval holder maintains all responsibility for the design, composition and construction of the device regardless of who performed the work. The device must be marked with the CLASS Approval number and identified as having been built by the holder of the CLASS Approval. The authority to use the CLASS Approval number must be in writing and a copy shall be provided to the inspector (Measurement Canada or an authorized service provider) prior to the initial inspection. The authorization letter must be signed by an official of the company holding the CLASS Approval and must indicate that the CLASS Approval holder assumes full responsibility for the device(s) in question.

5.6 The existence of a manufacturer applied CLASS Approval number on a new device will be considered as sufficient authorization for the device owner, or their agent, to request an initial inspection. The CLASS approval holder does not need to supply further authorization prior to an initial inspection being performed by an authorized inspector (Measurement Canada or an authorized service provider). Initial inspections required for indicating element replacement may be performed at anytime without prior authorization from the load receiving element CLASS approval holder. Subsequent inspections do not require authorization letters.

6.0 Modifying CLASS Approved Devices

Modifications may be considered as minor or metrologically significant. The company performing the modifications must refer to Measurement Canada Policy Bulletin M-08 to determine if the modification is considered to be minor or metrologically significant. In the case of metrologically significant modifications, a new initial inspection will be required.

6.1 Minor Modifications

6.1.1 The original approval number is to be retained.

6.1.2 Reporting is required as per section 41 of the Weights & Measures Regulations.

6.2 Metrologically Significant Modifications

6.2.1 When metrologically significant modifications are made, the device must be initially inspected under the authority of a valid and applicable CLASS Approval.

6.2.2 When metrologically significant modifications are made by the original CLASS Approval holder, the device must be initially inspected under the authority of a valid and applicable CLASS Approval - usually the original CLASS Approval.

6.2.3 When metrologically significant modifications are made by someone other than the original CLASS Approval holder:

  1. the original CLASS Approval number may only be used if it is authorized, in writing, by the original CLASS Approval holder. The original CLASS Approval holder assumes all responsibility for the modified device design.
  2. the company performing the modification may use their own valid and applicable CLASS Approval. This CLASS Approval holder assumes all responsibility for the modified device design.
  3. another valid and applicable CLASS Approval may be used if it is authorized, in writing, by the CLASS Approval holder. This CLASS Approval holder assumes all responsibility for the modified device design.

6.2.4 If the CLASS Approval used to cover the modified device is changed from the original CLASS Approval, all applicable markings on the data/serial plate of the device must be updated.

6.2.5 In all cases the CLASS Approval holder of the applicable CLASS Approval assumes all responsibility for the design, composition and construction of the device, including any intellectual property concerns that may arise. The holder of the applicable CLASS Approval is also responsible to ensure that the modified device meets all of the requirements for a legal for trade device.

6.2.6 Reporting is required as per section 41 of the Weights & Measures Regulations.

6.3 CLASS Approval Acceptance Letter (CAAL)

Although CLASS Approvals typically apply to a Non-automatic Weighing Device with a capacity exceeding 10 000 kg, a device with a configured and inspected capacity of 10 000 kg or less may be covered by CLASS Approval if it is of such a size or configuration that it cannot be readily tested in the laboratory (generally greater than 1.6 m in any direction).

6.3.1 If a CLASS Approval is being considered for a device with a configured and inspected capacity of 10 000 kg or less, the Approval & Calibrations Services Laboratory (ACSL) must be contacted to request a CLASS Approval Authorization Letter (CAAL).

6.3.2 If the device is deemed to be covered by a CLASS Approval, the ACSL will issue a CAAL authorizing the use of the CLASS Approval.

6.3.3 If the device is not deemed to be covered by a CLASS Approval, it will have to be evaluated by the ACSL for approval before it may be used in trade. In this case a new Notice of Approval must be issued prior to the initial inspection of the device.

6.3.4 A CAAL will only be issued to the CLASS Approval holder or other authorized user. Authorization must be in writing from the CLASS Approval holder.

7.0 Ownership

7.1 CLASS Approvals are issued to the company named in the CLASS Approval. Ownership of this document stays with the company and may not be sold.

7.2 If a Company that owns a CLASS Approval is sold, the new company (purchaser) retains the authority granted under the CLASS Approval.

7.2.1 If the Company name changes in the sale process, the Approval & Calibrations Services Laboratory (ACSL) must be contacted to request a change in the name of the listed CLASS Approval holder.

7.3 Subject to 5.5 and 6.2.3 above, CLASS Approvals may not be sold to a third party. A CLASS Approval will be considered void if it is being used by a company not named in the CLASS Approval.

7.4 Subject to section 7.2 above, if a company is closed or otherwise ceases to exist, the CLASS Approval is considered to have expired. Any authorizations in place subject to section 5.5 and 6.2.3 above will also expire at the same time. Existing devices may remain in service under the original CLASS Approval but no new devices will be permitted to be installed using this CLASS Approval.

Footnote 1 Available from Measurement Canada, Approval & Calibration Services Laboratory (ACSL)

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