Balancing The Scales Of Progress Benefit Consumers

Balancing The Scales Of Progress Benefit Consumers Each day we head out to work or on vacation we enter a world of unseen resources and technology which may go unnoticed. Many of these resources we use everyday and unknowingly benefit consumers. We take a look behind the scenes at one of these resources and see how "Balancing The Scales Of Progress Benefit Consumers." We start our journey in the self-checkout lanes in our local grocery store. Who knew each product we scan through these convenient tools of progress is accounted for by the weight of the actual product listed on the packaging? Not the container itself, but the handy bags we place our groceries in accounted for and the exact weight of the products we scanned, minus the packaging equals our overall total. The same principal applies whether we are using the self checkout lanes or a clerk weighs our produce at the register. We pay for six oranges, not the plastic bag we placed them in. What you may not have noticed in the past is the sticker of approval from each state's Dept. Of Weights & Measures. Take a closer look and you will find the name of a inspector of the Department of Weights & Measures. Their service goes unnoticed each day, but is a benefit to the consumers and businesses. Practically everything we purchase is sold by weight, volume, length, count, or measure. The fruits and vegetables we buy, the gasoline we pump, and the prescriptions we fill at our local pharmacy are all accounted for by quantity. Each state inspector ensures businesses sell consumers the exact quantity of the product they advertise. They do this by following the standards which may vary from state to state. All of the equipment used by inspectors in the field is checked for accuracy through the Metrology Laboratory. Throughout the year inspectors are required to attend various classes to keep them updated on any changes in the laws, new equipment, and inspection procedures they will utilize in the field. The next time you pull up to the pump at a gas station while on vacation check out the inspector's sticker. The prices you pay at these pumps will vary according to the octane level, the amount purchased, and any discounts offered. Since 1992 when the Motor Fuel Program began, inspectors have made random test of octane levels and the pumps at gas stations. If an inspector finds a violation while at the station they can give the business a ticket similar to those we receive for speeding. Fines can reach up to a thousand dollars depending on the type violation, which helps discourage future infractions. By using highly accurate equipment to check these pumps and the gasoline they pump The Department of Weights & Measures, "Saves the consumer and the business owner money," said Bill Elmore, an Inspector in Indiana. Inspector's duties vary according to the county they are assigned to throughout each state. At any given time they could be inspecting Fuel Dispensers, Vehicle Tank Meters, Grocery Stores, Retail Outlets, or the Prescription scales at Pharmacy. While across the state in another county an inspector could be inspecting Taxi Meters, Laundry Mats, Car washes, and Meat Packing Plants. They check the accuracy of Commercial and Non-Commercial Scales alike, in addition to Vehicle and Heavy Capacity Scales. Consumers Can Help Protect Themselves By Following A Few Simple Tips While at the Grocery Store: When choosing a product check the unit price against the weight of the product to determine if you are getting a value for your dollar. One brand may have a lower price, but offer you less, and visa versa. Be certain to scale is set to zero or shows a minus sign when products are being weighed. If not, mention it to the staff serving you. Be aware of the price and the weights of the items you are being charged for while checking out. Alert the person scanning your items of any differences in price. Always keep your receipt in case you arrive home and realize there is a problem. Should you have any questions or concerns, bring them to the attention of the manager. If they are unable to solve the problem contact your local Division of Weights and Measures. While at the Gas Station: Make certain you are using the right pump for the gasoline you intend to purchase. Mistakes can easily be overlooked while in a hurry. The price of this mistake can be expensive if you accidentally put diesel fuel in a car that requires regular. As with the scales in the grocery store, be certain the pump is set to zero before you begin pumping. If the station offers a discount, calculate it, and check your figures against the amount charged. Keep a copy or request one if paying by credit or debt card, and check it for accuracy. Although we may not notice the work of inspectors like Bill Elmore, his work, and that of his fellow inspectors who are out there working on our behalf is appreciated. Thank you. Explore America's Backyard, and discover thrilling helicopter tours in Hawaii, bed and breakfast, spas, antique collectibles, fishing, hunting, whitewater rafting, roller coasters, concerts, poker games, national parks, civil war battle reenactments, the carnivorous Venus fly trap, and many more unique travel destinations and attractions. Visit USA Travel Magazine online at http://www.usatravelmagazine.com or by mobile at: http://www.usatmm.com.