Checktesting Program
for Grain Inspection Equipment
The United States Grain Standards Act states in part that: "The Administrator shall provide for the testing of all equipment used in the sampling, grading, inspection and weighing for the purpose of official inspection, official weighing, or supervision of weighing of grain...to be made on a random and periodic basis, but at least annually...as he deems necessary to assure the accuracy and integrity of such equipment."
Since the late 1930's, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has provided for a "check test" program whereby on-line grain inspection equipment would be periodically tested for the purpose of detecting differences in equipment performance when compared to the performance of designated "Standard" inspection equipment. It has long been acknowledged that dependable precision equipment is necessary for accurate grain and commodity inspection. Incorrect grading factor determinations can result from poorly designed equipment, or equipment that has become excessively worn, or is misadjusted.
The FGIS Equipment Handbook states in part that to ensure the accuracy and integrity of official inspections, sampling and inspection equipment used for official purposes must be:
- of an FGIS-approved model and type,
- properly installed and aligned,
- kept in good repair,
- periodically tested, and
- protected from unauthorized adjustments.
Inspection equipment that doesn't meet these requirements is not approved for official use and is removed from service until subsequent testing establishes its accuracy.
Periodic testing of official inspection equipment enables the testing office to:
- Evaluate the performance of a piece of equipment against the "Standard" equipment;
- Determine the need for any repairs or re-calibration of the equipment;
- Interpret any mechanical and/or physical trends in the equipment's performance;
- Establish documentary proof of accuracy through completion of official checktest forms;
- Instill confidence in the accuracy of the equipment;
- Comply with the provisions of the United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA).
For additional information about the equipment checktesting program contact the FGIS Technical Services Division or your local FGIS Field Office.