A set of weights from 1 g to 500 g is only one of several metrological artefacts representing one of four quantities that will go on tour over the next few months. The round trip these artefacts will take through southern Africa to visit different countries and laboratories will be of a somewhat different kind. Here are some of their destinations: Botswana, DRC, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, the Seychelles, the Kingdom of Eswatini, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Together with the regional network for industrial and scientific metrology (SADCMET), PTB is supporting the implementation of four inter-laboratory comparisons. As the name suggests, inter-laboratory comparisons are there for laboratories to be able to compare their results with those of other laboratories. Inter-laboratory comparisons are very important for laboratories as they allow them to prove their capabilities. On this round trip, inter-laboratory comparisons will be carried out for four quantities: mass, temperature, volume and length.
Within the scope of these measures, the laboratory staff will also be able to participate in training workshops. At the same time, these workshops will provide their participants with opportunities for networking and exchanging information. SADCMET’s regional coordinator, Donald Masuku, pointed out how important these comparison measurements are for the region: “For the participating metrology institutes, they are useful not only to help improve the staff’s abilities, but also as a proof that the institutes comply with international requirements.”
The measures are part of the project “Strengthening Regional Trade and Consumer Protection in the SADC Region”, financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and implemented by PTB.
