The function of the Weights and Measures official is crucial in safeguarding the public in commercial transactions involving the determination of quantity. Their responsibilities include ensuring that honest weights and measures are delivered in the sale of merchandise and services, thereby preventing fraud, carelessness, and misrepresentation. This involves:

1. Inspecting and Certifying Devices: The accuracy of all weighing and measuring devices used for public sales is regularly inspected. Devices that pass inspection are sealed.
2. Types of Inspected Devices:
   • Gasoline and diesel dispensing pumps.
   • Home heating fuel delivery trucks.
   • Scales in supermarkets, delis, meat/seafood markets, and farm stands.
   • Retail checkout counters and pharmacies.
   • Any facility using weighing or measuring devices for product sales.
3. Bar Code Pricing Devices: Scanners are inspected for accuracy and proper operation, with state law mandating inspections once every two years for businesses with three or more electronic checkout systems. In alternate years, scanners are verified if complaints are received or new devices are installed.

The Town of Lincoln relies on the Massachusetts Division of Standards (DOS) to conduct these mandatory inspections. Their contact information is as follows:

Massachusetts Division of Standards

1000 Washington Street, Suite 510

Boston, MA 02118

617-727-3480

Standards.mail@mass.gov

Residents with complaints about the accuracy of gas pumps, scales, or scanners should report directly to the DOS consumer complaint line at 617-727-3480.