Wanted: Public awareness on importance of measurements

This treaty provides the basis for a coherent measurement system worldwide that underpins scientific discovery and innovation, industrial manufacturing and international trade, as well as the improvement of the quality of life and the protection of the global environment.

The theme chosen for 2016 is Measurements in a dynamic world. This reflects both the challenge of accurately measuring dynamic quantities, for example the pressures in a combustion chamber, and the rapid pace of change in measurement science today.

Across the world, national metrology institutes continually advance measurement science by developing and validating new measurement techniques at whatever level of sophistication is needed.

They also participate in comparisons coordinated by the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) to ensure the reliability of measurement results worldwide. The BIPM also provides a forum for its member states to address new measurement challenges.

Many measuring instruments such as continuous weighing machines, radars for measuring vehicle speed, etc. that are used to measure objects in motion are subject to legal requirements or to regulatory control.

Additionally, new technologies constantly change both the way in which these instruments make measurements and the methods needed for their control – “smart” meters for energy or water are one example..

In Tanzania, the Metrology Laboratory at the national standards watchdog, Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), is faced with the challenge of having state-of-the-art equipment to cope with technological advances.

The Metrology Laboratory has been given the statutory responsibility for establishing custody and maintenance of the National Measurement Standards related to all physical parameters, at internationally accepted level of accuracy and to disseminate the SI Units of measurement by providing traceability to the public via the National Measurement Standards.

The establishment of the Custodian of National Measurement Standards aims at ensuring accuracy and traceability of all measurements in the country.

With technological advances, TBS needs support to cope with the challenges of changing technological equipment in telecommunication, power and energy as far as calibration is concerned.

Government's decision to establish the TBS Metrology Laboratory as the Custodian of National Measurement Standards is part of its efforts to ensure that Tanzanians use appropriate measurements.

The Metrology Laboratory is already accredited to ISO 17025 general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories since December 15, 2006. This is the first laboratory in Tanzania to reach such a step.

It is heartening that there has been a good response for industrialists, manufacturers and hospitals who test their measurement before using them, thus creating harmonisation when it comes to calibration.

For instance, all referral hospitals in the country have their equipment tested on measurement, which is very important, since patients will be assured of proper results and treatment.