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2005-10-28 Communiqué - Introduction of Measurement Canada Policy for the Reporting of Meter Defects and Nonconformities by Organizations accredited under the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act
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Introduction of Measurement Canada Policy for the Reporting of Meter Defects and Nonconformities by Organizations accredited under the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act, in PDF format, 102 KB
To View Bulletin Gen-34
Background
Measurement Canada presented a proposal for Reporting of Nonconforming Meters at the Canadian Forum on Trade Measurement 2002. In late 2004 Measurement Canada continued work to draft the policy framework based on feedback from that session. A draft Bulletin outlining the criteria for identifying reportable nonconformities, and establishing the process for reporting identified defect issues was posted for consultation over the summer of 2005. The consultation comments have been reviewed by Measurement Canada, a response has been provided to those who submitted comments, and the draft Bulletin has been revised accordingly.
Issue
Measurement Canada inspectors are responsible for reporting nonconforming meters discovered during their regular inspection activities such as initial verification/reverification testing, on-site installation inspections and dispute investigations. Typically, Measurement Canada reviews these reports to monitor and address problems related to measurement accuracy outside legal tolerance, meter functionality and conformance of the meter to its original pattern approval.
Today, almost all meter verifications are being performed by accredited organizations. Accredited organizations are required to investigate and document nonconforming meters according to their Measurement Canada accredited quality system, and have their investigation available for review, however there was no requirement to report those findings to Measurement Canada. Due to the potential time delay in receiving and evaluating information on nonconforming meters there is concern that Measurement Canada's ability to effectively monitor the performance and compliance of a meter to its original pattern approval is seriously compromised. The absence of a strategy to inform Measurement Canada of cases where specific problems are detected by an organization may result in perpetuating the existence of the same problems in meters owned or used by other organizations. This could have a significant impact on the accuracy of measurement and equity in trade.
Implementation
Measurement Canada wants to make it very clear that this program is not intended to be a duplication of existing nonconformity documentation requirements. It is simply a program to report certain types of nonconformities which currently must be investigated and documented in accordance with Measurement Canada accredited quality systems.
The revised bulletin will be posted with an effective date of April 1, 2006. This will allow time for accredited organizations to modify their accredited quality systems as necessary. In addition, it is anticipated that the Measurement Canada Accreditation Standard (S-A-01) will be revised and re-issued in spring of 2006. The revised version, S-A-01:2006, is based on ISO 9001:2000, which establishes a more specific focus on device nonconformities. It will be most effective for the implementation of defect reporting to coincide with the issuance of S-A-01:2006, in regards to modification of quality systems and possible combined information/training sessions. This will be beneficial for Measurement Canada and all affected stakeholders.
Any enquiries with respect to this notice should be directed to the following Measurement Canada representative:
Mike Abraham
Senior Program Officer, Electricity
Program Development Directorate
Measurement Canada
Tel.: (613) 946-3387
Fax: (613) 952-1736
Michael Abraham
Gilles Vinet
Vice-President
Program Development Directorate
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Measurement Canada
