Yes, Someone Does Check That!

Franklin, and many other towns, now rely on state inspectors for ensure accurate weights and measures (Norwood, is one of the exceptions).

On a recent Friday, we caught up with Bob Morrissey, an employee of the Massachusetts Division of Standards, verifying the accuracy of gas pumps at the former Speedway (now Mobil) franchise on East Central Street.

While such tasks were once handled by a Sealer of Weights and Measures (and the Franklin Historical Museum has some of the old equipment once used in that role), today, the Town of Franklin contracts with the Massachusetts Division of Standards (DOS) to provide Weights and Measures services. These services include inspection and corrective action when needed.

For example, if a gas station pump is found to be inaccurate at the time of inspection, the pump is put out of service until it is properly calibrated and retested by a DOS inspector in that area. The DOS has ten Compliance Officers working across the Commonwealth.

According to the agency web site, DOS enforces accuracy requirements and other standards relating to weighing and measuring devices and their use in the sale of food, fuels and other products. DOS regulates the sale of gasoline and sets standards for lubricating oils and antifreeze, including the inspection of all fuel dispensing equipment for required markings pertaining to grade and brand.

The Division also tests and approves coin operated devices, licenses auctioneers, transient vendors, promoters, peddlers, motor fuel and oil retailers and registers auto damage repair shops, and enforces the item pricing law, unit pricing regulations and item pricing waivers to retail food stores.

According to Franklin Building Commissioner Lloyd “Gus” Brown, who has responsibility for the subject within the town, his predecessor, Dave Roach, made the transition some years ago. Fees are routed through Franklin, with the state taking a portion for their services.