Specifications Relating to Timber Dimension Measuring Devices: SI/2024-48

Canada Gazette, Part II, Volume 158, Number 22

Registration
SI/2024-48 October 23, 2024

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ACT

The Minister of Industry establishes the annexed Specifications Relating to Timber Dimension Measuring Devices under sections 13^{footnote a} and 27^{footnote b} of the Weights and Measures Regulations ^{footnote c}.

Ottawa, March 19, 2024

François-Philippe Champagne
Minister of Industry

Specifications Relating to Timber Dimension Measuring Devices

Definitions

Definitions

1 The following definitions apply in these Specifications.

auxiliary equipment

means equipment that is connected to, or used in conjunction with, a timber dimension measuring device. (matériel auxiliaire)

default temperature range

means, in respect of a timber dimension measuring device, a temperature range of -10°C to +40°C. (plage de températures par défaut)

diameter

means, in respect of a log, its theoretical diameter, in centimetres or metres, calculated by measuring its actual circumference and dividing that value by pi (π). (diamètre)

disturbance

means a phenomenon or event — such as a short time power reduction or an electrostatic discharge, electrical burst or electromagnetic or electrostatic field — to which a timber dimension measuring device may be exposed and the characteristics of which are inconsistent with the operating parameters of the device. (perturbation)

indicator

means a digital device that is an integral part of, or is connected to, a measuring element and that displays measurement registrations. (indicateur)

influence factor

means a phenomenon or event to which a timber dimension measuring device or any of its auxiliary equipment may be exposed and that may affect the performance of the device. (facteur d’influence)

interval or d

means the value, expressed in units of length, of the difference between two consecutively indicated values for any axis of measurement of a timber dimension measuring device. (échelon ou d)

length

means, in respect of a log, the maximum distance of a straight line, in centimetres or metres, that

• (a) is measured as closely as possible along the longitudinal axis of the log; and
• (b) is between two planes that are perpendicular to that axis and located at each end of the log. (longueur)

measurement registration

means a displayed, printed or recorded representation of the measurement information for a log that has been measured by a timber dimension measuring device, including the dimension measured, the measurement value and the unit of measurement. (enregistrement d’une mesure)

measuring element

means the parts of a timber dimension measuring device, other than the indicator, that together produce the measurement of a log. (élément mesureur)

metrological function

means a function of a timber dimension measuring device that is necessary for the measurement process and that may affect measurement registrations or the validity of transactions, including the sensing of the measured object, the transmission, processing, storage, correction or adjustment of measurement signals or values and the display or printing of measurement values. (fonction métrologique)

ready condition

means, in respect of a timber dimension measuring device, the condition in which it is ready to take a measurement. (état prêt)

timber dimension measuring device

means a measuring machine that measures the length and diameter of logs. (appareil de mesure des dimensions du bois)

General

Specifications prevail

2 In the event of a conflict between these Specifications and an instruction issued by the manufacturer or importer, these Specifications prevail to the extent of the conflict.

Performance

Limits of error

3 The acceptance limits of error and the in-service limits of error that apply to a timber dimension measuring device are ±1 d for the axis and measuring range in use.

Influence factors

4 A timber dimension measuring device must perform within the applicable limits of error referred to in section 3 when, under controlled conditions, the device is tested while it is exposed to an influence factor, such as:

• (a) if the device is powered by alternating current, a voltage that is within the range of -15% to +10% of the nominal voltage of the device;
• (b) if the device is powered by direct current,
  • (i) a voltage that is less than the nominal voltage of the device and at which voltage the device can produce a measurement registration, and
  • (ii) a voltage that is up to 10% greater than the nominal voltage of the device;
• (c) a temperature that is
  • (i) in the case where the temperature range specified for the device by the manufacturer is a range that spans at least 30°C and is entirely within the default temperature range, that specified temperature range, and
  • (ii) in any other case, the default temperature range;
• (d) a humidity level of up to 85% relative humidity and a temperature that is
  • (i) in the case where the temperature range specified for the device by the manufacturer is a range that spans at least 30°C and is entirely within the default temperature range, that specified temperature range, and
  • (ii) in any other case, the default temperature range;
• (e) if the device measures using optical principles, an ambient light level that is within the range of 100 lx to 100 000 lx; and
• (f) if the device measures using acoustic principles, an acoustic interference of up to 100 dB at the nominal centre frequency of the device’s ultrasonic transducers.

Eccentric measurements

5 A timber dimension measuring device must perform within the applicable limits of error referred to in section 3 when, under controlled conditions, the device is tested while it measures a log in an off-center position.

Disturbances

6 When a timber dimension measuring device is exposed to a disturbance, it must

• (a) provide a measurement registration that is ±1 d from the measurement registration that would be provided without the disturbance;
• (b) provide a blank measurement registration and prevent the measurement information from being displayed, transmitted, printed or stored;
• (c) provide an error message and prevent the measurement information from being displayed, transmitted, printed or stored; or
• (d) provide a measurement registration that is so unstable that it cannot be interpreted as representing the correct measurement values.

Design, Composition and Construction

Accuracy and fraud prevention

7 A timber dimension measuring device must be designed, composed and constructed in a manner that, under normal conditions of use, enables it to measure accurately and does not facilitate the perpetration of fraud.

Examination and testing

8 A timber dimension measuring device must be designed, composed and constructed in a manner that enables it to be examined and enables physical test standards or test objects to be applied to it and recovered before they are processed by any other device.

Intervals

9 Each interval of a timber dimension measuring device must be

• (a) displayed or printed in decimal form, with the decimal submultiple of the unit of length being set apart by a decimal point or comma; and
• (b) equal to 1 × 10ⁿ, 2 × 10ⁿ or 5 × 10ⁿ units of length, where “n” is an integer.

Rounding measurement values

10 If a measurement value for a log falls between successive intervals, the timber dimension measuring device must round the value to the nearest interval or, if the value is equidistant between successive intervals, round it up to the nearest interval.

Software identification

11 A timber dimension measuring device must be equipped with a feature that identifies the name and version of the software that it uses.

Indicator

12 A timber dimension measuring device must be equipped with

• (a) an indicator that has digits, letters or symbols that are of a consistent design, number and size and that permit measurement registrations to be clearly displayed; and
• (b) if the indicator displays information provided by the device and any other source, a feature that displays measurement registrations separately from the information provided by the other source.

Portable second indicator

13 (1) A timber dimension measuring device must be equipped with a portable second indicator if the device is installed such that, during an examination of the device by an inspector, the indicator required under section 12 cannot be readily observed by the inspector when they are at the measuring element.

Requirements

(2) The portable second indicator must

• (a) be readily connectable to all of the measuring elements without affecting their performance;
• (b) be configured to display the same information as the indicator required under section 12; and
• (c) display information that is in exact agreement with the information displayed by the indicator required under section 12.

Error handling

14 A timber dimension measuring device must be equipped with a mechanism or feature, or be connected to auxiliary equipment that is equipped with a mechanism or feature, that prevents a log from being processed after the device provides an error message or blank measurement registration.

Devices with multiple measuring elements

15 A timber dimension measuring device that is installed such that multiple measuring elements are connected to one indicator or printer must be equipped with

• (a) a feature that automatically identifies the measuring element that is in use and is providing information to the indicator or printer; and
• (b) a feature that prevents a measuring element from being used while another measuring element is in use and is providing information to the indicator or printer.

Test mode for display

16 A timber dimension measuring device must have a test mode that shows the functional status of all display elements and segments of its indicator if failure of any single element or segment will result in the display of incorrect information.

Automatic ready condition

17 A timber dimension measuring device must automatically enter a ready condition when an object is not on or in the measuring element and, when the device is in that condition, that fact must be displayed on its indicator.

Ready condition before measurement registration

18 A timber dimension measuring device must not display, transmit, print or store a measurement registration if it was not in a ready condition before taking the measurement.

Tare function prohibited

19 A timber dimension measuring device must not use a process, mechanism or feature that reduces or adjusts the gross measured value of a log by a tare value, including a process, mechanism or feature that permits bark or other undesirable material to be subtracted from the measurement.

Measurement registration elements

20 (1) All words, names, symbols and abbreviations that are part of a measurement registration must be displayed or marked on the timber dimension measuring device in a location in which they will not be obliterated or rendered illegible under the normal conditions of use of the device and that is clearly visible to the device’s operator and any customer who is present when a measurement is taken.

Displayed or printed measurement registrations

(2) A measurement registration that is displayed or printed by a timber dimension measuring device must

• (a) be clear and unambiguous; and
• (b) if the measurement registration is printed, be indelible.

Measurement registrations — auxiliary equipment

21 A measurement registration that is displayed or printed by auxiliary equipment must

• (a) agree exactly with the measurement registration provided by the timber dimension measuring device;
• (b) be clear and unambiguous; and
• (c) if the measurement registration is printed, be indelible.

Prohibitions — measurements and measurement registrations

22 A timber dimension measuring device must not

• (a) measure or calculate a log’s area or volume or take any other measurement that is calculated from the log’s length or diameter;
• (b) provide a measurement registration for a measurement or calculation referred to in paragraph (a);
• (c) provide a measurement registration that has a negative measurement value; or
• (d) provide a measurement registration for a log that has a length or diameter that is less than 10 d for the measuring range in use.

Measuring range — minimum measurable value

23 (1) The minimum measurable value for each measuring range of a timber dimension measuring device must not be less than 10 d.

Intervals for measuring ranges

(2) If a timber dimension measuring device has more than one measuring range,

• (a) the measuring ranges must be consecutive; and
• (b) the interval of each measuring range must be smaller than the interval of the immediately superior measuring range.

Error message or blank measurement registration

24 A timber dimension measuring device must provide an error message or a blank measurement registration if

• (a) it measures a log that is not within the limits of the dimensions marked on the device or on a plate that is affixed to the device;
• (b) it measures a log that is not within the detection limits of the device’s sensing component and the measurement value is not within the in-service limits of error referred to in section 3; or
• (c) its sensing component is obstructed when a measurement is taken and the measurement value is not within the in-service limits of error referred to in section 3.

Information to be recorded and stored

25 (1) A timber dimension measuring device must record and store the following information, or be connected to auxiliary equipment that records and stores that information, when a customer is not present at the time their logs are measured:

• (a) for each log measured, its length and each measurement of its diameter; and
• (b) if the logs are separated into lots, the lot identifier for, and number of logs in, each lot.

Information provided to customer

(2) The information referred to in subsection (1) must

• (a) be recorded and stored in a manner that allows it to be provided to the customer; and
• (b) be stored for a period of 90 days after the day on which it was recorded.

Auxiliary equipment interface

26 A timber dimension measuring device that is equipped with an interface that permits the connection of auxiliary equipment must be designed in a manner that prevents the metrological functions of the device from being adversely affected if the connected auxiliary equipment is exposed to an influence factor or a disturbance.

Adjustable components

27 A component of a timber dimension measuring device that is physically or electronically adjusted must maintain that adjustment until any further adjustment is made to that component.

Seals

28 The metrological functions and adjustable components of a timber dimension measuring device must be protected by

• (a) physical seals that are readily accessible and observable and that make any access to those functions or components apparent; or
• (b) electronic seals that make any access to those functions or components apparent, such as an audit trail that counts the number of changes made to the calibration or configuration parameters of the device or records the values related to these changes.

Marking — general

29 (1) The following information must be permanently marked in a clearly visible location on a timber dimension measuring device or on a descriptive plate that is affixed to the device:

• (a) the approval number assigned to the class, type or design of the device in accordance with paragraph 17(c) of the Weights and Measures Regulations;
• (b) the name of the device’s manufacturer;
• (c) the device’s model designation;
• (d) the device’s serial number;
• (e) for each axis of measurement that the device is capable of measuring in the location where it is installed,
  • (i) the minimum and maximum dimensions for each measuring range on that axis, and
  • (ii) the interval for each measuring range on that axis;
• (f) the number of scan heads installed on the device;
• (g) the device’s minimum and maximum operating speeds as installed;
• (h) the minimum distance, in centimetres or metres, between each log measured; and
• (i) the temperature range specified for the device by the manufacturer, if any.

Marking — temperature range

(2) Despite paragraph (1)(i), a temperature range specified for the device by the manufacturer must not be marked on it or the descriptive plate unless the range spans at least 30°C and is entirely within the default temperature range.

Marking — other

30 The following information must be permanently marked on a timber dimension measuring device, or be posted near the device, in a location where the information is clearly visible to the device’s operator and any customer who is present when a measurement is taken:

• (a) all restrictions, limitations or conditions on the use of the device; and
• (b) all special applications or uses of the device.

Installation and Use

Requirements

31 (1) A timber dimension measuring device must be installed and used in a manner that

• (a) ensures accurate measurement;
• (b) respects the parameters, restrictions and limitations set out in the notice of approval issued in respect of the device under section 3 of the Weights and Measures Act;
• (c) subject to section 2, is in accordance with the instructions issued by its manufacturer or importer;
• (d) does not adversely affect the performance of the device;
• (e) does not facilitate the perpetration of fraud; and
• (f) ensures that any auxiliary equipment will not prevent the device from meeting the requirements of paragraphs (a) to (e).

Examination and testing

(2) A timber dimension measuring device must be installed in a manner that enables it to be examined and enables physical test standards or test objects to be applied to it and recovered before they are processed by any other device.

Use — general

32 A timber dimension measuring device must only be used

• (a) in a manner that is consistent with its design, composition and construction; and
• (b) to measure logs that have a naturally occurring cross-section.

Use — mobile equipment

33 A timber dimension measuring device that is an integral part of, or is attached or secured to, the frame, chassis, lifting mechanism or bed of mobile equipment — such as a truck, tractor, trailer or forklift — must not be supported by the wheels or treads of that equipment when the device is making a measurement.

Visibility of measurement registrations

34 A timber dimension measuring device must be installed in a manner that permits the operator, and any customer who is present when a measurement is taken, to observe the taking of the measurement and easily read the device’s indicator.

Coming into Force

Publication

35 These Specifications come into force on the day on which they are published in the Canada Gazette, Part II.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Specifications.)

Proposal

The Minister of Industry has established the Specifications Relating to Timber Dimension Measuring Devices (the Specifications) pursuant to sections 13 and 27 of the Weights and Measures Regulations.

Objective

The Specifications Relating to Timber Dimension Measuring Devices come into force upon publication in the Canada Gazette, Part II.

Background

The Weights and Measures Act governs, among other things, the use of approved and examined weighing and measuring devices that meet established legislative and regulatory requirements, and the accurate measurement of products and services traded on the basis of measurement.

The Weights and Measures Regulations set out requirements to which devices must comply before they can be approved under the Weights and Measures Act for use in trade. These requirements (referred to as the specifications) are technical in nature and may relate to the design, composition, construction and performance, installation and use of devices. The Weights and Measures Regulations also allow the Minister to issue specifications for any device type.

A timber dimension measuring device (TDMD) is a complex piece of technology that measures the dimensions of logs (diameter measurements and overall length). There are currently no international standards with technical requirements for these types of devices.

To date, Measurement Canada has issued temporary approvals for four TDMDs to be used in trade. To be able to evaluate these types of devices for use in trade, Measurement Canada had collaborated with the Canadian Standards Association and provincial wood scaling associations to develop technical requirements. These requirements were set out in the Terms and conditions for the approval of timber dimension measuring devices and published online in January 2016. The terms and conditions were used to evaluate TDMDs for temporary approval for use in trade and to examine the devices once they were in use. The technical requirements in the terms and conditions for TDMDs have been adapted into the Specifications Relating to Timber Dimension Measuring Devices.

Implications

The Specifications Relating to Timber Dimension Measuring Devices contain similar requirements as the former terms and conditions for TDMDs. As there are no new requirements in these Specifications, the ability of existing devices to meet the requirements will not be affected. The new Specifications will replace the terms and conditions. Measurement Canada will work with stakeholders who have temporary approvals for their models of TDMDs to update documentation, as needed.

The establishment of these ministerial Specifications will enable manufacturers to apply for a permanent approval of a TDMD under the Weights and Measures Act. There is no expected adverse impact to device manufacturers and owners.

Consultation

In 2019, Measurement Canada announced its intention to convert existing terms and conditions for eight different measuring devices, including TDMDs, to ministerial specifications. Measurement Canada shared this information on its website and via email distribution lists to invite feedback from stakeholders who manufacture, distribute or use these devices. Two manufacturers of TDMDs that hold temporary notices of approval under the Weights and Measures Act responded. Stakeholders supported the plan, indicating that the initiative would create additional certainty in the marketplace, would be beneficial to them and would not affect their operations or impose additional costs to their business.

As stakeholders were involved in the development of the TDMD terms and conditions and expressed support for the conversion to ministerial specifications, a consultation was not held on the TDMD ministerial Specifications.

Contact

Gayatri Shankarraman
Vice-President
Legislative Policy and Regulatory Affairs
Measurement Canada
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Email: gayatri.shankarraman@ised-isde.gc.ca