As part of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Regulatory Services Division, the Tennessee Weights and Measures Metrology Laboratory (TWMML) maintains and houses the primary standards of mass, volume and length for the State of Tennessee.  These standards were issued to the state in 1968 by the United States Congress through the Department of Commerce.  Each state received a duplicate set of standards in mass, volume and length to help promote uniformity of weights and measures across the nation.

The standards used in the Tennessee Weights and Measures Metrology Laboratory are directly traceable to the national standards maintained at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, Maryland.  These standards provide an unbroken chain of traceability to NIST for commerce and industry in the State of Tennessee.

Training for the Metrologists of TWMML is provided at NIST by the Office of Weights and Measures.  Classes offered by NIST include; a two-week basic course, a one-week intermediate course, and a two-part advanced course.  NIST also offers training at Regional Measurement Assurance Programs held annually.  See the NIST web page for more information on these courses.

TWMML is the sole source for legal metrology in the State of Tennessee.  This laboratory provides a calibration service to all licensed servicepersons, and industry in the State of Tennessee.

The goal of TWMML is to promote uniformity of weights and measures across the state.  The laboratory conducts all measurements under controlled conditions using techniques of the highest quality and as described in NIST Handbook 145.  All resources available are used to promote the highest degree of accuracy in a timely manner.

SERVICE POLICIES

Calibration services are offered on an appointment basis only.  This policy limits the time the customer is without the standards and prevents lengthy turnaround.  For pricing information, please contact the laboratory or reference the fee schedule.  The customer is responsible for all shipping charges and shipping arrangements to and from the laboratory.  The laboratory will contact the customer when calibration is complete.

LABORATORY ACCREDITATION INFORMATION

In order to meet audit requirements, many laboratory customers regularly require information on the traceability of Tennessee's measurements.  Tennessee is recognized through the United States Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology.

The TWMML periodically has its standards recalibrated at NIST and traceable through valid NIST Test Numbers on file at NIST and the TWMML in Nashville.

State Weights & Measures Directors Points of Contact (Requires free Adobe Acrobat Reader).

TENNESSEE WEIGHTS & MEASURES METROLOGY LABORATORY
440 Hogan Road, Jennings Building
Nashville, TN 37220
Phone: (615) 837-5159, Fax: (615) 837-5015