The Non-automatic Weighing Instruments (NAWI) Directive has applied to weighing machines used for weighing patients for monitoring, diagnosis or treatment since 1st January 2003. All such machines that have been brought into use since that date are required to be "verified" by a Trading Standards Officer or other accredited verification agency. When such machines are repaired or adjusted such that their weighing performance may be affected they are required to be "re-verified" before they can be put back into use. The Non-automatic Weighing instruments Regulations 2000 creates offences that are committed when re-verification does not take place.
The logistics of re-verification involves calling in the local Trading Standards Department or an alternative accredited verifier, or the particular repair department in the hospital gaining self verification accreditation itself. However these options may not be practical or economic, and it should be borne in mind that not all Trading Standards Departments are themselves authorised to carry out verification.
The legal implications of putting back into use verified equipment that has been repaired but not subsequently re-verified may mean that hospitals will need to reconsider their policy. Consulting with the specialist weighing equipment company who supplied the product may help you to decide which route is the most appropriate and economic for you. Information is also available from your local Trading Standards Department.
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