Section 21.85.63. Hopper scales.

A “hopper scale” is a scale designed for weighing bulk commodities whose load-receiving element is a tank, box, or hopper mounted on a weighing element; and includes automatic hopper scales, grain hopper scales, and construction material hopper scales.

       85.63(1) Installation. A hopper scale used for commercial purposes shall be so located, or such facilities for normal access thereto shall be so provided that the test weights of the weights and measures official, in the denominations customarily provided, and in the amount deemed necessary by the weights and measures official for the proper testing of the scale, may readily be brought to the scale by customary means; otherwise it shall be the responsibility of the scale owner or operator to supply such special facilities, as required by the weights and measures official. The hopper scale shall have extended angle irons with hooks 14 inches from edge to hopper, in all four corners, to allow the inspector to hook his chain and binder to 500# weight (or 1000# weight) for testing.

       85.63(2) Method of hopper scale testing. The method to be used in testing the scale for weighing accuracy shall be by the suspension of standard test weights at each corner of the weighbridge, suspended from a point as near as possible over the center of the main bearing. A suitable permanent device to which the suspension equipment may be connected shall be properly located and placed on each corner of the weighbridge. There is to be no obstruction, such as machinery, spouting or insufficient wall clearance, etc., that will interfere with the free suspension of the weights.

       85.63(3) Approved by department. Newly installed hopper scales must be approved by the department; this approval shall be based upon blueprints and specifications submitted for this purpose.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 215.10 and 215.18.