Tyne and Wear Metrology Laboratory

Based in Gateshead, the Tyne and Wear Metrology Laboratory provides calibrations and technical assistance to Trading Standards within the 5 local authorities of Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland. Specialising in weights and measures, laboratory staff are able to support Trading Standards throughout the region. This includes the checking of fuel at petrol forecourts, baggage scales at Newcastle Airport and scales at other premises such as shops and hospitals.

The Laboratory achieved UKAS accreditation in 1993 and has been offering a mass calibration service to local industry since then. Investment has seen the laboratory expand to mass calibration at the E2 level which has put the laboratory onto the national stage, attracting customers from around the UK.

The Laboratory also operates as an Approved Body for the re-cast EC Directives and is audited annually against this standard.

Tyne and Wear Joint Committee on Trading Standards oversee the laboratory on behalf of Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland councils.

Our services

UKAS Mass Calibration

• E2 level 1mg to 25kg
• F1 level 1mg to 25kg
• F2 level 1mg to 25kg
• M1 level 1mg to 25kg

All our calibrations come with a light clean as standard.

Non UKAS Calibration

• M1 level from 1 mg up to 1000kg
• We can handle weights that are stored on pallets and have easy access for vehicles to our loading bays.

All our calibrations come with a light clean as standard.

We also calibrate the following instruments and measures:

• Spring Balances
• Weighing Machines
• Volumetric Measures to 20 litres
• Linear Measures
• UKCA Verification of Non-automatic weighing instruments

Weights are also available for hire with a delivery to site service if requested.

Product testing

We offer a product safety testing service for Toys to EN 71 Part 1 (Mechanical and Physical Properties), and for small electrical appliances to BS EN 60335 series. Tests can also be adapted for other products. Get in touch for more details.

Public weighbridge

We operate the public weighbridge in conjunction with Sunderland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Newcastle councils. It is available for use by the public, companies or caravan owners. The weighbridge has a 50 tonne capacity and has a 15 metre deck and there is easy vehicular access to the installation. Find out more about the weighbridge.