KAN Report 46

	Measurement requirements in product standards, 9/2010, S. Riedel/S. Adler/F. Gillmeister/S. Köckritz/J. Mussgnug/H.Mutschler/E. Pencz/T.Schenk (2 MB)
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Summary

The term “measurement uncertainty” is used to describe the quality of measurement results and therefore their reliability. Possible measurement results are subject to variability as a result of random and systematic errors; this variability can be associated with the measured quantity, and is described quantitatively by the measurement uncertainty. In the absence of any indication of the measurement uncertainty, measurement results can be compared neither with each other, nor with reference values such as those specified in a standard or statutory provision. If consideration is not given to the measurement uncertainty, decisions taken on the basis of measurement results may be incorrect, possibly with serious consequences. In the sphere of occupational safety and health and product safety, unsafe products may for example be declared good, thereby possibly leading to hazards. Equally, the sale and use of safe products may be prohibited, leading to litigation. Although the concept of “uncertainty” suggests that of “doubt”, it does in fact lead to greater confidence in the validity of the measurement. The revised Machinery Directive, 2006/42/EC, expressly requires that emission values for noise and vibration be stated together with the associated measurement uncertainty. In the context of the PPE Directive, 89/686/EEC, the stakeholders have long recognized the need for the large number of measurements which are performed to be given greater validity, by ascertainment of the measurement uncertainty. The issue of uncertainty is particularly significant for measurements which are influenced by a large number ofhighly variable boundary conditions.