Allegheny County Division of Weights and Measures – Pittsburgh, PA

Division of Weights and Measures

The Allegheny County Division of Weights and Measures is a consumer protection agency located in the County Office Building. ⚖️ Its primary mission is to ensure equity in the marketplace by inspecting and testing all commercial weighing and measuring devices throughout the county. This ensures that consumers get exactly what they pay for, whether pumping gas or buying produce.

Inspections and Enforcement

• Gas Pumps: Regular testing of fuel dispensers to verify volume accuracy and fuel quality. ⛽
• Retail Scales: Inspecting scales in grocery stores, delis, and scrap yards to ensure correct weight calibration.
• Price Scanning: Verifying that prices charged at checkout scanners match the advertised shelf prices (UPC scanning inspections). 🏷️
• Timing Devices: Checking the accuracy of timing mechanisms in laundromats and car washes.

Consumer Complaints

While the office conducts routine unannounced inspections, it also relies on consumer reports. If you suspect a gas pump is shorting you or a scale is inaccurate, you can file a complaint directly with this division. The office is administrative; most inspectors are in the field. 🚜 Visitors to the office are typically there for administrative purposes or to file formal complaints in person.