Australia is known for its well-developed standards and conformance infrastructure, which has helped in ensuring that its measurement system is accurate and reliable. This traceability of Australian legal units of measurement is a critical aspect of the country's economy, as it is essential for trade, safety, health, and environmental protection.
The measurement system in Australia is based on the International System of Units (SI), which provides a standard framework for measuring physical quantities such as mass, length, and time. This system of measurement is based on seven base units, including the metre for length, kilogram for mass, second for time, and ampere for electric current, among others.
The legal units of measurement within Australia are based on the National Measurement Act 1960, which is administered by the National Measurement Institute (NMI). The NMI is Australia's statutory authority that is responsible for maintaining the country's standards of measurement and ensuring that its measurement system is accurate, reliable, and consistent.
The NMI is also responsible for adopting and implementing international standards and agreements related to measurement, such as the International System of Units (SI) and the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for conformity assessment. This helps in ensuring that Australia's measurement system is consistent with global standards, which is important for international trade and cooperation.
The traceability of Australian legal units of measurement is established using a 'chain of traceability.' This means that measurements at a lower level of the measurement chain are traced back to higher level measurements, including the international prototype standards held by international bodies such as the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM).
This traceability ensures that measurements taken in Australia are accurate and reliable, which is vital for industries such as manufacturing, mining, and construction, among others. Accurate measurements are also critical for maintaining safety and protecting the environment. For example, measurement traces back to international standards mean that when a manufacturer builds a machine, for example, that it gives reliable readings.
Australia's measurement system is supported by a range of metrology, calibration, and testing services that are provided by accredited bodies. These services help to ensure that measuring instruments and equipment are accurately calibrated and provide reliable measurements.
In conclusion, Australia's measurement system is based on the traceability of legal units of measurement, which is critical for ensuring accuracy, reliability, and consistency. The system is supported by a well-developed infrastructure of standards and conformance, which includes the NMI, various regulatory bodies, and accredited metrology and calibration services. This system of measurement is essential for trade, safety, health, and environmental protection, making it a vital part of Australia's economy and society.