P&SP 4200 Livestock Scale Test

Instructions to Complete
Livestock Scale Test Report
Form P&SP-4200
The scale inspector or person testing the scale must complete form P&SP-4200 to document the scale tests
required by the Packers and Stockyards Program.
Mail the completed form to the regional office of the Packers and Stockyards Program as listed below. The
states covered by each regional office are listed below its address.
Regional Offices of the Packers and Stockyards Program
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration
Eastern Regional Office
Western Regional Office
Midwestern Regional Office
Suite 230
3950 Lewiston St., Suite 200
Room 317
75 Spring Street
Aurora, CO 80011-1556
210 Walnut Street
Atlanta, GA 30303-3308
Telephone: (303) 375-4240
Des Moines, IA 50309-2110
Telephone: (404) 562-5840
FAX: (303) 371-4609
Telephone: (515) 323-2579
FAX: (404) 562-5848
e-mail:
FAX: (515) 323-2590
e-mail:
PSPDenverCO.GIPSA@usda.gov e-mail:
PSPAtlantaGA.GIPSA@usda.gov
PSPDesMoinesIA.GIPSA@usda.gov
States Covered
States Covered
States Covered
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, LA, AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, KS, MT, IA, IL, IN, KY, OH, MI, MO, MN,
MA, MD, ME, MS, NC, NH, NJ,
NM, NV, OK, OR, TX, UT, WA,
ND, NE, SD, WI
NY, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WV
WY
For more information, see Instructions for Testing Livestock and Animal Scales available from a regional office
or via our web site at http://www.usda.gov/gipsa/pubs/live.pdf.
If you have any questions regarding this form, please contact the appropriate regional office of the Packers and
Stockyards Program listed above.
NOTE: Explanations of terms and abbreviations are provided on page 2 of the form.
Line No.
1

Subject
Page Number

2

Scale Test Agency

3-7

Scale Owner

8
9
10
11

Scale
Manufacturer
Model Number
Serial Number
Type Indictor

12

Balance Indicator

13
14

Pit Depth
Lever Type

15

Scale Capacity

P&SP-4200-i

Instruction
The page number is normally 1 of 1. If additional space is needed or when
testing multiple indicator/platform installations, number pages identifying
the current page number and the total number of pages. For example, page 2
of 3.
Enter the name, address, city, state, zip code, phone number, and e-mail
address of the scale test agency.
Enter the name of the scale owner and the address, city, county, and state
where the scale is located. (Directional addresses may be helpful in rural
locations. Attach a separate sheet to the form to provide directions.)
Enter the name of the manufacturer of the beam, dial or digital indicator
Enter the model number of the indicator from the manufacturer’s ID plate.
Enter the serial number of the indicator found on the ID plate.
Check the appropriate box to indicate the type of indicator and check the
printer box if it has printing capabilities.
Enter the name of the manufacturer of the balance indicator installed on
beam scales.
If indicator is below ground, enter depth of pit in feet.
Enter the type or design of the lever system or load cell. (For example: “S”
or straight; “A” or truss; pipe; pipe and load cell; 4-cells; 6-cells.)
Enter the total scale capacity (maximum nominal capacity), in pounds.
Page 1 of 3

Line No.
16
17

Subject
Scale Division
Class of Scale

18-19

Platform Size and
Capacity

Instruction
Enter the minimum scale division quantity, in pounds.
Check the appropriate box to indicate if the scale is non-marked, or marked
III or III L. NOTE: The scale may be marked as both III and III L.
First: Inside the rack, measure and enter the length and the width of the
platform in meters or feet; indicate which measurement (for example, feet) is
used. Enter the length x width in line 18.
Second: Multiply the length times the width to determine the size of the
platform.
Third: Use the following chart with the platform size to determine the
capacity. See the example following the chart. Enter the scale capacity in
line 19.

Livestock Scales Capacity
Category of Livestock 1 square meter
Cattle
540 kg
Hogs and Calves
340 kg
Sheep and Lambs
240 kg

1 square foot
110 lbs
70 lbs
50 lbs

Examples:
Platform size – length: 4 m. width: 2.5 m.
4m x 2½m = 10 m²
10 x 540 kg = 5,400 kg Capacity
Platform size – length: 14 ft. width: 8 ft.
14’ x 8’ = 112 sq. ft.
112 x 110 lb = 12, 320 lbs Capacity
Line No.
20

Subject
Species Weighed

21

Accessories

22
23
24
25

Access to Scale
Test Date
Last Test Date
Condition of Parts
of the Scale
Test Results

26

27
28

Sensitivity
Response
Motion Detection

29

Auto Zero

P&SP-4200-i

Instruction
Enter the category of livestock that are weighed. (For example, steers,
heifers, cows, bulls, calves, hogs, sheep, goats, horses, and mules.)
Check the appropriate box to indicate each of the accessories that are part of
the scale.
Enter your observation and opinion as to access to the scale for testing.
Enter the date (month, day, and year) you tested the scale.
Enter the date (month, day, and year) the scale was last tested.
Enter the housekeeping and maintenance condition of the scale. Specify the
condition for the (1) gates and racks, (2) scale deck, and (3) scale pit.
The State official or the scale company that conducted the test enters the test
results.
Test Data
Enter the Sensitivity Response (SR) on beam scales, or the discrimination on
dial and digital scales, in pounds, at zero and maximum test loads.
Enter the range in pounds (plus – minus) at which motion detection prevents
printing of weight values.
Enter the range in pounds (plus – minus) at which the scale will
automatically reset to zero after minor balance changes.

Page 2 of 3

Line No.
30a-e

Subject
Test Data

31

Decreasing Load
Test and Balance

32

Remarks

33

Receipt Signature

34

Inspector Signature

P&SP-4200-i

Instruction
It is important that you fill out the test report in the sequence and in the
manner you conduct the test. If you begin a test and determine that the scale
is defective, and then correct the defective condition, record this in sequence
on the test report. Enter each of the following in the respective columns:
Column
Enter Test Data
(a) The location or position on the platform of the test weights.
(b) The total amount of test weights on the scale, in pounds.
(c) The amount of correction weights, in pounds, used to balance
the scale at zero load.
(d) On beam scales: the amount of error weights, in pounds,
added or removed, to balance the scale. On dial and digital
scales: the indicated or printed weight.
(e) Subtract column 4 from column 3; enter the amount, in
pounds, as the error.
For dial and digital scales only, enter the test data for the decreasing load test
and the resulting balance. It is important that you fill out the test report in
the sequence and in the manner you conduct the test. If you begin a test and
determine that the scale is defective, and then correct the defective condition,
record this in sequence on the test report. Enter each of the following in the
respective columns:
Column
Enter Test Data
(a) The location or position on the platform of the test weights.
(b) The total amount of test weights on the scale, in pounds.
(c) The amount of correction weights, in pounds, used to balance
the scale at zero load.
(d) On beam scales: the amount of error weights, in pounds,
added or removed, to balance the scale. On dial and digital
scales: the indicated or printed weight.
(e) Subtract column 4 from column 3; enter the amount, in
pounds, as the error.
On the balance line, enter the amount the scale indicated after the test.
Use the “Remarks” section to enter needed explanations, comments,
adjustments you made, recommendations needed to correct a defective
condition, etc.
The owner or responsible person must sign the form acknowledging receipt
of a copy of the test report form.
The scale inspector or person(s) testing the scale must sign the test report
form.

Page 3 of 3

OMB Control No. 0580-0015 Expires: xx/xx/20xx
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
1 Page No.
GRAIN INSPECTION, PACKERS AND STOCKYARDS ADMINISTRATION
LIVESTOCK SCALE TEST REPORT
PACKERS AND STOCKYARDS PROGRAM
2 Test Agency (Name, address, city, state, zip code, phone number, and e3 Scale Owner
mail address)
4 Address
5 City
8 Scale Manufacturer (Indicator) 9 Model Number
13 Pit Depth

14 Type Levers

11 Type Indicator

10 Serial Number

15 Scale Capacity 16 Scale Division (d)

Ft.
20 Category of Livestock Weighed

23 Test Date
(mm/dd/yyyy)

6 County

12 Balance Indicator (Name)

‰ Beam
‰ Dial ‰ Digital
17 Class of Scale ‰ Not Marked
‰ Marked III
‰ Marked III L

Lbs.
Lbs.
21 Accessories:
‰ AZSM (auto-zero) ‰ Motion Detection
‰ Scale & Computer are Interfaced
25 Condition of:
24 Last Test Date
(mm/dd/yyyy)
a. Gates and Racks

‰
‰

‰

Video Displays ‰ Scoreboard
Computes: Head/Average Weight

Printer
18 Platform Size

X
22 Access to Scale for Testing

‰ Approved
‰ Rejected

c. Scale Pit
Test Data
28 Motion Detection

Zero Load = ______________ Lb. Maximum Load = ______________ Lb.
Error
Test Weights
Column 3 –
Error Weights
Balance
4
or
Weights
(Pounds)
Indicated Weight
(Pounds)
Position
Pounds
(30e)
(30d)
(30c)
(30a)
(30b)

19 Platform Cap.
Lbs.

26 Test Results

b. Scale Deck

27 SR (Sensitivity Response) Or Discrimination Test

7 State

29 AZSM (auto zero)

Range = ______________ Lb.
Test Weights
Position
(30a)

Pounds
(30b)

‰ Condemned
‰ Other_________

Balance
Weights
(Pounds)
(30c)

Range = ______________ Lb.
Error Weights
or
Indicated Weight
(30d)

Error
Column 3 – 4
(Pounds)
(30e)

Balance

31 Decreasing Load Test (Dial and Digital Scales Only)

Balance
32 Remarks

33 Receipt of Report Acknowledged (Signature):

34 Scale Inspector (Signature):

Response is required in order to assure that tests and inspections have been made on scales to show their accuracy so that livestock may be weighed (9 CFR 201.72). Information held
confidential (9 CFR 201.96).

Form P&SP-4200

Page 1 of 3

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where
applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s
income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for
communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of
discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 7206382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays
a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0580-0015. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to
average 45 minutesper response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and
reviewing the collection of information.

Form P&SP-4200

Page 2 of 3

Explanation of Terms and Abbreviations
1. Test Weight Position (Corners and Sections).
The corners and sections of a scale platform are designated as shown in diagrams below when an observer is standing in the
weighing position facing the scale platform.

Beam

4

7

6

5

R.

3

Sec. 4

8

2

Sec. 3

3

4

Sec. 1

L.

1
R.

Sec. 2

L.

Center

2
Sec. 1

1

Sec. 2

4-Section Scale

2-Section Scale

Beam

2. SR (Sensitivity Response).
SR is a measure of the sensitiveness of a scale and is defined as the change in load required to change the position of rest of
the indicator a definite amount. The term SR does not apply to automatic indicating scales.
3. Errors.
If the scale indication exceeds the value of the applied test load (overregistration) the error is designated as plus (+). If the
scale indication is less than the value of the applied test load (underregistration) the error is designated as minus (-).
Suggestions to Owners of Livestock Scales
The following suggestions and recommendations are offered in the interest of improving maintenance and livestock weighing
practices.
1. Visibility.
The weighbeam, dial, or digital instrument should be
located so that the weighmaster has a full and
unobstructed view of the platform, stock racks and gates.
The weighbeam, dial, or digital instrument should be
located so that the weighing will be done in full view of the
interested parties.
2. Installation.
Careful installation by a competent scale mechanic will
tend to reduce maintenance costs and improve weighing
accuracy. Scales are precision devices and require
regular maintenance to assure continued accuracy.
Ready access to the scale pit should be provided through
the neck of the pit or by an outside entrance.
For a fully electronic load cell scale, access to the
weighing elements (load cells) must be provided for the
purpose of inspection and maintenance of the weighing
elements.
3. Approaches.
Approaches should be level and on the same plane as
the scale platform.
4. Scale Platform.
The scale platform should be waterproof.
Concrete platforms, scored, or well roughened, are
recommended.
Where cleats are used, they should be of metal or sturdy
wooden construction in the form of a hinged grid.
Clearance around edges of platform should be not less
than ½ inch, and edges should be undercut.
Form P&SP-4200

5. Stock Racks.
Stock racks should be of substantial wooden or steel
construction, and be firmly anchored to the platform.
Stock racks should have a clearance of at least 3 inches
from all adjacent structures and have adequate side
protection to prevent interference during the weighing.
Entrance and exit gates on stock racks should swing
freely and have positive latches. The preferred location
of gates is at the ends of the platform rather than the
sides.
6. Maintenance.
The scale should be regularly serviced by a competent
scale technician.
The lever system and structural steel in the pit should be
kept well painted.
Pivots and bearings should be packed with a protective
grease. Periodically this grease should be removed and
the pivots and bearings repacked.
Weighbeam notches and poises should be kept clean.
The weighbeam should be protected by a fabric cover
when not in use.
7. Testing.
Scales must be tested at least twice a year by a
competent scale testing agency.
Adequate provision should be made for access of the
testing equipment to the scale.

Page 3 of 3