NEWSLETTER HIGHLIGHTS MEASUREMENT UNCERTAINTY Why all measurements are merely estimates MEASUREMENT FOR RECOVERY Driving growth for UK businesses GETTING KIDS INTO SURVEY Why mapping matters MIND THE GAP How the STEM skills shortage is harming the industry Spring 2023CONTENTS Page 2Meet our newsletter contributors Page 3Editor’s Note Page 4News Page 10How UK STEM shortages are impacting the metrology industry Lauren Wakeling, UK country manager at CoursesOnline Page 12How the NPL is investing in innovation Measurement for Business (M4B) making tracks Page 14Independent Review of the Construction Product Testing Regime Calls for simplified and strengthened construction product regulation Page 16Getting kids into survey What UK metrology can learn from the Get Kids Into Survey campaign Page 20Clarifying measurement uncertainty (Part 1) Carl Wordsworth, Head of Water Sector, TÜV SÜD National Engineering Laboratory Page 24Clarifying measurement uncertainty (Part 2) Caroline Widdowson, Head of Market Development, Markes International bmta.co.uk 2 MEET OUR NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORS Lauren Wakeling, UK Country Manager, Courses Online Lauren is UK Country Manager for education marketing company Courses Online, which offers a range of training courses from the UK’s leading educational providers. Dr Carl Wordsworth Head of Water Sector TÜV SÜD National Engineering Laboratory Carl is currently the Head of Water for TÜV SÜD National Engineering Laboratory and has worked with NEL at East Kilbride ifor the past three years. Carl has 24 years’ experience working in fluids research and has spent most of his career looking at R&D within the oil, gas and water industries. Carl has spent more than 10 years developing new products for the oil and gas industry and has developed a range of separation technologies for which he holds a number of patents. His most recent work has focused on business development in the water industry for NEL and trying to develop NEL’s digital services in the water industry. Elaine Ball Elaine Ball is a global business and marketing specialist in the geospatial Industry. She has a decades-long history in international marketing and business development for the technical industry and owns the Geospatial Marketing Academy. Welcome to the SPRING issue of the BMTA Newsletter The issue of STEM skills shortages is a perennial one and one that governments periodically attempt – not always successfully – to fix. In this issue we hear from a leading course provider on some of the factors influencing these shortages and what’s being done to address them. We also hear about a novel initiative designed to get more children interested in survey work. Get Kids Into Survey does what it says on the binocular case. Using games, virtual reality demos and comics, the programme is working hard to ensure that careers in the geospatial industry get the coverage they need among the drive for STEM skills. The NPL is doing its bit with a new scheme to accelerate innovation and increase confidence in product development. Elsewhere in this issue, Carl Wordsworth, Head of Water Sector, TÜV SÜD National Engineering Laboratory, gives us two-part article covering the basics of measurement uncertainty. He gives a worked example of how measurement uncertainty can be used to determine the level of uncertainty when measuring the volume of a cylindrical tank. As ever, we encourage new members and invite you to get in touch if you’d like to join our network. Enjoy the read. Hazel Davis Edfitor – BMTA Newsletter editor@bmta.co.uk EDITOR’S NOTE bmta.co.uk 34 NEWS bmta.co.uk The National Measurement Laboratory (NML) at LGC has launched the Northern Cell Metrology Hub, a new centre of innovation for clinical diagnostics and medical technology, at the University of Leeds’ innovation community, Nexus. The first step in a partnership between the University of Leeds and the NML, the laboratory was launched on Friday, 31 March 2023 at a special event hosted by Nexus, which features talks from Professors Julian Braybrook and Nick Plant, as well as a visit from the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin. Professor Julian Braybrook, UK Government Chemist and Director of Science & Partnerships of National Laboratories, LGC said: “Cells provide the structure and function for all living things. However, they are particularly complex to characterise robustly. While the partnership coming together through this hub represents significant progress in our collaboration, I most look forward to our working together to develop new internationally leading approaches that support the greater understanding of biological measurement.” The hub, which represents a new centre for the NML’s existing cell metrology capabilities in the UK, will support health and life science industries achieve safe, reliable and productive solutions through innovative technology and will focus on the standardisation of cell measurements, using flow cytometry and bio-imaging techniques, for analysis of single cells. Professor Nick Plant, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Leeds, said: “This partnership is the start of an exciting long-term collaboration between the University of Leeds, Nexus and the NML, further developing our reputation as a national hub for medical technology innovation. We will be working closely with the NML, sharing vital knowledge and equipment through our Cellular Biology specialists at the University’s Astbury Centre.” Dr Martin Stow, Chair and Director at Nexus, added: “This is yet another huge accolade for Leeds City Region as a centre of excellence and innovation in healthcare and life sciences. As part of the Leeds Innovation Arc – the innovation neighbourhoods formed around our universities and the proposed new adult and children’s hospitals in the city – the new hub confirms Leeds’ status as a welcoming and thriving location for businesses and organisations which have a positive impact on people’s health and society’s wellbeing.” In addition to the university as partner, the new lab has local support from the Yorkshire & Humberside Academic Health Science Network (AHSN) and Leeds NHS Trust. NATIONAL MEASUREMENT LABORATORY AT LGC LAUNCHES CELL METROLOGY LAB IN LEEDS5 NEWS UKAS PRICE INCREASES – YOUR THOUGHTS STILL NEEDED TIC Council has published a new market study report, aimed at assessing the compliance of consumer electrical products sold in the European Single Market with basic safety requirements from European product safety legislation. The study sourced 120 samples from seven different EU countries which were then sent to an accredited laboratory for evaluation against relevant legislation. The results demonstrated that 85 out of the 120 tested products purchased in Europe were not in compliance with the relevant standards. Ten years after the first such study, conducted in 2012, the researchers observed that the level of safety of consumer goods has not improved. Between the two studies, there was found a 15 percentage point in the total number of non-conformities and an increase from 17% to 23% of dangerous non-conformities. On Wednesday 15 March on World Consumer Rights Day, TIC Councilhosted a webinar to discuss the outcomes of the study and the various measures that need to be put in place to increase the degree of safety that consumers can expect from the EU Single Market. “It is fundamental for consumers to trust in a product’s quality and safety. We, at TIC Council, are ready to work together with European institutions, international organisations and consumer associations, providing the expertise and knowledge of our members to improve the level of safety and bring trust to consumers all over the world,” said Hanane Taidi, Director General of TIC Council. bmta.co.uk CONSUMER GOODS IN THE EU – PERSISTING SAFETY ISSUES Back in 2022, the UKAS Cost Survey found that UKAS prices were on the increase, with some 66% of respondents unsatisfied that there was sufficient justification for the costs applied. Since the results of that survey, we’re still keen to hear your thoughts on the increases and how they’ve affected you. The BMTA is interested in hearing the opinions and experience of its members in this area and would welcome submissions on this topic. BMTA would encourage all accredited organisations to engage with us on areas of common interest. Should you have a view, wish to provide feedback or flag an issue, please get in touch – enquiries@bmta.co.uk You can find the full presentation of the UKAS Costs Survey findings at: https://www.bmta.co.uk/ articles/576-ukas-costs-survey.html6 NEWS bmta.co.uk The webinar will highlight metamaterials, the opportunities that they could bring to industry, and the role that metrology plays in supporting the commercialisation of new materials. It will also explore applications of metamaterials including in communications, energy and more. Metamaterials are 3D structures engineered to have properties, in response to input such as light, mechanical forces or sounds, that are not possible with only their unstructured constituent materials. Metamaterial families include acoustic, photonic and mechanical metamaterials. Metamaterials are increasingly being developed for industrial applications, for instance with applications in defence, space, health and sports. NPL’s Manufacturer Measurement Network (MMN) supports the UK manufacturing supply chain by disseminating information, sharing best practice and offering training. Its role is to help the prosperity of advanced manufacturing so that the production of non-conforming parts is minimised, upskilling and building staff awareness to use the right measurement equipment at the right time in the production process, building confidence in a manufacturer’s quality system, which can be demonstrated to auditors, customers or other third parties; and enhance processes, production and efficiency to help competitiveness. You can register for a free ticket here: https://www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/metamaterials-from-health-to- energy-online-tickets-541136984287 METAMATERIALS: FROM HEALTH TO ENERGY The National Physical Laboratory-led Manufacturing Measurement Network (MMN) and the UK Metamaterials Network are partnering to deliver a webinar on Tuesday 2 May Third Dimension, manufacturer of the GapGun and Vectro precision-measurement tools, has extended its T-series line of measurement sensor with the new T15.The GapGun is an optical measurement system that uses laser triangulation technology to collect its measurements. The T15 sensor projects a laser stripe across the surface of a part to determine the measurable feature. Simultaneously, the integrated camera system takes images of this static laser stripe. As the angle is known between the camera and the laser projection, then an algorithm can be written to calculate the dimensions of the surface over which the laser falls and the camera sees. This measured data is then transformed to point cloud format to generate a digital copy of the surface. A point cloud is produced by software that uses image processing to convert the images of the profile into a series of points which can be used to extrapolate the shape of the feature. These points allow the system to analyse the measured surface. Because a laser is a clean form of structured light, measured data is highly reliable and can be used as a stable light source for data analysis. The new sensor addresses a key challenge for metrology and quality teams in the aerospace, automotive, energy and industrial sectors who regularly need to measure small radii and make accurate measurements on all sorts of component parts with total confidence to meet precision, safety and efficiency requirements. Francois Froment, CEO at Third Dimension, said: “We are delighted to be bringing this high precision sensor to market to start the year. Working closely with our distributors and customers we know that we have created a solution which meets their high-precision metrology needs, including enhancing their industry 4.0 strategies.” NEW MEASUREMENT SENSOR FROM THIRD DIMENSION Third Dimension, manufacturer of the GapGun and Vectro precision-measurement tools, has extended its T-series line of measurement sensor with the new T157 NEWS TWO NEW UKAS PORTALS Alongside the recent launch of UKAS’s free-to- use online database of accredited management systems certifications, CertCheck, the organisation has launched two new new portals. From May 2023, all UKAS customers (with the exception of healthcare and forensics customers, who will gain access slightly later in the year) will have access to both UKAS portals. In the UKAS main portal (MP), UKAS customers will be able to set up access for multiple internal users and manage and update their contact details, advise UKAS of any organisational changes, review assessment details, complete and submit pre-assessment questionnaires, review their project statuses and view UKAS contacts, submit applications for extensions to scope, including the uploading of supporting documentation and upload, download and view project documents, including assessment reports, within the UKAS document handling system, without the need for additional sign- on. In the UKAS assessment portal (AP), customers will be able to review and respond to any improvement actions raised by UKAS assessors. This enables customer responses to reach UKAS assessors faster, view feedback from UKAS following submission of their evidence and receive automatic notifications when further evidence is required. They can also reassign ownership of improvement actions internally, enabling the efficient handling of workload within their organisation, view the status of improvement actions for the current assessment cycle and for previous years. UKAS believes that its portals will enable greater visibility for customers and improve its service while enhancing collaboration between UKAS and its customers. UKAS will continue to invest in the digitisation of many aspects of the assessment process and the portals will play a key role in supporting this goal. Something to say? If you have any newsworthy stories, contributory articles or case studies, centred around the measurement, testing or calibration industry that you would like to see featured in the next issue of BMTA Newsletter, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Send your article to: editor@bmta.co.uk bmta.co.uk He added, “Whether for car parts or other industrial equipment, ensuring these fine tolerances through accurate measurement is essential, and in the past has been a labour-intensive activity for metrologists. The T15, which integrates easily with GapGun and Vectro, will help change this.” An automotive OEM and a Third Dimension customer who took part in T15 trials, said: “The Gapgun used with the new T15 sensor offers an efficient tool to measure dashboards quickly and accurately. This tool allows us to digitalise our dashboard control, secure data traceability and provides an overall saving compared to manual gauges. Its exceptional ergonomic design allows operators to use the tool inline or offline. 8 NEWS The theme for this year’s event was chosen because of the increasing challenges of climate change, and global distribution of food in a world whose population reached 8 billion at the end of 2022. The World Metrology Day project is realised jointly by the BIPM (the international organisation established by the Metre Convention) and the OIML (the International Organisation of Legal Metrology). World Metrology Day is an annual celebration of the signature of the Metre Convention on 20 May 1875 by representatives of 17 nations. The Convention set the framework for global collaboration in the science of measurement and in its industrial, commercial and societal applications. In the UK, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) will be opening its historic Bushy House and gardens to the public with a day of science demonstrations, including the NPL’s popular liquid nitrogen show. WORLD METROLOGY DAY EVENTS World Metrology Day takes place on 20 May 2023 with a theme of measurements supporting the global food system bmta.co.uk9 NEWS bmta.co.uk INSTMC AGM AND EGMS The Institution of Measurement and Control (InstMC) has announced its 2023 AGM and EGM for Tuesday, 6 June 2023 at at the InstMC head office Those unable to attend in person will be able to join the meeting virtually through a meeting joining link that will be sent out closer to the time. Members who are eligible to vote at the AGM and EGMs include members, fellows and honorary fellows, while students, associates and affiliates are welcome to attend the meeting but are not eligible to vote on the motions. All meeting details, voting platform, and papers, including the 2022 Annual Report, are available on the InstMC website. The 2023 AGM and EGMs are an important opportunity for members to discuss and vote on issues affecting the organisation and members are encouraged to participate in the meetings and have their voices heard. IMEKOFOODS CONFERENCE PARIS The seventh IMEKOFOODS conference will take place in Paris (Maisons-Alfort), from 25 to 27 October 2023 The conference will take place under the slogan: “Worldwide food trade and consumption: quality and risk assessment.” The conference will welcome scientists whose work is focused on food chemistry and metrology, nutrition, food safety and quality, risk assessment and food authenticity. Speakers include Dr Frans Verstraete from the European Commission, Dr Luc Ingenbleek from the World Health Organisation and Professor Jens Sloth from the Danish Technical University, National Food Institute (DTU-Food). Sessions include European proficiency tests for food quality assessment and analytical approaches and tools for food quality control. Early bird registration will be available until 31 August 2023. For more information visit https:// conferences.imeko.org/ event/6/registrationsNext >