PENNSYLVANIA     ASSOCIATION

of

Weights and Measures

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lancaster, PA:   The Pennsylvania Association of Weights and Measures urges consumers to use caution when making purchases of coal this heating season.

According to Mike Bannon, Association President, both hard and soft coal are utilized by homes and small businesses throughout Pennsylvania and notes that purchasers should be aware of some basic guidelines when making purchases of coal.

State regulations require that coal must be weighed by a licensed public weighmaster on an approved scale and that the purchaser of the coal must receive the original copy of the weight certificate.  Coal haulers are required to have an approved weight certificate for each compartment on the truck.  With anthracite coal selling at near $120.00 per ton, consumers are advised  to protect themselves by following these sound practices.

(a)      Purchase your heating products from known and reputable dealers only.

(b)      Insist on receiving the original copy of the weight certificate making sure it is completely filled out.

(c)      Pre-measure your coal bin to determine its cubic foot capacity. Hard coal occupies approximately 37 cubic feet per ton, therefore, if you purchased 5 ton you should have approximately 185 cubic feet of product.

(d)      Be very wary of purchasing coal from unknown vendors who offer a very low price per ton.

Consumers, who suspect that they have been shorted or have questions about any portion of their transaction, may contact the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Division of Weights and Measures at 717-787-9089 or Association President Mike Bannon at 215-348-7442.