Have you ever seen a broken seal on a metering device? At this very moment, many questions arise, like where to go and how to deal with it. After all, during the subsequent inspection, you may receive a formal notification of breaching the seal, be subject to bills reconciliation for services from the date of the last actual inspection of the meter, and incur an unnecessary burden.
Security seal damaging means both a compromising of the structural integrity (e.g., ripping or deformation of the latch, a core breach), and colour alterations, absolute or selective deletion of the markings, a meter breaking.
Prearranged meter validations are typically carried out every few years, e.g. water and gas meters are examined once every 3 to 4 years. If any harm to a security seal is recorded by the deputy inspector, it is impossible to abstain from liability arising from carelessness or misconduct. The law mandates not only the payment of the difference in readings in accordance with the tariff, but also the reimbursement of the expenses incurred for the examination, metrological calibration, and repair of the metering device. It is strongly recommended to hinder this from occurring. It’s best to visually check all the parts and fasteners on the meters yourself often. Particularly, when there are children and pets present, or if any maintenance or renovation work has been performed.
If you notice that the seals and fasteners are damaged, please take the following steps:
- It is advisable to contact the company you submit monthly meter readings to immediately and write a report about the security seal breakage and harm done to the meter.
- Submit an application for the examination and sealing of the meter.
- Set up an appointment with the examiner to replace the seal.
- Together with the inspector, make a report about the damage and a certificate that the seal was removed at the location.
After installing a new seal, a certificate needs to be prepared that says it was replaced. The certificate of seal installation serves as your safeguard against possible disagreements.
It is imperative to complete all the stages as quickly as possible, thus the paperwork and organizational procrastination cannot be avoided. The service providers have taken every precaution to safeguard themselves — there are sanctions that range from felony responsibility to monetary penalties. It’s important to be cautious and keep an eye on the meters.