Safety Action Notice – SAN2603

A survey by the Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland (SCOTTS) found widespread use of inaccurate and non‑compliant patient weighing scales across primary care settings:

• 82% of GP practices were non‑compliant, using equipment that was unsuitable, unsafe, or did not meet requirements.
• Only 18% of practices were fully compliant with legal and NHS standards.
• 43% of practices were using scales not legal for clinical use (e.g. domestic/bathroom scales).
• 55% of weighing devices failed to meet NHS Class III accuracy requirements.
• 18% of scales tested were inaccurate, with the largest error recorded at −59 kg (41 kg reading for a 100 kg load) Weigh scales that do not meet legal or NHS requirements for Class III medical weighing instruments present a risk of incorrect clinical decisions including medication dosing.

Action is required to ensure only compliant, accurate and properly calibrated devices are used.