International Bureau of Weights and Measures

The International Bureau of Weights and Measures is the English name of the Bureau international des poids et mesures (BIPM, often written in English Bureau International des Poids et Mesures), a standards organization, one of the three organizations established to maintain the International System of Units (SI) under the terms of the Convention du Mètre (Metre Convention). Note that the abbreviation IBWM does not exist.

Related Topics:
Standards organization - SI - Convention du Mètre

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It is based at the Pavillon de Breteuil in Sèvres, France, where it enjoys extraterritorial status.

Related Topics:
Sèvres - France - Extraterritorial

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According to its official site:

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:The task of the BIPM is to ensure world-wide uniformity of measurements and their traceability to the International System of Units (SI).

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It does this with the authority of the Convention du Mètre, a diplomatic treaty between fifty-one nations (as of 2005), and it operates through a series of Consultative Committees, whose members are the national metrology laboratories of the Member States of the Convention, and through its own laboratory work.

Related Topics:
Treaty - As of 2005 - Metrology

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The BIPM carries out measurement-related research. It takes part in, and organizes, international comparisons of national measurement standards, and it carries out calibrations for Member States.

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The other organizations which maintain the SI system are:

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• the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM, Conférence générale des poids et mesures)
• the International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM, Comité international des poids et mesures)
 
International Bureau of Weights and Measures: External links ►