(1) Spacing, width and identification of graduations. — On a gauge rod or surface gauge, the spacing of the graduations, center to center, shall be 0.03125 (⅓) inch, if graduations are in inches, or one (1) millimeter, if graduated in centimeters. The width of any graduation mark or line shall not exceed .008 of an inch (0.2mm) and shall not be less than .0055 of an inch (0.1mm).

(2) Graduation identification. — The graduation scale shall be in terms of inches and fractions of an inch, or centimeters and fractions of a centimeter. No error shall be greater than ⅓ inch in the entire length of gauge rod or surface gauge, if graduations are in inches, or one (1) millimeter if in centimeters. Main graduation marks or lines shall be successively longer than the minimum graduation marks or lines, and shall be identifiable in spacings not to exceed one-fourth (¼) inch, if graduations are in inches, or five (5) millimeters, if graduations are in centimeters. Graduations shall start at the bottom of the gauge rod or surface gauge and shall be regular in sequence.

(3) Graduation. — Gauge rod graduations and numerals identifying same shall be milled, etched or otherwise indented, but indentations shall not be so deep as to cause a capillary effect preventing straight line readings across the entire face of the gauge rod. Surface gauge graduations shall be of such material that they will not become obliterated. Graduations shall be parallel and at a ninety (90) degree angle to the perpendicular axis of the gauge rod or surface gauge.

(4) Values of graduations. — On a gauge rod or surface gauge, the graduations shall be designated in inches and fractions thereof or centimeters and fractions thereof. In either of these cases there shall be provided by the manufacturer for each such rod or gauge and each tank with which it is associated, a volume chart showing volume in terms of gallons and pounds of liquid in the tank, corresponding to each graduation on the rod or gauge.

(5) Dimensions and material. — A gauge rod shall be made of 18-8 stainless steel or of other suitable approved material and design. A gauge rod shall be rectangular in shape and shall be not less than one-fourth (¼) inch in thickness and not less than three-fourths (¾) inch in width.

(6) Gauge rod. — When properly seated in position, a rod shall not touch the bottom of the tank unless this is required by the design of the supporting elements. The rod shall be graduated throughout an interval corresponding to the gallonage range within which readings of liquid level are to be made. The graduated face of the rod shall have a dull finish.

(7) The maximum swing allowable at the bottom of the gauge rod when in reading position shall not exceed one-half (½) inch.

(8) Chart. — A chart shall be supplied with each farm milk tank and shall show values at least to the nearest pound for a farm milk tank of all capacities. All letters and figures on a chart shall be distinct and easily readable.

(a) Opposite each increment shall be shown the value of that individual increment in terms of United States avoirdupois weight.

(b) The chart shall bear the name and address of the manufacturer; of the producer; the model and serial number of the farm milk tank for which it is intended; the date of the calibration; the name of the person making calibration and the signature of the commissioner’s representative, if any, who witnesses the calibration; a legend stating that the calibration figures are based on ⅓ inch increments, if graduations are in inches, or one (1) millimeter, if graduations are in centimeters.

(c) Four (4) copies of each chart shall be furnished, all four (4) copies to be certified by the commissioner’s representative, if there be one, witnessing the calibration; one (1) copy to be kept by the dairy; one (1) copy to be kept by the manufacturer; and one (1) by the commissioner’s representative who witnessed the calibration, and in the absence of such an official, one (1) copy shall be mailed to the commissioner’s representative, Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, Jackson, Mississippi. One (1) copy is to be given the processor who picks up the milk.

(d) The dairyman’s chart shall be laminated and sealed between transparent sheets of waterproof material, after having had the imprint of the seal of the Dairy Division, Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, imprinted thereon. Where both sides are utilized, both sides shall be shown, and shall be hung or otherwise placed in a conspicuous place in the dairyman’s milk house in which the farm milk tank is located.

(e) All printing and/or typing shall be clear and distinct and all calibration figures shall be placed exactly in line with the increments they are intended to represent.