GNBS IN FOCUS JUL-AUG

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dear Stakeholders,

During the months of July and August, the Guyana National Bureau Standards (GNBS) continued to conduct its activities on schedule, a in response to the needs of stakeholders.

The Bureau participated in the exciting Building Expo in August whic was hosted under the theme “Building for All: One Guyana, many opportunities.”

This event afforded us the opportunity to showcase our constructio related standards, testing, calibration and product monitoring services which can benefit the booming construction industry.

In this Newsletter, you will get the opportunity to read more about this exciting event.

In addition, during the past two months, the GNBS certified three new laboratories under its Laboratory Certification programme and two new companies under the Permit to use the Made in Guyana Certification Programme.

Certification increases competitive advantage of businesses and products, boost customer satisfaction and showcases compliance with pertinent quality requirements. Several companies also renewed their certification under the various programmes.

With exciting activities planned for the remainder of 2023 inclusive of our National Quality Week, I take this opportunity to wish you productive days ahead

Continue to utilise the services of the GNBS as we work to promote consumer protection and help to develop businesses.

CONTRIBUTIONS

Editorial Contributors

Lloyd David

Bibi Khatoon

Chelsea Lee

Photo Credits

Aishah Hussain

Paul Singh

Chelsea Lee

Concept and Design

Chelsea Lee

Marketing and Promotions

Syeid Ibrahim

George Defrietas

Aishah Hussain

Mr. Al Donavon Fraser

Executive Director (Ag.)

GNBS CERTIFIES ULTRA CARE LABORATORY TO REVISED STANDARD

n July 4, Ultra Care boratory was certified for the ry first time for successfully plementing the quirements of the GYS 70:2021 Standard – General quirements for the Operation a Laboratory.

e scope of the certification includes Urology, Hematology and Biochemistry.

During a simple but significant ceremony held at the facility’s Light and Second Streets, Alberttown location, a certificate and plaque were handed over to Laboratory Manager, Ms. Anola Stephens by GNBS Head of Certification Services (Ag.), Mr. Keon Rankin who congratulated the laboratory personnel for their efforts to meet the requirements of the Standard.

ertification to the National tandard enhances consumer onfidence in the services ffered by the Medical aboratories.

hose requiring medical esting are encouraged to tilize the services of certified aboratories to guarantee ccurate and reliable results.

he list of Certified Labs can be ound on the GNBS website

DURA BLOCK EXPANDS SCOPE OF GNBS CERTIFICATION

Dura Block achieved a certificate and plaque for the expansion of its scope of certification by the GNBS. The scope was expanded to include 102mm/4 inches Load Bearing Masonry Units (Concrete Blocks) which conform to the GYS 215:2018 Standard.

During the handing over ceremony on July 07, a certificate permitting the use of the GNBS Standards Mark was presented to the company’s CEO, Mr. Vinash Chand by GNBS Technical Officer, Ms. Yan Zhu and GNBS Head of Marketing, Mr. Syeid Ibrahim. The certification of concrete blocks falls under the GNBS Product Certification Programme which provides assurance that a product conforms with specified requirements in standards.

This programme aims to implement and monitor certification systems in industries to provide assurance that locally manufactured products conform to requirements of the relevant Guyana Standards

GNBS RECERTIFIES FIBRE TECH INDUSTRIAL PLASTICS

On July 07, Fibre Tech Industrial Plastics (FTIP) was re-certified under the GNBS Product Certification Programme to the Guyana Standard – GYS 557:2020 Plastic Bathtub and Shower Units

In a brief ceremony, the certificate and a plaque were handed over to Office Administrators, Ms. Fazie Mohamed and Ms. Deoranie Bharrat, respectively, by GNBS Head of Certification Services, Mr. Keon Rankin and Technical Officer, Mr. Orlando Sturge.

Customers can be assure that when purchasing certified products such as bath tubs and shower units manufactured by FTIP, they will always receive that which have been tried, tested and proven for quality

GNBS FACILITATES

SUCCESSFUL THREE-DAY ISO 9001 TRAINING

Guyana National Bureau of Standards, in oration with Delphi Consultants Ltd. ated a successful three-day training amme on “Implementing and Documenting O 9001:2015 Standard” from July 10-12.

raining course was designed to provide nce on the development and implementation effective QMS as required by the ISO 9001 ard.

It offered guidance to participants on the egies that can be used to encourage top agement to recognize the benefits of the ty system, promote the quality culture within organisation and documentation of policies procedures as required by the International dard.

ul tools and techniques were enforced ugh the use of practical workshop sessions to ess the needs of companies.

training saw a total of sixteen (16) cipants from the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital g with staff of the GNBS.

PROUDLY GUYANESE

Standards Mark on its products on July 11.

During a brief ceremony held at the GNBS Head Office, the Made in Guyana Certificate was handed over to Proprietor of Luke’s Manufacturing, Mr John Luke by GNBS Technical Officer, Ms. Rosmarie Liliah.

The products that are now approved to carry the Made in Guyana Standards Mark are: Cassava Casareep, Cassava Porridge, Plantain Porridge, Honey, and Chinese Sauce.

The Made in G ana Standa ds Ma k is a egiste ed ma k that aims to p o ide ecognition to f

GNBS RECERTIFIES NAMILCO UNDER ITS MADE IN GUYANA PROGRAMME

The National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO) had its certification renewed by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, for continuing to maintain the requirements of the GNBS Made in Guyana Certification Mark Programme.

On July 20, during the handing over ceremony held at the National Milling Company of Guyana Inc ’s location, the Made in Guyana Certificate was handed over to Managing Director of NAMILCO, Mr. Roopnarine ‘Bert’ Sukhai by GNBS Head of Certification Services, Mr. Keon Rankin.

GNBS CERTIFIES THE CARIBBEAN ENDOCRINOLOGY INSTITUTE

The Caribbean Endocrinology Institute Inc. – Nutrition & Dietetics Laboratory received certification for the first time from the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), for successfully implementing the requirements of the GYS 170 Standard – General Requirements for the Operation of a Laboratory.

During the handing over ceremony on July 14, a certificate and plaque were handed over in a brief ceremony to CEO and Head Consultant, Dr. Caleb Mc Cloggan and Operations Manager, Ms. Anesha Fraser by GNBS Head of Certification Services, Mr. Keon Rankin and Technical Officer, Mr. Orlando Sturge.

Certification to the National Standard enhances consumer confidence in the services offered by Medical Laboratories. Those requiring medical testing are encouraged to utilize the services of certified laboratories to guarantee accurate and reliable results. The list of Certified Labs can be found on the GNBS website.

Stakeholders who are not yet onboard can contact the GNBS and join the various certification programmes to improve operational efficiency, boost customers’ confidence and attract more clients.

GNBS VERIFIES ROAD TANKER WAGONS TO ENSURE SAFE, EFFICIENT TRANSPORT OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

Transportation of bulk fuel from terminals to gas stations countrywide requires safety, efficiency, and accurate measurements.

To ensure these parameters are met, all Road Tanker Wagons (RTW) licensed to transport fuel must be verified by the GNBS in accordance with the 1981 Weights and Measures Act. Owners of these vehicles are also required to comply with the National Standard, GYS 512:2016 - “Requirements for the transport of petroleum and petroleum products by road tanker wagons”.

The GNBS is currently conducting its second period of verification for the year 2023 from July to September. This exercise covers the verification of all measuring instruments used in the health, transportation, retail and other sectors, to ensure consumer protection, safety, health and equity in trade

As it relates to the Road Tanker Wagon, this is defined by the National Standard as a composite unit consisting of a propelling motor and cab together with one or more tanks fixed to a chassis such that bulk transportation of petroleum and petroleum products can be done.

Petroleum products include petrol, diesel, bunker-C and any other heavy oils, liquefied gas, petroleum gas, aviation fuel, kerosene and other hydrocarbon-based product of the petroleum refining process, whether in liquid or gaseous form.

These trucks are verified by the GNBS initially when imported into Guyana and subsequent verification is done yearly to facilitate the renewal of licenses from the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA).

Inspectors of the GNBS and Weights and Measures Officers conduct verification of RTWs to ensure there are no leaking valves, the tanks do not retain more than two (2) litres of petroleum or petroleum products in each compartment, and the carrying capacity of each compartment is accurate

Verification is also required if the vehicle was involved in an accident or incident which can alter the volume of the tanker or fixtures on the unit. In addition, the National Standard provides general safety requirements, and information on the design that is appropriate to reduce accidental damage.

It also lists appurtenance relating to safety including fire extinguishers, warning signs, placards, and lighting.

In order to meet the requirements of this standard and to reduce the possibility of verification and inspection failure, owners of tanker wagons are encouraged to acquire a copy of this standard and take actions to have their tanker wagons meet the requirements

GNBS HOSTS EMANCIPATION COOK-OUT AND FASHION SHOW

As Guyanese set to celebrate Emancipation on August 1, team members of the GNBS’ Corporate Communications and Product Compliance Departments prepared lunch for all employees on July 28.

On the menu was tantalizing and tasty red beans cook up accompanied by deep fried chicken in a tangy pineapple sauce, yellow plantains, cassava pones, garden salad and traditional mauby and lime ‘swank’

To add some fun to the celebrations, the l h d

Emancipation Fashion Show, where members s

All of these activities are aimed at fosterin

capacity, which the GNBS remains committed t

GNBS PARTICIPATES IN 2023 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING EXPO

participated in the International Building Expo 2023 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) from August 24 to August 27, 2023.

The expo is known for bringing together industry leaders and innovators from around the country and wider region, to showcase traditional and non-traditional building materials, financing options and designs to consumers.

The GNBS capitalized on this opportunity to promote its Construction related standards, testing, calibration, certification, training and technical assistance services

The Bureau was able to directly interact with clients and other stakeholders on the importance of standards, quality and accurate measurements

COLLABORATION WITH NATIONAL BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICES

e Guyana National Bureau of Standards

NBS) hosted its fifth annual Blood Drive collaboration with the National Blood ansfusion Services (NBTS) This activity as conducted in the Quality Hall of the NBS on August 09, 2023, as part of the reau’s Corporate Social Responsibility SR) initiative.

The Bureau was lauded for its continued pport to the health sector. Donor Room pervisor at the NBTS, Ms. Tonza unge-Bamfield said “every unit counts d giving blood not only saves a life, but also gives tremendous health benefits. ery day we need blood and having these od Drives are very important to us to be e to acquire sufficient quantities and

GNBS CERTIFIES UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE LABORATORY

On August 16, the GNBS added a new laboratory to its Certification Programme; the Universal Health Care Laboratory was certified after successfully implementing the Requirements of the GYS 170:2021 Standard – General Requirements for the Operation of a Laboratory. The scope of the certification includes Haematology, Biochemistry, Urology, Serology and Immunology.

General Manager of the laboratory, Mr. Devendra Singh expressed gratitude to the GNBS Technical Officers who worked with the laboratory. “We have worked hard, and we will continue to work with the Standard to consistently produce quality results,” he affirmed.

The certificate was handed over to Laboratory Director, Dr. Ravi Persaud by GNBS Technical Officer, Ms Rosmarie Liliah during a simple but significant ceremony held at the facility’s Golden Grove location.

The GNBS team also presented two certification stickers to the Laboratory which were placed at

GNBS RECERTIFIES DR. BALWANT SINGH’S HOSPITAL AND ANAMAYAH MEMORIAL HOSPITAL LABORATORIES

In August, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) recertified two laboratories which are now adhering to the updated National Standard, GYS 170:2021 – General Requirements for the Operation of a Laboratory. The GYS 170:2021 Standard was updated from the 2009 version to become the baseline for accreditation. It is a combination of the ISO/IEC 17025 standard developed for non-medical laboratories and the ISO 15189 standard applicable to medical laboratories

On August 04, 2023, Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital Laboratory extended their scope of certification to the National Standard to include Histopathology and received a certificate, a plaque and stickers from the GNBS.

GNBS RECERTIFIES DR. BALWANT SINGH’S HOSPITAL LABORATORY

GNBS HOSTS CAPACITY BUILDING TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR INSPECTORS

To boost the GNBS’ capacity to verify commercial electricity meters, Inspectors of our Legal Metrology Services Department underwent a ten-day capacity building training programme on the verification of Electricity Meters during August 22 to September 01, 2023.

The training aimed to build the competency of the Inspectors to use a new electricity test bench to conduct the verification

It was facilitated by Mr. Yorebil Robert Montero DeLeon from INDOCAL, Dominican Republic, and formed part of a collaboration with the CARICOM Regional Organization for Standards and Quality (CROSQ), under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF), EU-CARIFORUM Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) regional project, Technical Barriers to Trade Component.

GNBS CERTIFIES DCSN

INC. TO USE THE MADE IN GUYANA STANDARDS MARK

MANUFACTURING

On August 23, DCSN Manufacturing Inc., became the 32nd company to join the GNBS’ Permit to use the Made in Guyana Standards Mark Programme and the 8th in the construction industry to do so The company gained approval to use the Certification Mark on its Prestressed Concrete Elements, Cationic Rapid Setting Bitumen Emulsion CRS – 2 and RC – 250 Rapid Curing Cutback Bitumen.

The Made in Guyana Certificate was handed over to Director of DCSN Manufacturing Inc., Ms Chaitanya Jagmohan and Managing Director, Mr Suresh Jagmohan by GNBS Head of Marketing, Mr Syeid Ibrahim at the company’s Plantation, Diamond, East Bank Demerara location.