GNBS Annual Report 2015
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GNBS Annual Report -----2015
GNBS Mission: To promote standardisation for economic development and consumer protection through standards development and consumer protection in partnership with key sectors through Standards, Metrology and Conformity Assessment.
GNBS Vision: To improve the quality of goods and services in Guyana through the process of standardisation.
The Year at a glance January:
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards commenced the verification of tanker wagons for owners who sell bulk fuel for example in the interior to miners. This initiative emanated from a memorandum of understanding signed with the Guyana Energy Agency to ensure that all customers are fairly treated regarding sale of fuel. Registration commenced for local Manufacturers of scales and masses (5), measures (1) and Importers of commodities monitored by the GNBS under the Standards Compliance programme.
February:
• GNBS participated in the University of Guyana‘s annual career fair to highlight the services it offers and showcase career opportunities that are available at the institution.
March:
• The Information Services department of the GNBS in collaboration with the Consumer Affairs Division of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, executed joint activities such as radio and television programmes and a symposium to highlight pertinent issues as Guyana commemorated World Consumer Rights Day under the theme “Fix our phone rights”. GNBS also played an integral role in the special ceremony to honour five longstanding consumer stalwarts.
May: World Metrology Day:
• On May 20, 2014 GNBS joined with metrology Institutes around the World to observe World Metrology Day under the theme “Measurements and the Global energy challenge” Among the activities executed was a live television programme held on NCN on the theme. • As part of the annual Linden Town Week observances, GNBS together with the Ministry of Tourism Industry and Commerce participated in a Town Week Exposition where its services and consumer protection activities were shared with the people of Region #10.
June: World Accreditation Day (June 09)
• World Accreditation Day was celebrated on June 09 under the theme “Accreditation: Delivering confidence in the provision of energy with the hosting of a symposium at the Pegasus Hotel. At the symposium, local manufacturers, service providers, regulators and other key stakeholders were sensitized on the impact of implementing energy saving techniques in manufacturing companies through the use of the ISO 51000 standard. • GNBS also joined with the rest of the world to celebrate World Environment Day on June 05 under the theme, “The impact of climate change on small Island developing states”. To mark this occasion GNBS published an article in the various newspapers to highlight the impact that standards can make on the care and management of the environment.
July:
• The Bureau participated in the annual Building Exposition sponsored by the Ministry of Housing and Water under the theme “Consolidating Partnerships for Sustainable development”. The Bureau took the opportunity to showcase the national building code standards and shared with visitors the important role standards play in ensuring safety in the construction sector.
September:
• In an effort to educate students at secondary and technical institutions about standardization, the GNBS participated in the Ministry of Education’s National Science Fair held as part of activities for Education Month. The Bureau showcased career opportunities available at the institution and the services it offers in the areas of metrology and standards compliance.
October:
• As is customary in the month of October, GNBS joined other Standards bodies around the world to commemorate World Standards Day under the theme (Standards Level the playing Field) chosen by the three leading international standards setting bodies namely the ISO, IEC and ITU. The GNBS executed week of activities such as messages, from the Minister, Chairman of Council and the Executive Director, a presentation competition among secondary schools, media programmes on radio and television and culminated the week’s activities with Staff appreciation day and a long service awards ceremony during which staff who have served the institution for 5, 10, 15 and 20 or more years were rewarded. • The GNBS also participated in Guyana’s largest Trade fair and Exposition under the theme: “Transformation:- Partnering for a better Guyana”. In 2014, GNBS highlighted some of its main services providing to consumers and the support given to manufacturing sector in the quest to produce quality products and services.
November:
• Weights and Measures surveillance activities were conducted countrywide.
December:
• Standards Compliance surveillance activities targeting Cellular phones, fairy lights, electrical appliances and toys/ playthings were conducted to target these products during the holiday season. Executive Summary:
In the year 2015, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards with its six departments conducted a series of standards related activities in keeping with its mandate to promote standardisation in all sectors of the economy. Emphasis was placed on making technical assistance available to stakeholders in the manufacturing sector and testing laboratories in the medical and industrial sectors.
Under the national laboratory certification programme one new laboratory, the Medical Arts Medical Laboratory was certified as meeting the requirements of GYS 170” General requirements for the operations of a laboratory, bringing the total number of laboratories certified to eleven. Two laboratories namely the Guyana Rice Development Board(GRDB) laboratory and the Eureka medical laboratory (EML) have indicated their desire to become accredited to the ISO 17025 and ISO 15189 standards respectively. The GRDB is expected to have this process completed and have its laboratory accredited before the end of the first quarter in 2015.
The year also saw continued participation in regional activities with agencies such as SIM (Inter American Metrology System) CROSQ and COPANT (the Pan American Standards Council) as the GNBS joined with sister Bureaus in the region to execute inter comparisons in the field of metrology and collaborate within the field of Information and Communication Technology under the Managing Information Knowledge and Education committee (MIKE).
In the year 2015, following a memorandum of understanding with CROSQ in 2013 to participate in the regional certification programme for Caribbean products, further steps were taken to have the mark registered in Guyana. In the past year also, GNBS with funding from the Support for Competitiveness (SCP) Strategy, was able to complete a new draft metrology bill and revise its very old standards Act of 1984.
A Needs assessment study commissioned by the SCP an IDB funded project, to determine whether Guyana needed a state of the art laboratory to support its key sectors was completed. When this comes to fruition, this facility will provide credence and traceability for test results emanating from local laboratories and will give the support that is needed to local industries by providing credible results which can attest to the quality of local products, thus enhancing and propelling trade.
During 2015, GNBS also commenced the verification of tanker wagons which transport fuel to especially interior and other locations countrywide. This was a new service which will protect both consumers and sellers from being cheated. A total of tankers were verified for 2014.
Regarding weights and measures in the legal metrology sector, over… devices were initially verified while …… devices were subsequently verified. The Bureau was able to verify ….. fuel pumps 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1: About the Bureau:
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) was established in March of the year 1984 under Act No. 11 of Parliament of the same year. At the time the Bureau was located in the Ministry of Works compound, Fort Street, Kingston, until April, 1987, when the operations were moved to 77 West ½ Hadfield Street, Werk-en-Rust. The Bureau remained until the month of June in 1996 when the GNBS Office was located to Flat 15, National Exhibition Complex, Sophia, Greater Georgetown.
The Bureau has the legal status of a statutory corporation or a semi-autonomous agency. It is governed by a National Standards Council, whose members are appointed by the subject Minister. i.e. Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce. Members of National Standards Council are drawn from organizations such as the Chambers of Commerce, the University of Guyana, the Guyana Manufacturers Association, Regulatory bodies etc.
The Council meets monthly in order to carry out the work standards development which is executed through the various Technical Committees which it appoints. The Chairpersons of the respective technical committees are members of the council.
The Bureau has the following six departments namely: Standardisation, Legal Metrology/ Standards Compliance, Laboratory Services, Conformity Assessment, Information Services and Administration and Finance. See Table1 below:
Name of Department Programmes per Department Standardisation Standards development, Codex, WTO Enquiry point Legal Metrology/ Standards Compliance Legal Metrology, Standards Compliance, Consumer Complaints Laboratory Services Industrial Metrology Conformity Assessment Product Certification, Laboratory Certification, Technical Assistance, Audit Services, Training, National Accreditation Focal Point Information Services Communications, Standards Information, Information Technology Administration and Finance Human resources, Admin Support, Training, Finance 1.2 MANDATE Under the Standards Act, Bureau is mandated to: ● promote standardisation in industry and commerce; ● encourage or undertake educational work in connection with standardisation; ● establish, form, furnish and maintain information systems and laboratories for the purpose of furthering the practice of standardisation; ● provide for the testing, at the request of the Minister and on behalf of the Government, of locally manufactured and imported commodities with the view of determining whether such commodities comply with the provision of the Standards Act or any other law dealing with standards and quality; ● assist in the rationalisation of industries by coordinating the efforts of producers and consumers for improvement of appliances, processes, raw materials and products; ● prepare, frame, modify or amend specifications and codes of practice; ● make arrangements and provide facilities for the testing and calibration of precision instruments gauges and scientific apparatus to determine their degree of accuracy; ● make arrangements or provide facilities for the examination and testing of commodities and any material or substance from or with which, and the manner in which commodities may be manufactured produced, processed or treated; ● control in accordance with the provisions of the Standards Act, the use of standardisation marks and distinctive marks; and provide for co-operation with any person, association or organisation outside Guyana having objects similar to those for which the Bureau is established.
1.3 MAIN ACTIVITIES
In fulfilling its mandate, the GNBS provides regulatory and trade facilitation services in the areas of standardization, conformity assessment and metrology. It operates within a national, regional and international framework (see Figures 3 and), which serves to guide its activities and provide it with the legitimacy it needs to remain a viable, credible and sustainable organization. It also educates and sensitizes consumers and stakeholders on matters pertaining to standardization and has the overarching responsibility to protect consumers from poor quality products.
Standardization, conformity assessment and metrology are the pillars for developing a national quality infra-structure thereby enabling sustainable development and full participation in international trade. It is in relation to these three areas that the GNBS provides its services to stakeholders in Guyana.
Figure 1: GNBS within the National Framework GNBS within the Regional and International Framework Figure 2
1.4 GOVERNANCE
1.4.1 Standards Council
The Standards Council is responsible for the policy and general administration of the GNBS, thus providing governance and direction in ensuring the fulfillment of the organization’s mandate. This work includes approval of standards, relevant policies; and audited financial statements. The Standards Council and its Committees also work closely with the organization’s Executive Director and Management in the development of relevant plans and strategies. S e e Table b e l o w f o r details the composition of the Standards Council during the year under review. Members of National Standards Council 2015
NAME AFFILIATION Mr. Vishnu Doegra Chairperson Mr. Patrick Dial Guyana Consumers Association Ms. Allison Butters-Grant Deputy Chairperson, Global Seafoods Inc., Ms. Fayola Azore Ministry of Communities Mr. Leonard Craig Guyana National Broadcasting Authority Professor Daizal Samad Ministry of Public Security Ms. Nicola Namdeo Ministry of Business Ms. Marissa Dalton New Guyana Marketing Corporation Mr. Gavin Todd Banks DIH Mr. Anthony Ross Sterling Products Limited Department of Governance, Natural Resources & The Environment Ms Evadnie Enniss Executive Director Ag. GNBS Ms. Jewel Sears Government Analyst Food and Drug department
1.5 CONSUMER PROTECTION
The GNBS is the National Standards Body responsible for ensuring consumer protection and equity in trade through the implementation of the Standards Compliance and the Legal Metrology (National Weights and Measures) Programmes, in order to promote fair trade and ensure safety and health of all Guyanese.
Under the Standards Compliance Programme twenty (20) categories of commodities, locally-manufactured and imported are monitored, in order to ensure compliance with their respective National Standards. It involves inspections of imported consignments at Ports-of-entry, Importers’ Bonds and Warehouses and at sale outlets, based on customs entries referred to the GNBS from the Customs and Trade Administration and information received from shipping manifests, which is facilitated by the positioning of GNBS Inspector at Customs House on a daily basis and the collection of shipping manifests from shipping agencies weekly.
In addition, the sale of used tyres and cellular phones are regulated to ensure quality products are offered to consumers. As a result, dealers of these commodities are required to obtain a permit from the GNBS to sell the said commodities. Permits are issued based on compliance with established National Standards and guidelines, which are determined during inspections.
The investigation of consumer complaints received from consumers in relation to the quality of products purchased and services provided are also conducted. As a result, product by product campaign on commodities for which numerous complaints were received are also carried out at sale outlets to determine compliance with their respective National Standards. Also, commodities monitored by the GNBS which are manufactured locally are examined to determine compliance to established Standards.
The main activities executed under the Legal Metrology Programme are the subsequent verification of devices used in commerce, health, transportation, energy and the agricultural sectors of Guyana conducted twice yearly to ensure accuracy is maintained i.e., the inspection and testing of devices in use. Among these activities are the verification of petrol pumps, bulk meters and tanker wagon compartments used at Petrol Terminal and Services Stations and the calibration of storage tanks used by private companies. Included also is the initial verification of devices manufactured locally and imported to determine compliance with manufacturing and importation requirements and accuracy prior to use i.e. the inspection and testing of new scales, masses, measures and metre rules before they are approved for used in commerce.
Additionally, surveillance of devices was conducted at sale outlets to ensure consumer protection; licensing of local manufacturers; metric sensitization of stakeholders and facilitation of the conversion of imperial devices to metric are also carried out to facilitate the effectiveness of the programme.
Further, other activities such as Regional Officers development, capacity building and public awareness activities were also carried out during the year i.e. the internal training of GNBS and Regional Inspectors, attending meetings, conducting regional visits, attendance at metrology Seminars and Workshops overseas, participating in public relations activities and the investigation of complaints relating to short weight of products purchased and paddy supplied to rice mills. 1.0 LEGAL METROLOGY PROGRAMME
CONSUMER PROTECTION
In keeping with the mission of the GNBS to promote standardization for economic development and consumer protection through standards development, promotion and implementation, metrology services and conformity Assessment, the Legal Metrology and Standards Compliance Department continued the implementation of the Standards Compliance and the Legal Metrology (National Weights and Measures) Programmes in the year 2015. The objectives of the Programmes are to promote fair trade, competition, protect the rights of consumers and provide accurate information in the marketplace, in order to ensure accuracy in measurements, safety and health of all Guyanese.
Under the Standards Compliance Programme twenty (20) categories of commodities, locally-manufactured and imported are monitored, in order to ensure compliance with their respective National Standards. It involves inspections of commodities monitored by the GNBS at Ports-of-entry, Importers’ Bonds and Warehouses, Manufacturer’s Premises and at Sale Outlets, based on customs entries referred to the GNBS, intelligence information received and scheduled surveillance inspections. The execution of this activity is vital in ensuring that detail information about products, such as, electrical appliances and gas stoves is provided to consumers, primarily where safety is significant. It also, helps consumers to make informed choices when purchasing products. This activity is facilitated through the annual registration of stakeholders and the positioning of a GNBS Inspectors at Customs House and at the John Fernandes Wharf on a daily basis, in order to ensure the referral of customs entries pertaining to commodities monitored by the GNBS and the examination of commodities at the Ports-of-entry.
In addition, the sale of used tyres and cellular phones are regulated by the GNBS to ensure quality products are offered to consumers. As a result, dealers of these commodities are required to obtain a permit from the GNBS annually to sell the said commodities. Permits are issued based on compliance with established National quality and storage Standards or guidelines, which are determined during periodic inspections carried out during the year.
The GNBS is also involved in the investigation of consumer complaints received from consumers in relation to the quality of products purchased and services provided to ensure the satisfaction of consumers. In addition, product by product campaigns on commodities for which numerous complaints are received are also carried out at sale outlets to ensure that commodities offered for sale are in compliance with their respective National Standards.
The main activities executed under the Legal Metrology Programme are the subsequent verification of devices used in commerce, health, transportation(air, water and road), energy, industrial and the agricultural sectors of Guyana, twice yearly, to ensure accuracy is maintained i.e., the inspection and testing of devices in use. Among these activities are the verification of petrol pumps, bulk meters and tanker wagon compartments used at Petrol Terminal and Services Stations and the verification of storage tanks used by private companies. Additionally, the initial verification of devices manufactured locally and imported is carried out to determine compliance with manufacturing and importation requirements and accuracy prior to use i.e. the inspection and testing of new scales, masses, measures, electricity meters and metre rules before they are approved for use in commerce. The surveillance of devices at sale outlets is also conducted to ensure consumer protection, while the licensing of local manufacturers; metric sensitization of stakeholders and the facilitation of conversion of imperial devices to metric are conducted to strengthen the effective functioning of the programme.
Further, other activities such as the monitoring of Regional Weights and Measures Offices, staff development (GNBS and Regional Officers), capacity building, stakeholders engagement and public awareness activities were also carried out during the year i.e. the internal training of GNBS and Regional Inspectors, attending meetings, conducting regional visits, developing memoranda of understanding with other Regulatory Agencies, attendance at Metrology Meetings, Seminars and Workshops overseas, participating in public relations activities, meeting with key stakeholders to address difficulties encountered by the GNBS and the investigation of complaints relating to short weight of products purchased and paddy supplied to rice mills. Also, the department benefitted from four (4) overseas training programmes in the areas of Assessment and Acceptance of Electrical Energy Meters - Type Approval Certificates, Verification of Large Scale Weighing Instruments and Type Approval by Modules, Safety Software and Hardware for Legal Metrology and Energy Efficiency Systems and Labelling of Electrical Appliances based on funding provided by NIST, SIM and PTB RQI Project.
The Department was also successful in acquiring one (1) Canter Truck and one (1) Weight Cart through funding acquired from the Government of Guyana as Capital expenditure for 2015. The Truck and Cart acquired would be used by the Department to strengthen verification activities in the field by guaranteeing the effective and efficient execution of verification activities and the provision of credible verification results.
LEGAL METROLOGY PROGRAMME
During the year 5 local manufacturers and 2 importers of devices registered with GNBS. Under the Legal Metrology Programme 588 scales, 1445 masses and 1580 electricity meters for GPL were initially verified for accuracy. In addition, based on testing carried out 436 inaccurate meters were adjusted and re-verified, and 194 meters and 17 masses were rejected, since they were found to be defective. Also, 972 defective meters were destroyed and disposed. For subsequent verification, 7586 scales, 16443 masses, 40 measures and 4 rules were subsequently verified for first and second half of the year, respectively, to determine accuracy when in use. For volumetric verifications carried out at filling stations, bulk terminals and at the GNBS loading rack 1616 petrol pumps, 230 flow meters, 157 wagon compartments (52 Tankers) and 43 storage tanks were verified, of which 363 inaccurate petrol pumps and 115 inaccurate bulk meters were adjusted and re-verified. In addition, 44 tanker wagons were inspected and found to be in compliance with the metrological and safety requirements for same. Also, 13 tanker wagons, which failed the tests or inspection carried out by the GNBS were rejected, however, they were subsequently repaired and re- verified or re-inspected.
Additionally, a total of 82 Test masses were verified by the GNBS at the Demerara Sugar Terminal for 7 Estates, in order to determine their accuracy. These Test masses were subsequently used by the Estates to verify their internal production scales, which are used to determine the payment of sugar workers. The Bureau also successfully completed 137 verifications on weighbridge scales used within the sugar and rice industries, and in the retail, industrial and transportation sectors, of which 25 scales found to be inaccurate had to be adjusted and re-verified. Figures 1-4 present data on various verification activities carried out for 2015.
Surveillance activities were also carried out during which 3948 stalls/premises countrywide were visited to ensure that all weighing and measuring devices used in commercial trade were verified and stamped. During these exercises, 399 scales, 347 masses and 16 measures were seized and removed, since they were either not verified, not approved for commercial trade or were found to be defective. In addition, 27 inspections were carried out at rice mills primarily in Regions #2, 3 and 6, to ensure that Millers are adhering to the requirements governing the use of measuring instruments. However, no major discrepancy was observed during the visits conducted. Figure 5 present data on surveillance activities carried out for 2015.
A total of three (3) complaints relating to short measurements of scales and a moisture meter were received by the GNBS during the year. Based on investigations conducted it was revealed that the scales in used were not approved for commercial trade and were not verified by the GNBS, as required. As a result, they were seized and removed and the shopkeepers were advised to purchase the recommended devices and have same verified by the GNBS. However, regarding the moisture meter an inter-comparison was done with the moisture meter used by the rice mill and the GRDB, which revealed that the moisture meter was reading accurately. Follow-up inspections carried out by the GNBS revealed that the necessary corrective actions were taken in the other two instances.
There was a decrease in the number of devices initially verified this year when compared with 2014, which could be attributed to the decrease in the manufacturing and importation of new devices due to the reduction in the demand for same on the local market. While on the other hand, there was an increase in the number of devices subsequently verified during the year when compare with 2014. This could be attributed to the intense mobile stamping activities conducted throughout the year and a more positive approach demonstrated by stakeholders in submitting their devices to the various weights and measures Offices for verification. The increase in the number of electricity meters verified is attributed to the increase in the submission of same by GPL based on the demand, since the verification of electricity meters is done based on request from GPL and the importation of same. However, there was no importation of new meters by GPL for 2015. The meters verified were merely reconditioned meters and are currently used by the company in the interim until the new meters arrived. Also, the decrease in the number of tanker wagons verified this year is attributed to the decision taken by the GNBS to conduct this activity every other year, since the volume of the compartments are not likely to change easily unless the tanker wagon is involved in an accident. As a result, verifications were only carried out on trucks that were not verified in 2014. However, the GNBS has commenced the inspection of tanker wagons this year, mainly to ensure compliance with certain basic metrological and safety requirements, prior to being licensed by the GEA. This activity is necessary to ensure safety and transparency within the sector.
STANDARDS COMPLIANCE PROGRAMME
Inspection Registration Under the Standards Compliance Programme, a total of 262 importers and 2 manufacturers registered with the GNBS for the importation and manufacturing of commodities it monitors for the reporting year. The registration figures above reflect a consistency in registration, when compare to the figures generated for the previous year, since the year 2014 yielded 259 importers and 2 manufacturers.
Inspection
A total of 1953 inspections were conduct, 963 of those inspections were conducted at the Ports-of-entry and 990 at importers’ warehouses for 2015. Commodities examined were mainly electrical appliances, garments, footwear, new and used tyres, furniture and gas stoves. In situations where imported commodities were inadequately labelled, they were released to warehouse and placed “on hold” at the importers’ bonds or warehouses pending the necessary corrective actions i.e. re-labelling or the submission of the relevant Test Certificates. Most of the commodities which were placed on hold pending corrective actions were subsequently re-examined and released for sale, except for a quantity of fertilizer and also a quantity of safety helmets which are still held pending the necessary re-labelling and the submission of Test Certificate, respectively.
In addition, follow up inspections conducted at two importer’s premises revealed that consignments of electrical appliances previously placed on hold, as a result of inadequate labelling were sold out. Consequentially, the GNBS has taken a decision to conduct all inspections for the said importers on the wharf, in order to prevent a re-occurrence of items being sold prior to the releasing of same by the GNBS. The number of inspections carried out for the respective commodities for the year and the related non-conformities are outlined in the Table 1 and Figure 6 below.
Surveillance Inspections
Surveillance inspections were conducted by staff of the GNBS’ Head Office (Region # 4) and its Branch Offices in Regions # 2, 3, 6, and 9 on specific products based on numerous consumer complaints received, unfair competition and the prevalence of sale for certain non-compliant products offered for sale during the Christmas Season. These products included safety matches, cigarettes, electrical appliances, garments, footwear, toys and playthings and fairly lights. Examinations on the above mentioned products were carried out at sale outlets on various occasions, and a total of 1707 inspections were conducted during the year. This resulted in a total of 965 cartoons and 7 packets of cigarettes being destroyed, as a result of its inadequate labelling and poor quality, respectively. In addition, 20 pairs of footwear and 60 pieces of garments were placed on hold pending re-labelling, since they were found to be inadequately labelled. The other commodities examined during surveillance inspections were generally in compliance with their respective National Standards. The commodities placed on hold pending corrective actions were subsequently re-examined and released for sale. Please see Table 2 for details.
Used Tyre Monitoring
The monitoring of used tyre outlets continued during the year, resulting in a total 71 used tyre dealers being registered with the GNBS for the year. This indicated a slight increase in the number of dealers who registered with the GNBS. Inspections of used tyre dealer’s premises were conducted routinely during the year to ensure compliance with the National quality and storage Standards for licensing purposes. Follow-up surveillance inspections were also conducted during the third quarter of the year, to ensure the continued adherence with quality and storage requirements. Based on inspections conducted, permits were issued to dealers who met the licensing requirements. In situations where non- conformities were observed, dealers were given specific time-frames to take the necessary corrective actions. Unscheduled follow-up inspections were also conducted to target new dealers and to ensure that non-conformities highlighted during initial inspections were addressed and for the purpose of investigating complaints regarding improper storage.
The storage of tyres by dealers who are involved in their importation, wholesaling and retailing continued to be a challenge for the GNBS, since it seemed difficult for Dealers to maintain compliance with the current Code of Practice for the Storage of Tyres due to the large influx of tyres imported at particular times during the year. As a result, actions were taken by the GNBS during the year, through its Mechanical Technical Committee to have the National Standards for the Quality and Storage of Tyres reviewed and updated, whereby international practices for the storage of bulk tyres were incorporated to address the challenges experienced. This activity was completed and the Standard was published for public comments. The comments received would be considered by the committee in the New Year. Resulting from surveillance inspections conducted during the year 2015, 137 premises were visited and 297 tyres were rejected and destroyed, due to various quality defects that would have occurred.
Cell Phones Monitoring
The need for the GNBS to maintain this activity has even grown stronger as a result of the numerous consumer complaints received relating to the quality of cell phones imported and offered for sale, primarily due to the high demand of same on the local market. Based on the execution of this activity a total of 143 dealers registered with the GNBS for 2015, to facilitate the effective monitoring of their business operations and to ensure compliance with established guidelines governing the sale of cellular phones. There was a slight decrease in the number of dealers who registered with the GNBS for 2015. This could be attributed to the closing of some outlets, since the business was becoming more and more competitive and dealers were forced to supply better quality products.
Prior to the issuing of cell phones permits, examinations were conducted at dealers premises to ensure all relevant requirements are satisfied, i.e. to ensure that cell phones are accurately and adequately labelled, new, used or refurbished. Cell phones are sold with the original English manuals, original chargers and original batteries and written warranties in keeping with the GNBS warranty content guidelines are offered to consumers, Resulting from this exercise, a total of 262 inspections were carried out at sale outlets in Regions # 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10. Most of the outlets visited were in compliance with the requirements governing the sale of cell phones. Dealers with non-conformities were advised accordingly and were given a time frame to address non-conformities. Subsequent follow-ups were conducted to confirm the rectification of non- conformities previously highlighted. In instances where non-conformities were not addressed, dealers’ phones were placed on hold until the subsequent rectification of the problem.
In addition, it was observed that dealers who were previously found to be in compliance with the GNBS’ requirements were not maintaining compliance. This observation was made during the investigation of consumer complaints related to defective cell phones purchased, since consumers indicated that warranties were not issued to them at the time of purchase, as required and in situations where warranty was issued the warranty duration was also not in keeping with the duration stipulated by the Consumer Affairs Act. In addition, some dealers were not honouring their warranties. As a result, dealers were cautioned of these non- conformities and were advised to desist from such malpractices. Based on the difficulties encountered by the GNBS in monitoring this item, the GNBS through the Electro Technical Committee has commenced the development of a National Standard for cell phones, which is expected to be completed in the New Year.
It is anticipated that with the completion of the new Standard and the approval of the revised GNBS Act by Parliament, a more stringent approach would be taken by the GNBS in ensuring the strict adherence to the requirements of the said standard and to ensure that better after sale services are offered to consumers by dealers. Failure to maintain compliance would result in strict enforcement action been taken by the GNBS. Also, the GNBS would be intensifying surveillance activities in the New Year with the aim of reducing the number of complaints received by the GNBS relating to cell phones and to ensure better consumers satisfaction.
Complaints Investigation During the year, 162 consumer complaints were received by the GNBS relating to the quality of products purchased by consumers, predominantly for cell phones which represented 46%, and electrical appliances which represented 31% of the total amount of complaints received for the year 2015, while the remaining 23% represents complaints received for furniture, gas stoves, tablets/phablets, tyres, garments and footwear.
Eighty nine and a half percent (89.5%) of the 162 complaints received was amicably resolved, 2.5% unsolved, 4.3% referred to the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission for further investigation and 3.7% is currently being investigated. The commodities for which complaints were received, the nature of the complaints and the manner of resolution are all outlined in Table 3 below, while Figure 7 presents data on the number of complaints received monthly.
Constraints
Some of major constraints experienced by the Department during the year under the Legal Metrology Programme were inadequate personnel and transportation to execute surveillance activities, which attributed to the decrease in the number of scales and masses initially verified and surveillance activities carried out during the year. The continued use of the outdated Weights and Measures Act limited enforcement activities in situations where non-compliances were evident, primarily regarding the continued use of the domestic clock scales in commercial trade and lastly the lack of cooperation from GWI and appropriate laboratory facilities to conduct the verification of water meters imported by GWI and installed on consumers’ premises.
While under the Standards Compliance Programme the absence of testing facilities to aid in the enforcement of mandatory standards, inadequate transportation to conduct the examinations of imported commodities at importers’ warehouses and sale outlets, the continued use of the outdated Standards Act which limits enforcement activities in situations where non- compliances were evident, primarily regarding the selling of commodities released to warehouse without examination by the GNBS, the releasing of customs entries hold for inspection by GRA without examination by the GNBS, absence of mandatory standards for some commodities monitored by the GNBS and insufficient storage facilities to store seized commodities continued to be some of the major challenges experienced by the Department during the year.
Training for inspectors
In addition, the need for technical capacity building of Inspectors on the quality inspection of furniture, in order to strengthen the monitoring of locally manufactured products continued to be a major challenge for the Department. TABLE 1 NUMBER OF IMPORT INSPECTIONS CONDUCTED FOR 2015
COMMODITIES NO. OF NO. OF NON-CONFORMITIES INSPECTIONS Garments 313 - Footwear 297 1226 pairs of footwear-inadequately labelled Fertilizer 28 36 containers and 1800 bags were inadequately labelled. New tyres 65 - Used tyres 107 2464 used tyres were rejected and destroyed Cigarettes 51 - Electrical 540 1 container and 146 refrigerators, 93 Appliances televisions, 6 freezers and 3 blenders were inadequately labelled. Soap powder 69 6316 packages of soap powder inadequately labelled Textiles 45 - Gas Stoves 127 706 gas stoves - inadequately labelled Toys & Playthings 87 - Cell Phones 8 - Fairy Lights 18 - Safety Matches 7 109 cartons of safety matches were in- adequately label. PVC pipes 18 - Furniture 170 - Safety helmets 2 305 safety helmets were inadequately labelled. Weighing and 1 - Measuring devices Total 1953 -
TABLE 2 NUMBER OF SURVEILLANCE INSPECTIONS CONDUCTED FOR 2015.
COMMODITIE NO. OF NO. OF NON-CONFORMITIES S INSPECTIONS Electrical 49 - Appliances 60 pieces of garments were Garments 50 inadequately labelled. Footwear 51 20 pairs of footwear adequately labelled 297 pieces of used tyres were rejected & 137 Used Tyres destroyed for various visual defects. Safety Matches 540 - 965 cartoons and 7 packets of Cigarettes 542 cigarettes were inadequately labelled. Toys & Playthings 40 - Cellular phones 262 - Furniture 3 - Christmas tree and decorative 33 - lighting outfits TOTAL 1707 1342
TABLE 3
COMMODITIES AND NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS RECEIVED
COMMODITIE NUMBER OF GENERAL NATURE OF S COMPLAINTS COMPLAINTS Not charging, Shutting down, touch display not working, defective display; Cell Phones 74 dropping calls, not accessing the internet, not reading sim card, mic not working, defective charging port, phone’s camera not working, key pad defective and freezing. Furniture 11 Drawers not sliding properly, stitches started loosing, upholstery deteriorating, item swollen, different type of wood that was specified was use, wood started to separate, spring detached and item infested with wood ants. Washer not spinning, tablet freezing, not Electrical 50 spinning, not blending, television screen appliances went white, item overheating, television had video problem, item had audio problem, item started smoking when put in use, fan not producing breeze when put in use, television developed lines across the screen, fan stopped working and refrigerator was delivered with the wrong shelves. Footwear 7 Loose soles and dry rot. Tyres 4 Bulged sidewalls, leaking air & bent tyres. Garments 3 Size on the item was inaccurate. Gas Stoves 6 Glass shattered and metal changing colour. Fertilizer 1 False declaration on packages. Fairy lights 1 Fairly lights not coming on when put in use. Aluminum Pot 1 Pot got discolored and developed lines inside, when boiling. Hollow blocks 1 Blocks were of poor quality. Weights and 3 Unapproved and unverified devices Measures used. Total 162 - 3.0 LABORATORY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
The mission of the department is to provide measuring (calibration) and testing services that build confidence in trade and promote international competitiveness of industries in Guyana. The Department is directly involved in industrial metrology which is to ensure the adequate functioning of measuring instrument used in industries as well as in production and testing processes.
For the purpose of this report, calibration is a set of operations under specified conditions, that establishes a relation between the quantity values with measurement uncertainties provided by measurement standards and corresponding indications with associated measurement uncertainties.
The responsibilities of the department are to:
Maintain national measurement standards that are international benchmarked and accepted, in support of a competitive economic infrastructure and improved quality of life; Disseminate traceability from national measurement standards to commerce and industry through calibrations, measurement or analysis; Participate and represent Guyana regional and internationally with reference to inter-comparisons and traceability
3.1 SUMMARY OF THE DEAPARTMENT’S ACTIVITIES
During the year 2015, the Laboratories Services Department provided calibration services to industries, medical laboratories, testing laboratories resulting in a total of 833 devices being calibrated. These included 462 weights, 114 thermometers, 191 electronic balances, 24 calipers, 7 micrometers, 3 depth guages, 3 thickness gauges, 2 tape measures and 27 volumetric containers, which were calibrated to establish traceability to the national and international standards. The working standards, i.e, Masses, Electronic Balances and Provers of the GNBS were also calibrated using the secondary standards.
During the year, a total of fifty sixty five (51) gold samples were submitted both by the Product Certification Department and consumers to determine the purity. A total of 176 moisture meters were verified for the year. The moisture meters submitted were mainly from Rice Millers in the rice industry.
3.2 DEVICES THAT ARE CURRENTLY CALIBRATED BY THE GNBS
Weights and Weights Sets
Stainless Steel Weights and Weights Sets
Verification Weight and Weight Sets
Brass Weights
Cast Iron Grip Handle Weights
OIML F1, F2, M1, M2, and M3
Test Weights and Weights Set
Stainless Steel Precision Weights
Stainless Electronic Balance Weights Electronic Balances
50 g – 30 kg capacity
0 to 500 kg capacity
Dimensional
Calipers
Micrometers
Depth gauges
Rulers
Electrical
Hand Held Multimeters
Volume
Measuring Cylinders Measuring Flask Graduated pipettes Fix point pipettes
Pressure
Oil operated gauges
Temperature
Liquid-in-glass thermometers Digital thermometers Thermocouples Dial Thermometers
4.0 CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT DEPARTMENT
4.1 Technical assistance (Consultancy)
Consultancy services were provided to ten (10) companies to facilitate the implementation of the ISO 9001 quality management system, four (4) companies to facilitate the implementation of the ISO 22000 food safety management system, three (3) Inspection bodies to facilitate the implementation of the ISO/IEC 17020 Inspection management system, seven (7) laboratories for the implementation of a laboratory management system for the GYS 170 standard and four (4) testing laboratories and two (2) medical laboratories to facilitate the implementation of laboratory management systems to the ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 15189 standards, respectively. One (1) testing laboratory was issued its accreditation in June 2015 by the Jamaican National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC). One (1) medical laboratory was also assessed by the same Accreditation body in June 2015. This laboratory is awaiting a decision from the Accreditation Body.
Thirty (30) companies received technical assistance in 2015 when compared to eight (8) companies in 2014. This achievement surpassed the target of 15 companies. The Technical assistance programme was completed at two (2) companies of which one company had its external assessment for ISO 9001 Certification which was deemed successful.
Technical Assistance provided to companies during 2015
*Please note that standards with similar number of companies were grouped.
Eighty six (86) onsite meetings were held at twelve (12) companies to provide assistance to establish, document and implement policies and procedures for the respective management system standards.
The GNBS received three (3) new Requests for Consultancy Services for 2015.
When compared to the achievements of 2014, there was an increase from three (3) companies to ten (10) companies to facilitate the implementation of quality management system to the ISO 9001:2008 standard, an increase from one (1) company to four (4) companies to implement the food safety system, an increase from one (1) medical laboratory to two (2) medical laboratories to implement the ISO 15189 standard and an increase from one (1) testing laboratory to four (4) testing laboratories to implement the ISO/IEC 17025 standard.
Projections 2016
Continue to work with the twenty eight (28) companies to ensure the completion of the management system documentation by June 2016 for at least 50% of the companies.
Conduct five (5) awareness sessions on management systems standards, to sensitise local businesses and Regulators on the requirements of international standards.
2.0 Laboratory safety inspections
The GNBS in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Protection conducted seventeen (17) of twenty four (24) safety inspections which reflects (70.8%) of inspection planned for the period to facilitate the implementation of Safety management system in laboratories. These inspections are done to determine the level of compliance of laboratories to the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the National standard for laboratories. Seven (7) safety inspections were completed in 2014.
Projections 2016: To complete the six (6) outstanding safety inspections and follow up with the laboratories where safety inspections were completed on the status of implementation of the Laboratory safety management system based on the action plans submitted. Technical assistance will be provided when necessary.
3.0 Training Service
Fourteen (14) training sessions were conducted by Officers of the Department to fulfil requests of companies to provide training on management system standards to streamline their operations and boost their competitiveness when compared to six (6) courses which were conducted in 2014. In addition, nine (9) training courses on management system standards and other support areas relevant to quality management systems were conducted where participants from twenty (20) organisations benefitted. This was in comparison the twelve (12) courses conducted in 2014. *Please note that courses with the same number of participants were grouped
Projections - 2016
Conduct onsite site training programmes as requested by clients. Conduct at least ten (10) training programmes on management system standards and relevant subject areas based on the 2016-2017 training schedule.
4.0 Certification Services
4.1 Laboratory Certification
4.1.1 Seventeen (17) surveillance visits were conducted at eight (8) of the certified laboratories to ensure continued conformance to the requirements for Certification. This was compared to eight (8) surveillance visits completed at ten (10) laboratories in 2014.
4.1.2 Four (4) renewal assessments were conducted during the period. This is compared to six (6) renewal assessments completed in 2014.
4.1.3 Certification of Additional Laboratories The Department provided nine (9) working group sessions to testing and medical laboratories during the period April to November, 2015, to provide guidance to facilitate the drafting of policies and procedures to implement the GYS 170 standard to facilitate the certification of additional laboratories in 2015 – 2016. This process commenced with seventeen (17) laboratories and concluded with eleven (11) laboratories. To date one laboratory has submitted the quality system documents completed for review to the GNBS. It is anticipated that the remaining laboratories will make their submissions by the end of January 2016. No additional laboratory was certified in 2015, however two (2) initial assessments were completed in 2014 where one (1) additional laboratory was certified in 2014. It is anticipated that the three (3) laboratories on suspension will be recertified in 2016 and an additional five (5) laboratories will request assessments for certification.
Celebration Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, April 19-25, 2015
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) recognized the eight laboratories which were consistently maintaining the requirements for Certification to the National standard, GYS 170. On April 24, 2015, the GNBS hosted a laboratory award ceremony in its Training Room. Three laboratories were awarded for outstanding performance in 2014 -2015 and five (5) were awarded for their commitment towards implementing and maintaining the requirements of the GYS 170 standard, ‘General requirements for the operation of a laboratory’. Ms. Evadnie Enniss, Dr. Morris Edwards, Director, Chronic Diseases, Ministry of Health and Ms. Walcott-Bostwick were the main speakers. Two (2) laboratories were also invited to share their experiences while implementing a laboratory management system to encourage other laboratories to become certified.
Mr Al Donovan Fraser visited Linden as part of the week’s celebrations to conduct a sensitization session on the use of Personal Protective Equipment in the laboratory as requested by the Medical Technologist Association.
Ms. Walcott-Bostwick also joined the Ministry of Health at the Glow stick walk which concluded the week’s activities.
4.2 Product Certification
4.2.1 Eight (8) surveillance visits were completed at the four (4) clients on the Product Certification Scheme to ensure continued compliance to the requirements to the Product Certification Scheme.
4.2.2 Two (2) renewal audits were completed during the period.
Projections for Certification Services 2016 Conduct four (4) renewal audits and eight (8) surveillance visits clients on the Product Certification Scheme. Certify additional gold jewellers to the Scheme. Process five (5) new applications.
Certify at least two (2) water processors and five (5) additional laboratories by December 2016. Conduct four (4) renewal audits for laboratory certification programme, Conduct thirty (30) surveillance visits to the certified laboratories and process five (5) new applications for the programmes.
5.0 Audit service
Four (4) internal audits were completed during the period as requested by Companies (two (2) for laboratory management system, one (1) for ISO 9001 Quality management system and one (1) food safety management system) completed during the period.
Projections Audit Service 2016
Conduct two (2) meetings to promote the audit service programme
Conduct six (6) internal audits and/ or gap analysis as requested by companies and complete 75% of follow up audits.
6.0 National Accreditation Focal Point
Four (4) gap analyses were conducted at laboratories opting for accreditation during the period. Two (2) verification exercises were observed at a local inspection and testing body to the ISO/IEC 17020 standard and the ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
The NAFP witnessed two (2) accreditation assessments conducted by the Jamaican National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC) at two (2) laboratories in Guyana
The NAFP also conducted two (2) verification exercises on behalf of CROSQ at two (2) laboratories located in Suriname and Jamaica respectively, to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard.
Accreditation of the first Food testing Laboratory in Guyana
The Guyana Rice Development Board’s Central Laboratory was awarded its accreditation status on World Accreditation Day June 09, 2015 in Kingston Jamaica. This was a historical and remarkable achievement for the GNBS.
Through support of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Caribbean Aid for Trade and Regional Integration Trust Fund (CART Fund) Project with finances supplied by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID), the GRDB Central Laboratory is the first laboratory to be accredited in Guyana. It is also the first to be accredited under the CROSQ’s Caribbean Cooperation for Accreditation (CCA) Scheme, and the first regional laboratory to be accredited by the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation outside of Jamaica. This accreditation also represents the first laboratory that the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) functioning as the National Accreditation Focal Point (NAFP) has successfully steered towards achieving accreditation. These are all significant achievements in their own right. The CART Fund Project sought to "Strengthen the Capabilities of Testing Laboratories in the Caribbean to Reduce Technical Barriers to Trade“. Accreditation will therefore improve the acceptance of the results of the Laboratory at the regional and international level.
On Friday June, 26, 2015, an Award Ceremony in the form of a Cocktail Reception was held at the Grand Coastal Hotel, to recognize the laboratory’s achievement and to congratulate all parties involved in making this significant achievement possible. The award ceremony was graced with the presence of a delegation from CROSQ namely; Mr. Derryck Omar, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Russell Franklyn, Finance Officer, Mr. Trumel Redmond, Technical Officer for Accreditation and Conformity Assessment and Ms. Latoya Burnham, Technical Officer – Communication and Information; Ms. Sharonmae Shirley, Chief Executive Officer, JANAAC, Mr. Jagnarine Singh, General Manager of GRDB, Board members and staff, Ms. Evadnie Enniss, Executive Director, GNBS and members of the Management team and officers of the Conformity Assessment Department among other specially invited guests.
The reception mode was one that can be classified as ecstatic. In the semiformal arrangements remarks were made by key representatives of CROSQ, GRDB and GNBS. It was noted that the GNBS was in high commendation for this significant achievement. Ms. Candelle Walcott-Bostwick, Head Conformity Assessment/ NAFP was given an award in recognition and appreciation for her unwavering support for providing guidance and direction in ensuring that the laboratory attained its accreditation status from the Board of directors, Management and staff of the GRDB.
World Accreditation Day 2015
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards GNBS) hosted a Symposium for World Accreditation Day on Tuesday June 09, 2015 under the theme “Accreditation: Supporting the Delivery of Health and Social Care”. This symposium was held at De Impeccable Banquet Hall located at Brickdam and Sandeman Streets, Georgetown.
World Accreditation Day is a global initiative, jointly established by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), to raise awareness of the importance of accreditation. With reference to this year’s theme, the successful provision of health and social care is one of the greatest challenges today. Whether caused by expanding global population growth or increased life expectancy, the need to provide reassuring, consistent and cost effective health and social care will only grow in its magnitude and complexity. Accreditation within the health and social care sector supports the assurance that there is the delivery of competent services to patients, families, regulators and commissioners. It provides the essential tool for health care providers to demonstrate that they have undergone a rigorous process to ensure that their patients consistently receive high quality services delivered by competent staff working in safe environments.
The GNBS invited representatives from the Ministry of Social Protection with responsibility for Social Care and Ministry of Health with responsibilities for Health Care to give remarks at the symposium. The speakers were were Ms. Evadnie Enniss, Executive Director, Ms. Candelle Walcott-Bostwick, Head, Conformity Assessment Department, Mr. Aggrey Azore, Senior Probation and Social Services Officer and Ms. Rodlyn Semple, Technical Officer II.
Twenty six (26) representatives from the social and healthcare sectors were in attendance.
With reference to the theme for World Accreditation Day 2015, it should also be noted that the GNBS visited two elderly homes namely the Chases Indigent Home and the St. Thomas More Men’s Hostel as one of its activities for World Accreditation Day. The Administrative staff and other staff of the GNBS visited these homes to share joy and personal items with the senior citizens who were very appreciative.
Projections for 2016: To implement the NAFP work programme which will include providing technical assistance to at least two additional laboratories to facilitate their accreditation.
7.0 Promotional activities
Eight (8) awareness sessions were held during the period to sensitise local businesses on the requirements of key standards to encourage the voluntary implementation of standards. The standards promoted included the ISO 9001 Quality Management System, ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System, ISO/IEC 17020 Inspection Management System, ISO/IEC 17065 Certification Management System, Specification for packaged water and the code of practice for packaged water.
Projections for 2016: To continue to promote implementation of applicable standards to local businesses.
8.0 GNBS QMS All Departments would have completed the SOPs for the respective Departments.
There was one verification audit in 2015.
Projections for 2016: To train key GNBS officers on the requirements of the ISO 9001: 2015 standard and work towards implementation of the QMS to facilitate the certification of key services provided by the GNBS to the ISO 9001 standard.
9.0 National Committee on Conformity Assessment
Four meetings of the NCCA were held in 2015. Approximately nineteen (19) agencies were represented at the meetings held during the year. During the year, the membership was provided with feedback on the activities of the Technical Implementation Group (TIG) Conformity Assessment and the Technical Implementation Group (TIG) – Accreditation.
Projections for 2016: To implement the TIG-A and TIG-CA work programmes in Guyana, to facilitate the accreditation of additional conformity assessment bodies in Guyana in collaboration with CROSQ.
10.0 National Laboratory Quality Committee
Clinical sub-committee
During the period of January to December 2015 four (4) quarterly Clinical Sub- Committee meetings were held in the Training Room of the GNBS. An average of twenty (20) representatives from medical laboratories attended the meetings. At each meeting representatives provided progress reports on their quality system documents including technical manuals. Representatives highlighted challenges affecting the completion of their quality system documents and any other issues affecting their profession.
A number of presentations were conducted by the Head of the Laboratory Certification programme to assist the laboratories to better understand their system and address issues that were affecting the smooth functioning of the laboratories. Uncertified laboratories were encouraged to become certified and move towards accreditation to improve the quality of health care services provided to the public.
Projections for 2016: To meet with top management of laboratories to promote the benefits of having their laboratories certified or accredited and also to discuss challenges which may be hindering the achievement of this objective. 5.0 STANDARDS WRITING PROGRAMME
The Standardisation Department of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is responsible for planning, organising and facilitating the development of national standards. Standards are developed in a wide variety of fields by Technical Committees (See Appendix 1) comprising of experts in each field. Justification must be provided for any standards development project.
The Standards Development process (See Appendix 2) is conducted by three (3) Officers of the Standardisation Department. The Department works closely with various Technical Committees and other interested parties to develop and execute the standards development work programme, which includes, inter alia:
(a) research activities and planning for identification of greater priorities for standardisation;
(b) formulation of draft standards and identification of suitable regional and international standards for adoption as national standards;
(c) review and maintenance of national standards;
(d) periodic consultation with producers, service providers, government agencies, the private sector, consumer representatives, special interest groups and the general public to promote the concept and importance of standardisation in national development; and
(e) participation in regional and international standardisation.
The standards development work programme of the GNBS focuses on the development and adoption of standards that will enhance product or service competitiveness, and ultimately the economic development of Guyana. These standards maybe developed from baseline information but such an approach is often time consuming. Also, there is always the very real possibility that the lengthy development process will culminate in no more than the re-invention of the wheel.
In view of this, the Standardisation Department encourages Technical Committees to adopt regional or international standards that will bring greater benefits to Guyana on a wider scale. Technical Committees operate on a consensus principle and the public is given the opportunity to examine and comment on all draft standards before they are approved as national standards.
The Standardisation Department houses Guyana’s WTO Enquiry Point which answers all reasonable enquiries from other Members and interested parties, as well as provides, inter alia, relevant documents regarding:
(a) Technical regulations adopted or proposed within its territory;
(b) Standards adopted or processed within its territory; (c) Conformity assessment procedures or proposed conformity assessment procedures, which are operated within its territory;
(d) The membership and participation of the Member or of relevant institutions within its territory, in international and regional standardisation bodies and conformity assessment systems; and
(e) The membership and participation of the Members or of relevant institutions within its territory in bilateral and multilateral arrangements within the scope of the Agreement.
The Standardisation Department also houses Guyana’s Codex Contact Point which:
(a) Act as the link between the Codex Secretariat and Member countries;
(b) Coordinate all relevant codex activities nationally;
(c) Receive all Codex final texts (standards, codes of practice, guidelines and other advisory texts) and working documents or Codex sessions and ensure that they are circulated to those concerned nationally;
(d) Send comments on Codex documents or proposals to the Codex Alimentarius and/or its subsidiary bodies and/or the Codex Secretariat;
(e) Work in close cooperation with the National Codex Committee;
(f) Act as a channel for the exchange of information and coordination of activities with Codex members;
(g) Receive the invitation to Codex sessions and inform the relevant Agency and the Codex Secretariat of the names of participation from Guyana;
(g) Maintain a library of Codex final texts; and
(i) Promote Codex activities nationally.
5.1 Status of National Standards Development
5.1.1 Standards Proposals
Three (3) proposals for the revision of national standards were approved by the National Standards Council. These proposals were, Specification for Gas Stoves, Specification for safety Helmets and Toys and Playthings.
The revision of these standards was assigned to the various Technical Committees.
5.1.2 Standards at Technical Committee Stage
There are twenty (20) standards remaining on the work programme of the Technical Committees for 2015. These standards are at various stages of standards development.
NATIONAL CARICOM
Transportation of bulk petroleum Tobacco,advertising, promotion and products sponsorship
Specification for steel fabric for the reinforcement of concrete
Building Code – section 3: Fire safety, use and occupancy
Building Code – section 5: Plumbing
Building Code – section 11: High Rise Building
Building Code – section 13: Foundation and Excavation
Building Code – section 2: Loadings
Building Code – section 6: Reinforced concrete trestle
Building Code – section 15: Design and construction of latrine
Specification for hot rolled steel bars for the reinforcement of concrete
Building Code – section 13 Code of Practice for the design and construction of septic tanks and associated secondary treatment and disposal system
Specification for dried salted fish
Requirements for the Dealers of cellular phone
Industrial Effluent Discharge into the Environment
Code of Practice for water manufacturing and filling premises
Specification for the labelling of commodities – Part 15: Labelling of garments
Specification for the labelling of commodities – Part 16: Labelling of textiles
Specification for the labelling of commodities – Part 4: Labelling of footwear
Specification for the labelling of commodities – Part 7 : Labelling of household electrical appliances
Guidelines for air emission into the environment
5.1.3 Public consultation for standards
Public consultations were held country wide on the following draft standards:
- Specification for footwear and
- Requirements for industrial effluent discharge into the environment. 5.1.4 Standards approved by the National Standards Council
During the year 2015, two (2) standards were approved by the National Standards Council.
The table below shows the standards approved for the year 2014 and 2015.
2014 2015
Specification for the Labelling of Quality Management Systems – commodities Part 10: Labelling of Requirements equipment, items and parts containing refrigerants
Environmental Management Systems – Requirements with guidance for use
5.1.5 Compulsory Standards
No standard was made compulsory for the year 2015. 5.2 Regional Standards
5.2.1 Meetings of Technical Committee/Consultations on CARICOM Standards
Meetings of Regional Technical Committee were held for the Draft CARICOM Standard:
Tobacco,advertising, promotion and sponsorship
5.2.2 Regional Project Team – Guyana
Guyana facilitated the Regional Project Team to develop CARICOM standards “Self Ballasted LED Lamps for General Lighting with Supply Voltages >50V- Performance Requirements” and “Self Ballasted Lamps for General Lighting Services-Performance Requirements”. These standards were endorsed as a CARICOM Regional standards at the meeting by the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) held in November, 2015. Guyana was assigned the Regional Project Team to revise the CARICOM Standards “Specification for brown sugars”, “Specification for white sugars” and “Methods of analysis of sugars”.
5.2.3 Votes on Regional Standards
Guyana voted for the approval of the following CARICOM Standards:
Self Ballasted LED Lamps for General Lighting with Supply Voltages >50V- Performance Requirements” Self Ballasted Lamps for General Lighting Services-Performance Requirements Specification for liquid chlorine bleach
5.2.4 Comments on Regional Standards
The following standards were circulated to stakeholders for the comments and/input;
- Specification for Paint-flat emulsion-Method of test and
- Specification for Carbonated Beverages
Comments were received on the draft standard “Specification for Paint-flat emulsion-Method of test” and same was submitted to the CROSQ Secretariat for consideration.
Specification for Paint-flat emulsion-Method of test’ and ‘Specification for Carbonated Beverages’
5.2.4 Participation in CROSQ meetings
Guyana submitted an update to the CROSQ Secretariat on the status of implementation of all the CARICOM standard to date. Mr. Elton Patram attended one meeting of the CROSQ Technical Management Committee and one meeting of the Technical Implementation Group - Standards. These meetings were held in Monsterrat. The purpose of the meetings were to review status of regional standards under development, standards work programme and technical matters relating to standardisation.
5.3 WTO/TBT Enquiry Point
5.3.1 Guyana’s Standards Development Work Programme for was prepared and submitted to the WTO Secretariat via the National Notification Authority (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
5.3.2 The WTO/TBT Enquiry Point received enquiries. These were the request for information on:
(a) The ISO 9001 certified companies in Guyana;
(b) Guyana’s work programme for standardisation.
5.4 Codex Activities.
5.4.1 Sixty (60) electronic copies of Codex documents were disseminated to the Food and Drug Department, Ministry of Agriculture and stakeholders for information purposes. The purpose for dissemination of these documents was to sensitise the stakeholders on the status of development of Codex standards, guidelines and codes.
The National Codex Committee identified five (5) priority meetings at which Guyana should be represented. These were: Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues, Food Labelling, Fish and Fishery Products, Fresh Fruits and Vegetables and Committee for Caribbean and Latin American Countries.
5.5 National Building Code
5.5.1 The National Building Code Sub Committees – Fire safety and Foundation and Excavation met and review the National Building Code; section 3 “Fire safety, occupancy and use” and section 13 “ Foundation and Excavation”.
5.6 Projects
5.6.1 The CROSQ 10th EDF project on “Reducing technical barriers to trade” held one meeting of the Technical Implementation Group – Standards. The meeting was attended by Mr. Elton Patram which was held in Jamaica. The purpose of the meetings was to prepare the annual work programme for the standardization component of the project.
6.0 COMMUNICATION
Overview The Communication Division is responsible for providing support services to assist in the successful execution of the various activities listed under the work programmes of the Bureau.
The year under review was another productive one for the Communication Division as it was able to fulfill most of its objectives. The Division continued to provide support to the technical departments, educate and sensitise stakeholders, organize GNBS participation in exhibitions and national events and give guidance to consumers on matters pertaining to the selection of quality goods offered for sale in Guyana. Activities conducted were as follows:
6.1 Programme Support
Vital programme support was provided to the technical departments, which ensured that there were communication inputs into key programme activities of the GNBS. Below are the major programme support activities which were successfully undertaken during 2015.
6.1.1 Metric sensitization of stakeholders
Some emphasis was placed on Metric Sensitization activities through the various opportunities to inform and educate the various sectors, consumers, retailers and shopkeepers on the use of the metric system. The metric message was divulged to stakeholders through notices, newspaper articles and participation in national events. Further, on many occasions members of the public called or visited the GNBS seeking information regarding the metric system. The GNBS recognizes the importance of having Guyana on par with rest of the world as it relates to the use of the metric system, which allows for the easy trade of goods and services domestically and internationally.
6.1.2 Lecture Sessions
This year, little emphasis was placed on conducting lectures to stakeholders of the GNBS including school children when compared to previous years. Nevertheless, one lecture session was conducted for students of Manchester Secondary who were touring the GNBS. They were sensitized with the message of standardization, its importance to quality, and the various services provided by the Bureau. Approximately 75 students and teachers participated in that session. A number of questions regarding were asked by students and teachers, which were addressed accordingly.
6.2 Promotional Activities
As a means of publicizing GNBS activities under its various work programmes, the following activities were executed as shown in table: Table 2 Promotional activities for the period: 20011 - 2015.
No Name of Activity Year Year Year Year Year 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 1 No. of press releases issued 5 7 6 6 11 2 No. of articles published 37 41 33 19 29 3 No. of notices published 28 46 37 27 33 4 No. of press briefings held 6 6 15 8 10 5 No. of school lectures held 5 4 12 7 1 6 No. of live Radio &/ TV 3 4 12 14 15 programmes 7 No. of pre –recorded radio - - - - 3 programmes 8 No. of Pre-recorded Television - - - - 20 programmes
The figures in the table above represent the number of promotional activities undertaken by the Communications Division over the last five years to support the programmes of the technical departments, provide information to guide consumers and other stakeholders and to promote significant events. The number of activities executed in the respective years varied as the need arose, the availability of resources, and according to events outlined in the respective work programmes. This is especially applicable to notices, press briefings, press releases and television programmes.
6.2.1 Radio and Television Programmes
During the year, Officers of the GNBS participated in fifteen (15) radio and television programmes to provide information to citizens on a range of aspects and activities conducted by the organization. The programmes were conducted during National Quality Week, for World Consumer Rights Day, World Metrology Day and World Accreditation Day. In addition, during the Christmas season information in the form of shopping tips was shared to educate consumers. Apart from the event by event approach to executing radio and television programmes, efforts need to be made to have regular appearances to provide information on the services provided by the organisation and to garner feedback.
6.2.2 Newspaper Articles
During the early part of 2015, the Chronicle newspapers discontinued publishing the weekly Standards Corner feature, which forced the GNBS to seek other avenues to feature articles on its activities. As a result, articles were sent to all newspapers and were published based on the availability of space. However, in July the PRO met with the Editor in Chief of the Kaieteur Newspapers and an agreement was reached for the publishing of articles by the Bureau in a weekly Sunday column titled “Standards in Focus”. During the year, twenty nine (29) newspaper articles were published.
6. 2.3 Standards Advisories
A total of five (5) standards advisories were published in the media which focused on the quality of products offered for sale to consumers, such as the sale of non- compliant brands of cigarettes on the local market. In addition, advisories regarding the sale of fuel at gas-stations countrywide and the need for vendors and shopkeepers to use the recommended types of scales for commercial purposes were also published. The publishing of these advisories was based on market intelligence gathered by the GNBS and the increased number of complaints made by consumers.
6. 2.4 Press Releases
Press releases were also effectively used as a means of advising and educating consumers on activities conducted during the year, and for highlighting faulty products and services offered to consumers. As a result, eleven (11) releases were disseminated to media houses pertaining to activities conducted by the GNBS to commemorate World Metrology Day, World Consumer Rights Day, World Accreditation Day and World Standards Day. In addition, press releases were issued to highlight Weights and measures activities and to inform the public of certified companies and products. .
6. 2.5 Notices and Advertisements
A total of twenty thirty three (33) notices were placed in the print and electronic media and the GNBS website to highlight major activities and events organized by the Bureau. Most of these notices pertained to legal metrology services as they are the main means of informing vendors, shopkeepers and other users of weighing and measuring devices of the times and venues of mobile stamping. Notices also took the form of consumer alerts/reminders and advisories, vacancies or promotional advertisements for activities planned including symposia, training/workshops and public consultations sessions. In addition to these notices, the airing of the three GNBS television advertisements which were produced under the SCP will be intensified in 2016.
6.2.6 Press Interviews During this year, the Bureau continued to hold press briefings to bring media houses and the general public up to date about matters of critical importance to the success of standardization in Guyana. Hence press interview were organized to inform stakeholders on a number of activities, programmes and plans, such as the monitoring of commodities by the GNBS, complaints received by the Bureau, National Quality Week activities, the Bureau’s Technical Assistance programme, and Weights and Measures activities. Then (10) interviews were conducted for the year.
6.2.7 Standards Feature
Standards were featured in the form of press releases and articles in the various newspapers. The scope and requirements of the standards and the benefits which can be derived by companies from standards implementation were some of the aspects highlighted in these features.
6. 3 Publications
6.3.1 Guest Articles
Another strategy used to promote awareness of standards is the publishing of articles on standards related topics in the newsletters and other publications of other companies and organisations. This year however, the bureau only managed to feature three articles on standardisation in the Business Exposition 2015 magazine. These articles focused on SME’s.
6.3.2 GNBS Newsletter
The GNBS continued to produce its quarterly newsletters. The articles captured the highlights of activities undertaken during the respective quarters of the year. Electronic copies were distributed to stakeholders such as libraries, members of National Standards Council, Sister Bureaus, Government Ministries, other regulatory agencies, non-governmental bodies, certified laboratories and holders of the national standards mark, agencies working towards international certification. A copy of each newsletter was posted on the GNBS website.
6.3.3 GNBS Website
GNBS website is one of the means of sharing information about the organisation and its activities and the Division continued to use this medium to sensitize stakeholders and the general public on planned activities and standards and consumer matters. Copies of the newsletter, special features, photos, articles and planned events, standards for public comments, other notices and vacancies, brief reports from recently concluded activities and consumer alerts were placed on the GNBS website. The GNBS has commenced work to drastically improve its website through contacting the services of a web developer. The new website which is expected to be activated before the end of the first quarter of 2016 will be more interactive, informative, and easier to navigate. It will also be fully linked to social media.
6.4.4 Printed Materials
Factsheets, brochures, posters and other printed materials outlining the activities under the various work programmes were means used by the GNBS to disseminate information to its stakeholders. During the year, the Division also developed and printed a new brochure for rice farmers and millers and reprinted a number of other materials for distribution to stakeholders at events held throughout the year. The GNBS was fortunate this year to receive printed posters from CROSQ for World Standards Day and World Metrology Day.
6.4.5 GNBS Calendar
The GNBS once again produced and printed a mini desk calendar for 2016 for dissemination to its internal and external stakeholders. The 300 copies of the calendar featured information on a number of standards which are available for use by stakeholders in the various sectors. Among the standards featured are tourism standards, constructions standards/building codes, systems and products standards. It is hoped that stakeholders through this awareness begin to purchase and use these standards.
6.4.6 Other information
During the year, the Division routinely addressed matters of members of the public via the use of television and radio interviews, lectures, participation in national exhibitions, telephone inquiries, and responses to letters in the press.
6.5 Other support activities, meetings and training attended
6.5.1 Editing of Documents
The PRO edited a number of documents produced for dissemination by the Bureau, which included programmes for public events, draft standards, notices, articles, brochures, minutes, banners and posters.
6.5.2 Participation in workshops, seminars and symposia
The PRO, throughout the year, arranged and participated in symposia, workshops, public consultation sessions and meetings that were hosted by the GNBS. His participation included chairing the proceedings, making opening remarks and presentations and the capturing of photographs and videos for subsequent use.
6.5.3 The National Weights and Measures Monitoring Committee Meetings
The Public Relations Officer continued to participate in the statutory meetings of the above Committee during 2015. These meetings were held on the last Thursday of every month. During the year, the Division provided support to the activities planned by the Committee through the publishing of notices, press releases, preparing and editing of minutes, etc.
6.5.4 Review Meetings
The Executive Director routinely convened review meetings with the Public Relations Officer to plan and evaluate activities executed by the Division. The review sessions examined the successes, the percentage completion of the communication work programme, activities to be completed before the close of the year, needs of the Division, and recommendations for improvement.
6.5.5 Occupation Safety and Health Meetings
The Public Relations Officer participated in a number of GNBS Occupation, Safety and Health Committee meetings during the year. A number of matters were discussed which resulted in the purchase of an eyewash station for the laboratories, training of GNBS staff members in first aid response, the development of a floor plan, and the execution of fire drills, etc.
6.5.6 Marketing Information, Knowledge and Education (MIKE) Committee Meetings
The Executive Director and the Public Relations Officer represented Guyana at the Sixth meeting of the Marketing, Information, Knowledge Management and Education (MIKE) Committee which was held in March. During the meeting, a number of matters were discussed including the implementation of a Regional Quality Award scheme, the development of Marketing and Communication work plans for the Bureaus and the implementation of a Knowledge Management Strategy. In addition, a training workshop was conducted on how to develop objectives for the Marketing and Communication plans for each Bureau. Representatives from all CROSQ member states and the Dominican Republic attended the meeting.
Meanwhile, throughout the year, the PRO participated in a number of online meetings of the MIKE Committee. These meeting were held to share information and garner feedback on activities planned by MIKE for all member states under the tenth EDF, which include the Development of a Regional Quality Award Programme, the development and the implementation of a Marketing and Communication Plan within individual NSBs.
6.5.7 National Quality Award Meeting
The first meeting of the National Quality Awards Committee comprised of staff of the GNBS was held in July to revise the Draft Caribbean Quality Award Proposal developed by CROSQ. This modification is needed for the National Quality Awards programme. However, despite plans to have other meetings during the year and to launch the scheme, the committee did not meet. Effort will be made in 2016 to establish the scheme.
6.5.8 Marketing and Communication Plan
A meeting was held between the CROSQ Information Officer and the PRO of the GNBS in an effort to commence the development of a draft Marketing and Communication Plan for the GNBS. As a result, some amount of work was completed with the inputs of the Head Conformity Assessment Department of the GNBS. Efforts are being made to complete this plan before the end of March 2016
6.6 Outreach Visits
6.6.1 Visit to Region # 10
The Division collaborated with the Consumer Affairs Division of the Ministry of Tourism to conduct one outreach visit to Region 10 as part of the World Consumer Rights Day activities. Visits were made to a numbers of vendors and other retailers to determine whether their devices were verified and to educate them on the care and use of their devices. In 2016, more collaborative visits to the outlying regions of Guyana will be conducted to educate stakeholders on the services offered by the organisation.
6.7 National Events and Exhibitions
6.7.1 University of Guyana Career Fair
The Bureau did not participate in the University of Guyana’s Career Fair this year because it was rescheduled from the month of February to April due to strike actions at the university. During April, other work activities engaged the Bureau’s attention, which prevented it participation.
6.7.2 World Consumer Rights Day The PRO participated in the activities planned by the Ministry to commemorate World Consumer Rights Day, 2015 under the theme “Helping Consumers choose health diets”. Assistance was provided to Ministry to coordinate all Public Relations activities. Activities conducted were two radio programmes, one live television programme, a half day seminar, a cook-out competition for secondary school in Linden and messages were published in the various newspapers. To mark the occasion, the GNBS issued a press release highlighting the significance of WCRD.
6.7.3 World Metrology Day
On May 20, 2015 the GNBS joined with the rest of the world to commemorate World Metrology Day under the theme “Measurements and Light”. To mark the occasion, the GNBS published the message by the BIML Director. A live radio programme was also conducted to educate the general public about Metrology activities conducted by the GNBS to ensure consumer protection and meet the needs of industries.
6.7.4 World Accreditation Day
On June 09, the GNBS joined other standardisation bodies worldwide to commemorate World Accreditation Day under the theme “Supporting the Delivery of Health and Social Care”. To mark the occasion, a symposium was held at the Impeccable Banquet Hall where representatives of organisations involved in health and social care attended. In addition to the symposium, the GNBS was please to celebrate the accreditation of the Guyana Rice Development Board Central Laboratory to the ISO 17025 Standard. This Laboratory is the first body to be accredited in Guyana, even as it received support from the GNBS to develop its quality system towards certification and Accreditation. Subsequently, an award ceremony was held to the Grand Coastal Inn where members of CROSQ, the Accreditation body (JANAAC), GNBS and GRDB attended. 6.7.5 World Environment Day
On June 05, 2015 the GNBS joined with the rest of the world to commemorate World Environment Day under the theme “"Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care."”. To mark the occasion, the GNBS published the message in the various newspapers to sensitize stakeholders of the role standardisation plays in protecting the environment, to highlight the standards that are available at the GNBS that relate to the environment and the importance of environmental preservation.
6.7.6 Business Exposition 2015 The GNBS participated in the inaugural Business Expo 2015 held by the Ministry of Business under the theme – Guyanese Products and services – Our Gateway to the Good Life. The event which was held in the National Exhibition Complex Sophia during the period November 27 – 29 saw over 300 small businesses participating and showcasing their products and services. During the event, staff members of the GNBS shared information about the Bureau’s activities orally and in the form of factsheets and brochures with visitors to the Booth.
Meanwhile, approximately 100 packages containing information regarding the GNBS services were prepared and disseminated to small businesses participating in the expo. This was intended to educate these businesses as to how the GNBS can assist them through its various services and the implementation of standards in their operations.
Apart from participating in the expo as an exhibitor, the GNBS was represented on the organizing committee by the Public Relations Officer who functioned as the PR Manager. Other members of the Committee were also selected from other agencies falling under the purview of the Ministry of Business. In this capacity, the PRO utilized the various means to promote the event.
6.7.7 National Quality Week
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) designated Monday, October 12 to Friday, October 16, 2015 as National Quality Week. The week’s celebrations coincided with World Standards Day 2015 which was commemorated internationally on Wednesday, October 15 under the theme: “Standards – the world’s common language”.
As is Customary, the GNBS conducted a number of activities during National Quality Week. These activities included appearance on the Guyana Today (NCN) and First Look (HBTV) morning TV Programmes, conducted a Mini Exhibition, a Lecture for secondary school students, and published messages by the Honourable Minister of Business and the Executive Director of the GNBS in the newspapers and the GNBS Website. In addition, National and Internationally Certified/Accredited companies were featured in the print media, Officers of the GNBS participated in a Voice of Guyana radio programme, and the Long Service Award Ceremony and Staff Appreciation Day was conducted.
6.7.8 World Health Day Activities On April 16, 2015, the GNBS collaborated with PAHO/WHO, Ministry of Health and other governmental and non-governmental organisations to host the World Health Day 2015 street fair on main street Georgetown under the theme “From farm to the Plate, Make food safe”. At the fair, the GNBS showcased some of the grading standards and food standards it has developed. In addition, posters featuring agricultural produce and their requirements were posted up in the booths. A large number students, teachers and members of the general public visited the GNBS booth and information was shared.
Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer attended a half day symposium that was held on World Health Day, Tuesday April 07, 2015. The symposium, which was held at the National Cultural Centre, had a number of presenters including a Technical Officer of the GNBS who spoke on food safety. Further, as a supporting partner in commemorating World Health Day 2015, the GNBS organized a live television programme on NCN channel 11 to discuss the topic of food safety.
6.8 Competitiveness Project – Communication Strategy
During the year, the GNBS completed activities under its Communication Strategy which is funded by the Support for Competitiveness Programme. The twenty (20) pre-recorded television programmes to promote the GNBS and its services were produced and aired on the three television stations as required. These programmes and other benefits from the strategy have boosted the Communication outputs and activities of the Bureau and have helped to put the GNBS and its services in the public eyes.
6.9 Monitoring/ Evaluation
The year 2016 has been a successful one for the Communication Division of the GNBS. However, more work could have been done to promote the activities and services of the organisation. More school lectures, more outreach visits could have been conducted. The shortfall in live television programmes was compensated for through the airing of the 20 pre-recorded programmes. This programme continued to be seen as essential to the Bureau and is one of the main means through which the programme activities, promotional events and achievements of the organisation are disseminated to its many stakeholders across the country.
Each year, new initiatives are undertaken to achieve the goals set and notwithstanding the challenges, the objectives targeted are achieved as fresh ideas are injected.
7.0 STANDARDS INFORMATION The goals of the Technical Standards Information Unit (TSIU) is to ensure that information obtained by the GNBS is properly arranged, labelled, disseminated and retrieved to facilitate patrons’ needs. These tasks are the primary achievements of this department.
7.1 Automation of TSIU
Documents acquired in this section were recorded manually until the necessary resource is made available to fully automate the collection.
New documents received were indexed, classified, labelled and/or lettered and interfiled/shelved into specific subject, title or reference/call numbers sequence, to ensure accessibility and traceability. A new initiative was done to differentiate the type of loans offered by the department.
These activities are the main duties of TSIU. When an appropriate automation system is employed it will foster this library collection development, which will boost a better library climate and services offered.
7.2 Creating a database for TSIU activities
This activity will commence when a compatible system is decided upon.
7.3 Upgraded Collection
Statistics shown below represents new documents obtained during the last five (5) years (2011 – 2015)
Table 1
Year 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Acquisitions 353 301 323 466 409
DOCUMENTS ACQUIRED FROM 2011TO 2015 This graph highlights upwards and downwards movement of documents received between the years 2011 – 2015 in the Technical Standards Information Unit (TSIU). During 2011/2012 there was a slight reduction by 17%; 2012/2013 demonstrated a growth of 7%, 2013/2014 reflected a massive increase by 44%, while 2015 had a mere 14% decrease in the amount of documents received in the TSIU.
In this period under review textbooks purchased benefited TSIU patrons.
It was observed that some Secondary School students who had School Base Assessment (SBA) research projects utilized this facility. Some University of Guyana undergraduates, especially those from the Faculty of Technology and Environmental Studies found this collection useful for their research.
Although a greater amount of textbooks were bought than previous years the collection can be enhanced more if finances are made accessible to buy textbooks, periodicals and standards that stakeholders and Technical Officers utilize, especially for their planned work programmes. Also staff and the general public could use the collection more frequently, which will enable the TSIU to meet a National Documentation Centre level. 7.4 Profile of Activities: Table ll
Summarized result of the Technical Standards Information Unit performances attained in 2015 is shown.
ACTIVITIES Jan Feb. Mar. Apr May June July Aug Sept. Oct Nov Dec. Tota NO...... l 1. Acquisitions 21 33 17 35 - 45 24 71 47 28 21 67 409 2. Queries 33 17 10 53 15 38 09 22 25 11 39 24 296 13 09 06 21 12 21 04 17 09 22 15 165 External 16 08 04 20 03 07 05 16 08 02 16 09 104 Internal 04 - - 12 - 10 - - - 01 27 Overseas 06
3. Standards Sold 03 11 01 16 05 07 06 03 04 05 05 32 98 4. Visitor(s) 01 88 02 08 04 06 02 03 08 03 06 11 142 Standards Sold: Table Ill
YEAR 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 STANDARDS SOLD 223 232 124 133 96
The figure above demonstrates how standards were sold in the last five (5) years. Between the years 2011-2012 showed a slight increase of 4%, 2012 -2013 reflected a drastic decline in the sales figure by 87%; 2013 – 2014 showed an increase by 12%, while 20114 – 2015 indicated a 28% decline in the sales figure.
The standards sold this year represents four hundred and twenty thousand, five hundred (420,500) dollars. This figure when compare to 2014 demonstrates a significant decrease of 48%.
Table IV STANDARDS SOLD BY SPECIFIC SUBJECTS
# STANDARDS BY CATEGORIES AMOUNT 1. Building Codes 1 2. Conformity Assessment 24 3. Consumer Products 13 4. Electrical Equipment 01 5. Environment 07 6. Food Safety 06 7. Foods 08 8. Fruits and vegetables 06 9. Laboratories 14 10 Pipes 02 . 11. Poultry 06 12. Quality management 08 13. Safety 03 14. Textile and garments 02 15. Tyre 02 16. Wood Product 01
The Line graph show a trend that existed during 2015 of standards sold.
7.5 CONDUCTING OTHER ACTIVITIES ON BEHALF OF THE GNBS
Ms. Bourne, Senior Information Officer attended OSH statutory meetings.
7.6 OTHER ACTIVITIES Ms. Bourne, Senior Information Officer edited all publication list prepared by the Information Officer; Books in the cabinet were shelf read by the Senior Information Officer for easy retrieval; Standards Information Bulletin articles were mail to the editorial committee for editing and formatting by the coordinator Ms. Bourne; Staff of the department were appraised by The Senior Information Officer; Ms. Bollers, Information Assistant requested stationery for the Information Services Department during the year; Students and teachers from Manchester Secondary School, Corentyne, Berbice visited GNBS and they were oriented about TSIU functions by the Senior Information Officer and Information Assistant; TSIU Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) were prepared by the Senior Information Officer; Stocking of the sales collection was done by the Information Officer as an annual project; Ms. Bourne, Senior Information Officer (SIO) downloaded and printed ASTM & CARICOM standards for reference purpose; A copy of the published Official Gazette with GEA Act was printed for HOD – Standardization and HOD – Legal Metrology and Standards Compliance; Information requested by WTO TBT to update their 2015 Standards Code Directory was prepared and sent to Mr. Martinez by Ms. Bourne; Information Corner Board was updated by the Information Assistance after the SIO selected them; SIO prepared Monitoring & evaluation information as requested by the Ministry; Ms. Gill, Information Officer was task with the responsibility to weeding out outdated files that had a shelf life of 10 years and beyond. This assignment was completed; SIO prepared a listing of all national standards and disseminated it to Food & Drugs and GNBS Ex-Deputy Director; The Information Assistant sorted and labelled all new Official Gazettes; Ms. Gill (IO) and Ms. Bollers (IA) concluded the task given to index files located in the cabinets; TSIU was audited by the HOD, Conformity Assessment Department & a Technical Officer of it operations. Activities without procedures were asked to be done in flowchart method with a deadline set for completion; Ms. Bourne updated TSIU user’s manual in keeping with ISO 9001 requirements; The Senior Information Officer contacted two Software Programmers, Mr. Amarnauth Seegobin and Mr. Tappin for either of them to implement the Koha Integrated Library database for TSIU. A third person required by GNBS policy could not be reached as yet; The Information Assistant prepared a listing of all the recent books acquired by the department. It was placed onto the notice board for clients to know what is new in TSIU; Ms. Roxan Bourne, Senior Information Officer gave the vote of thanks for 2015 Secondary School Education Forum held at the Main Benab, National Exhibition Complex, Sophia. That was a World Standards Day activity; The Information Assistant attended Quality Week Mini Expo Exhibition held by Guyana Stores Limited to commemorate World Standards Day and also Secondary School Education Forum; Ms. Gill, Information Officer was task with the responsibility to tabulate the yearly statistics of each activity conducted in TSIU for the compilation of 2015 annual report; Ms. Roxan Bourne, Senior Information Officer work for the Business Exposition on November 29, 2015 Approval sought for purchases from the Executive Director :- - New Zealand Standards (2); - Installation Tapes to differentiate the type of loans offered by TSIU. Literature searches were conducted for the following standards: - Cyanide - a list of 57 standards were mail to Head, Standardization Department; - Effluent discharge; - Pneumatic car tyre; - Dried fish; - Determination of caustic soda in solution filtration. Electronic invoices were sent to the following agencies: - Environmental Protection Agency; - Troy’s Resources Guyana; - Ministry of Health, Environmental Unit – Ms. Stacy Alves; - Food & Drugs Department – Ms. Manifa Bourne; - Anamayal Hospital, Essequibo – Sharda Gopaul. Standards issued free were given to: - Guyana Life Stock & Development Authority; - National Council Members; - Minister of Tourism; - Grenada Bureau of Standards; - Trinidad & Tobago Bureau of Standards; - Technical Committee on Food; - Trinidad Cement Limited; - Forestry Products Development & Marketing Council of Guyana Inc. Throughout the year reports of the department were compiled by the Senior Information Officer who submitted them to the Executive Director via her Secretary; ASTM annual MOU report was prepared IN October of each year by the Senior Information Officer; TSIU 2015 budget & Work Programme were prepared by Ms. Roxan Bourne.
7.7 Executive Summary
The Technical Standards Information Unit (TSIU) provided information to staff, University of Guyana students, School Base Assessment (SBA) children, clients and stakeholders, so that they were equipped to execute their tasks set by them in a timely and efficient manner. Patrons were provided with reading materials that derived benefit to them from what was acknowledged.
7.8 Comments and Observations
It would be beneficial if the collection is upgraded with more periodicals, textbooks and other reading materials. This will assist officers’ to equip themselves with more modernize reading materials.
There is a dire need for the collection to be refurbished with new furniture, display racks, officer desks, metal shelves, modernize cabinets to house books/standards and newspaper holders. Since Guyana experience flooding in 2005 our reading room carrels was soaked and as of today this same furniture are in the department. It will be appreciated if new equipment can be purchase and the others be replaced to a more sophisticated reading room setting.
It was observed that due to the fact that many standards were not being featured in the news media and less training programme being conducted TSIU reflected a decrease figure in it revenue generated for sale of standards than 2014. It is hoped that in 2016 a publicity strategy be implemented to bring about changes in a positive direction to the sales of standards.
7.9 Monitoring and Evaluation
Most of the activities planned on the work programme were executed with the exception of having the Technical Standard Information Unit automated. This activity is presently being done manually by the officers of TSIUuntil a decisive decision is made on whether the database required is one that will be used by the CROSQ community.
8.0 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)
Over the past year, the GNBS IT programme made steady progress. Information technology played an integral part in the programme activities of the Bureau and helped staff to carry out their functions effectively. The Information Technology programme provides technical support to all programme activities of the GNBS and assists staff in carrying out their functions effectively. The network system allows staff to share files, folders and help them to communicate over the intranet and internet. The GNBS will move with the latest updated technology to provide support to internal and external stakeholders. For an organization to improve its business process using technology, an IT department is mandatory for management and support of the infrastructure.
8.1 Network & Internet Connectivity
During this year, the Bureau suffered internet-downtime of approximately two (2) hours in total. The internet-downtime was due to our Internet Service Provider (GT&T). The Bureau is using GT&T DSL internet service with data speeds of 1.5 Mbps download and upload 512 Kbps for 2015 until June 2015 when our download speed was upgraded to 10Mbps. Steps were taken & still being looked at to acquire faster & more stable internet service than the current.
8.2 Significant Achievements for 2015
Date Achievement Benefit May Upgraded DSL DSL Services were upgraded from 1Mbps download Internet Services to 10 Mbps download speed. August Replaced Defective Defective APC Symmetra UPS Unit which had all APC Symmetra UPS GNBS’ computer equipment connected to same, was Unit replaced with individual Liebert UPS Ongoing Employee support Maintain all workstations in working order, including updating virus protection, required software and updates, email accounts and hardware issues.
8.3 GNBS Website Hosting
Months (2015) No. of Website Hits No. of Articles Published January 22064 2 February 21523 1 March 22304 1 April 21723 2 May 23902 3 June 24290 3 July 23717 2 August 24871 0 September 30515 1 October 32860 9 November 39553 5 December 28268 2 Total 315,590 31
There was an increase in the number of website articles published in comparison to 2014 but a lower amount of website hits.
8.4 IT Improvement
(1) Have permanent, on-going support, training and maintenance (hardware, software and Windows 2008 Server) as the IT environment becomes more complex.
(2) Installation of Wall Mount Cabinets to house the network switches which would ensure longevity of the network switches.
(3) A Server which will work as Main Server, Active Directory, File Services, Domain and current server will act as Backup Server
9.0 ADMINISTRATION:
9.1 Staff Profile
The Administrative Department oversees all Administrative operations and Human Resources Management of the organization.
The National Standards Council on June 30, 2010 approved an organizational chart comprising of 70 positions. During the year in review 58 employees were employed within the six (6) departments.
Figure (1a) – Composition of Staff by scheme or service.
To include chart highlighting positions by Managerial, Technical, Support
9.1.1 HUNAM RESOURCES MANAGEMENT: EMPLOYMENT
Table 1: Outline the employees employed.
Name Department Designation Effective date Mr. Keon Rankin Legal Metrology and Inspector 1 May 04, 2015 Standard Compliance Mr. Jamal Semple Legal Metrology and Inspector July 23, 2015 Standard Compliance Assistant
Mr. Quacy Munroe Legal Metrology and Inspector July 23, 2015 Standard Compliance Assistant
9.1.2 Confirmation
Three employees were confirmed in the positions of Inspector 1 and Inspector Assistants 5 during the period at caption.
9.1.3 Separation
Mr. Rajesh Ramgolam – Deputy Director and Mr. Kevin Beepat, Inspector 11 were separated through resignation during the months of September and November, respectively.
9:2 Staff Development
9.2.1 Training: Overseas
Five (5) employees attended overseas training in the area of Scientific Metrology, Standards Development and Conformity Assessment all aimed towards improved performance and technical skills.
9.2.2 Workshops
During the year in review five (5) employees from the Legal/Scientific Metrology, Standards Development, Conformity Assessment and Standarisation developments were exposed to overseas workshops. Several of these workshops were sponsored by ISO, CROSQ, PTB .SIM and REETA Projects. They covered several areas in Metrology, Conformity Assessment, Supporting Trade and Management Systems Certification Practices and Validation Workshop on the Development of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for Public and Commercial Buildings within the CARICOM Regions.
9.2.2.1 Local Training
On January 29, 2015 Regional Officers were exposed to a half day training session on several aspects on the verification of Meter Rules and liquid capacity measures in the training Room of the GNBS. The training was facilitated by Senior Inspectors within the Department. 9.2.2.2 Three (3) Technical staff and six (6) non-Technical staff participated in training on “The Use of ISO Standards Template” on March 02, 2015 at the Board Room of the Ministry of Tourism Industry and Commerce. The training was facilitated by Mr. Alwin Etwah, Senior Inspector who previously attended a similar training. The aim of the training was to provide participants with a thorough understanding of the requirement of the “Standard Template for preparation ISO”.
9.2.2.3 Mr. S. Rai, Head, Legal Metrology and Standards Compliance Department at the invitation of Director, Office of the Budget attended a training on “Monitoring and evaluation” on March 23, 2015 at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal. The session was conducted by Dr. Ray Rist an international expert in the field of Monitoring and evaluation.
9.2.3.4 Ms. Helen Richards, Registry Supervisor and Mr. Vishnu Matbadal, Laboratory Technician 11 attended a two days training on “Management Skills” on March 27,
9.2.3.5 Ms. Andrea Mendonca, Technical Officer 11 attended a training course on “Food Science, International Safety Laws and Food Packaging” hosted by the Government Analysis Food and Drug Department and the Pan American Health Organisation during the period 28-30 September, 2015 at the Cara Lodge. The purpose of the training was to upgrade to meet the required international standards for facilitating trade and protecting consumers. Mr. James Kerr and Dr. Andre Gordon, consultants from the Technological Solutions Limited facilitated the three days course.
9.2.1 In – House Training
Six (6) in house training sessions aimed at staff development in the area of Scientific and Legal Metrology were held in the Training Room of the GNBS during the year in review. These training were facilitated by Heads of Department and Senior Staff of the respective Department.
FIGURE (Ib)
9.1.4 STAFF AT TRAINING SESSIONS (PICTURE TO BE INCLUDED)
9.1.5 Regional Participation
MEETINGS / CONFERENCES ECT.
Ms. Evadnie Enniss, Executive Director and Mr. Lloyd David, Public Relations Officer attended the sixth face to face meeting of the CARICOM Regional Organization for Standards and Quality Committee on the Information Knowledge Education Management Committee workshop/meeting on March 23-24, 2015 in Barbados.
Ms. Evadnie Enniss, Executive Director attended the Pan American Technical Standards Commission (COPANT) General Assembly 2015 during the period April 12-17, 2015 in Mexico. The activity organized by the Bureau of Standards from the Mexican Ministry of Economy focused on the development and presentation of strategies to the various Standards Bodies while discussion several areas of regional trade development .
Ms. Evadnie Enniss – Executive Director attended the 27th Council meeting of CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) during the period October 05 – 08, 2015 at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza, Belize City, Belize. The purpose of the meeting was to allow member states to present their reports regarding their standardisation and conformity assessment activities and elections for new office bearers for the next two year.
Mr. Shailenda Rai, Head of the Legal Metrology and Standards Compliance Department attended the Annual General Assembly of the Inter-American Metrology System (SIM) and the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) Technical Implementation Group for Metrology (TIG-M) and Caribbean Metrology Cooperation (CARIMET) meetings during the period November 16 - 20, 2015 in Dominican Republic. The meeting provided a forum for the country representatives to be informed of the Metrology activities scheduled across the regions for 2016.
Ms. Rodlyn Semple, Technical Officer 11 of the Conformity Assessment Department represented the Bureau at a week of Conformity Assessment activities during the period November 02 -06, 2015 in Trinidad and Tobago. During this period an inaugural meeting of the Caribbean Network of Conformity Assessment Bodies (CANCAB) Committee was convened. Her attendance at these activities highlighted several of the challenges faced by Member states, NSBs and other regulators with a view of providing an improved networking among local and foreign public sector participants.
MAINTAINING REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Ms. Andrea Mendonca, Technical Officer 11 of the Standardisation Department represented the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) at the 38th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland for period July 06-11, 2015. The GNBS was tasked with the responsibility to function as the National Codex Contact Point and Codex Secretariat. The meeting covered topics that would have an impact on the standardization programmes of the GNBS and on the development of industries and the facilitation of trade.
Ms. Candelle Walcott-Bostwick – Head of the Conformity Assessment Department attended three meetings “The fourth meeting of the Technical Implementation Group for Accreditation (TIG-A), the sixth meeting of the Caribbean Cooperation for Accreditation (CCA) Committee and the Seventh Session of the IAAC General Assembly hosted by CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) in collaboration with the other implementing partners Instituto Dominicano para la Calidad (INDOCAL) and Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt during the period September 07-11, 2015 in the Dominican Republic. The objectives of the meetings were to review the status of implementation of the 2015 accreditation operation plan, receive national status reports on accreditation activities, develop the operational plan for 2016-2017 of the 10th RDF-TBT component and also participate in the 20th session of the Inter American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC) General Assembly.
9.3 Staff Welfare:
The eighteenth (18th) Staff Appreciation and Long Service Award ceremony was held on October16, 2015 at the Benab in the Amerindian Village, National Exhibition Centre. At a simple ceremony chaired by the Executive Director nine ( 9 ) employees were recipients of awards for 15 ,10 and 5 years of service to GNBS.
Pictures to be included
9.4.1 National Events and Exhibitions:
Date Activities April 16, 2015. The organization participated in World Health Day Activities organized by the Ministry of Health and other governmental and non-governmental organisations. A street fair was held under the ------theme “From farm to the Plate, Make food safe”. At the fair, the GNBS showcased some of the grading standards and food standards it has developed. The organization participated in the first Business Exposition organized by the Ministry of Business the activity was held under the theme “Guyanese Products and Services- Our Gateway to the Good Life” and provided a foundation for the showcasing local businesses in Guyana. .
9.4.2 Other Activities in which the GNBS participated:
Date Activities June 09,2015 In observance of World Accreditation Day there was a hosting of a Symposium at the Impeccable October 11- 17, 2015 Banquet Hall and visit to homes for the elderly on June 12, 2015 where hampers were distributed. National Quality week / World Standards Day were observed in Guyana and several activities were executed during the period.
May 30, 2014
June 19,
June 09, 2014 a half day workshop under theme “Delivering confidence in the provision of energy “was held at the Pegasus Hotel October National Quality Week and World Standards Day was observed in Guyana and several activities were planned during the period.
9.5 Rendering Administrative Support:
Meetings
A total of 62 scheduled meetings and 8 National Standards Council Meetings were held during 2014. In addition, Administrative support was rendered to and several other activities of the Bureau.
APPENDIX 1
TECHNICAL COMMITTES OF THE GUYANA NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS
Standards are formulated by the work of Technical Committees comprising persons from various interest groups such as producers, consumers, technologists and professionals from private and public sectors. This type of partnership allows for transparency, openness and consensus to be achieved in the development of the standard. This approach, although time consuming, allows for adopted standards to be more readily accepted by all parties.
The following Technical Committees currently operate under the Bureau:
Table 1
Technical Committees
Technical Committees (TC) Technical Committee Number TC 1 Agriculture TC 2 Foods TC 3 Chemical TC 4 Electrotechnical Engineering TC 6 Mechanical Engineering TC 7 Consumer Products TC 9 Laboratory Management TC 10 Civil Engineering TC 12 Tourism TC 13 Wood Products TC 14 Environment TC 15 Management Systems APPENDIX 2
STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
Guyana’s standards are developed in accordance with the WTO’s Code of Good Practice for the Preparation, Adoption and Application of standards. The following outlines the process undertaken:
The preparation of standards is undertaken upon the National Standards Council’s Authorisation. Recommendations are made to the Council based on requests from National Organisation, the general public, existing Technical Committees, or Bureau staff.
On approval of the new work item, it is assigned to a Technical Committee. In the absence of a Technical Committee, a new Technical Committee is formed. A Technical Committee comprises of experts and stakeholders in the relevant field and a Bureau staff member serves as Secretary.
The draft document is then made available for general public comments. All interested parties, by means of a notice in the press, are invited to comment within a sixty (60) day period. In addition, copies are sent to those known to be interested in the subject.
The Technical committee considers all the comments received and amends the draft accordingly. The final draft is then recommended to Council. On Council’s approval, notice of the standard is published in the local newspapers, and copies are placed for sale.
If compliance with the standard is deemed necessary for the health and safety of consumers, Council may recommend to the Minister, Tourism, Industry and Commerce to declare the standard compulsory. If necessary, the Minister may seek any areas which the standard may affect. The compulsory standard is then sent to the Attorney General Office for vetting and final review to ensure compliance with current legislation.
A national standard is reviewed and updated every five years in an effort to reflect the latest developments in safety and technological, as well as current realities in the marketplace and consumer demands.
Amendments to, and revisions of standards formally require the same procedure as is applied to the preparation of the original standard.