GNBS certifies fiberglass tub units and showers
Kaieteur News – To ensure that businesses maintain quality and customers are satisfied, the Guyana National Standards Office (GNBS) has been constantly reviewing, developing and adopting new Standards with which businesses are encouraged to comply. One such standard is the Guyana Standard for bathtub and plastic shower units (GYS 557: 2020), adopted in 2019 and approved by the National Standards Council.
This Standard has recently assisted in the certification of fiberglass wash tanks and shower units manufactured by Fiber Tech Industrial Plastics (FTIP). These locally manufactured products are now, for the first time, certified under the Standard Body Product Certification Program after being found to comply with the requirements set out in the document. This standard has been adopted by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officers (IAPMO) and the American National Standard Institute (ANSI).
Provides general requirements for material composition, supporting structure, dimensional tolerances, units for testing, installation instructions, care and maintenance.
The Standard also addresses workmanship and finish, structural integrity of complete units (all types), physical properties of materials (all types) and testing of additional materials.
Through the Product Certification Program, and through the GNBS Act No. 11 of 1984 Subsections 17 and 19 respectively, manufacturers are allowed to apply the National Standards Mark to the certified products.
With certification of locally manufactured wash tanks and shower units, hotels in the Tourism Industry and others when building accommodation establishments can access affordable, quality products to enhance their guests’ experience. In addition, homeowners can also benefit from the use of the certified products, which have been tried and tested to be durable.
As GNBS continues its mandate to create a quality culture in Guyana, it is offering Product Certification as a voluntary program, where local manufacturers can claim that their products are made to a consistent quality. Product testing and compliance with relevant standards are the most important to certification.
The Program aims to implement and monitor systems within participating companies based on the requirements of the National Standards. This not only gives quality assurance to buyers of these products but also gives manufacturers a competitive edge in local and international markets.
Other products that are currently certified to National Standards are PVC pipes, Gold jewelery and Concrete hollow blocks. More manufacturers are being encouraged to get their products certified under the Product Certification Program to reassure consumers that they are providing quality products.
For further information, contact GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0069, 219-0065, 2190062 or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org