In the realm of measurements, precision and reliability are paramount. Whether in research, industrial processes or everyday life, accurate measurements form the bedrock of informed decision-making and quality assurance.
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) plays a crucial role in regulating measurements in trade by regularly conducting routine verification and monitoring of instruments. Over 33,000 measuring instruments were verified last year and with the expansion in commerce more will be done in 2024.
In the coming week, the Bureau will commence the mobile verification of all weighing and measuring instruments used at markets and shops countrywide. The verification of these instruments prevents consumers from receiving inaccurate measurements for items they purchase. The GNBS conducts mobile verification every six months (twice yearly).
By virtue of the 1981 Weights & Measures Act, the GNBS is mandated to verify all scales, masses, measures, storage tanks, flow meters, measuring rules, electricity meters, petrol pumps and all other measuring instruments used in commerce.
With the commencement of verification of these instruments, consumers are being urged to check for the GNBS approval seals when making purchases. For easy determination, the GNBS affixes an approval seal to any measuring instrument it has verified. For verified masses and measures used in retail, these are stamped G.N.B.S.
The GNBS’ commitment to ensuring measurement accuracy is vital, not just because it instills confidence in buyers and suppliers, but also because it contributes to the overall reliability of transactions.
Accurate measurements are the cornerstone of countries industries, positively impacting areas such as manufacturing, healthcare, environmental monitoring, and trade. On the contrary, inaccurate measurements can lead to suboptimal processes, compromised product quality, and even safety hazards. Recognizing this, the GNBS takes proactive measures to guarantee the precision of measuring instruments through routine verifications by trained Inspectors using calibrated working standards.
The GNBS will continue to utilize its mobile stamping bus to conduct the verification of measuring instruments at key markets and other publicized locations. The mobile approach enhances efficiency in the delivery of verification services by allowing for minimal interruption in business transactions of users of measuring instruments while maintaining an environment conducive for Inspectors to conduct verification.
Verification commences on Tuesday, January 16 at the Stabroek Market, Georgetown followed by the Bourda and Kitty Markets later in the week. Advertisements indicating the schedule for mobile stamping are being published in local newspapers, on radio, television and on the GNBS Facebook page.
Vendors and shopkeepers and other users of weighing and measuring instruments are urged to submit their instruments for verification. Instruments can also be submitted for verification at the GNBS Head Office, Sophia and the various sub-offices.
Importantly, all instruments must be fully metric and must be very well painted, clean, sprayed if necessary, and in good condition before stamping.
For further information, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0064, 219-0069 or our WhatsApp number: 692-4627 (GNBS).
