A new company – Dura Blocks – has joined the Guyana National Bureau Standards (GNBS) Product Certification Programme. The company was certified on Friday, March 31, 2023, to manufacture six (6) inch blocks which meet the requirements of the National Standard GYS 215:2018 – Specification for Load Bearing Masonry Units (Concrete Blocks).
Dura Blocks which is located at Lot 5 Bushy Park, East Bank Essequibo is now permitted to use the GNBS Standards Mark on the certified product. The certificate is valid for one year. It was handed over by Ms. Andrea Mendonca, Head of GNBS Certification Services Department to Mr. Vinash Chand, Chief Executive Officer and Mrs. Eliesha Chand, General Manager of Dura Blocks at the GNBS Head Office, at the National Exhibition site, Sophia.
During the handing over ceremony, Mr. Chand noted the notion behind getting GNBS Certified was to stand out, “I saw the demand for hollow blocks, did my research and noticed there was a shortage of high-quality standard blocks. When I noticed there was no one in our region meeting the demand, I made an investment. Any block maker can make blocks, but I wanted to set myself apart and decided to get GNBS Certified. The process was very easy and the staff were friendly and efficient.”
Also present at the event was Mr. Rafeek Khan, President of the Guyana Manufacturing Services Association (GMSA), who congratulated Dura Blocks and encouraged the company to maintain Quality and Standards.
“Dura Blocks is a proud member of the GMSA and is the third company of its kind, that has achieved GNBS Certification, we have seen them delivering quality blocks in Guyana and meeting demands. I encourage this company and challenge other companies to follow suit. Those producing any type of material not just blocks, any primary building component, that will make this journey a success and get their company on the road of being competitive and meeting international standards and the standards of the GNBS.”
Dura Blocks is the first company in Region Three (3) making machine made blocks and the third to be certified by the GNBS.
The GNBS is proud of the commitment demonstrated by Dura Blocks to join its list of companies in Guyana that have been granted certification for concrete blocks under its Product Certification Scheme.
This certification comes at a time when the GNBS offers Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) for concrete blocks and structures and cubes. Non-Destructive Testing of concrete structures is a useful service to homeowners concerned about the quality of their concrete floors, walls, posts, fences, bridges etc.; or contractors and engineers who are involved in the construction or the approval of new structures.
In 2020, the GNBS began testing concrete blocks after its Industrial Metrology and Testing Department acquired the requisite training, equipment and facility. Concrete hollow blocks of common sizes including three, four and six inches can be tested. Testing is also provided for concrete cubes and cylinders in accordance with standards.
Samples of these items can be submitted to the GNBS’ Flat 15, Sophia Exhibition Complex, Georgetown Office and subsequently a test certificate is provided.
Other products currently certified to National Standards under the GNBS Product Certification Scheme are PVC Pipes and Gold Jewellery.
The GNBS is urging local manufacturers, domestic block makers, contractors and homeowners, to submit their hollow concrete blocks and structures to its testing laboratory for testing. The results would determine the strength and surface hardness of concrete blocks and structures.
