The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) are set to conduct the first standards informational ‘road show’ for the construction sector in Guyana, on June 7-8.
ASTM is an international standards organisation which develops and publishes voluntary technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services.
GNBS Director Candelle Walcott-Bostwick said the aim of the road show “is to inform academic institutions, Government agencies and practitioners on the construction sector and the standards that are available within the sector that can be utilised.”
Director of GNBS, Candelle Walcott-Bostwick
“The road show is basically promoting standards for the construction sector. I am aware that a number of our local contractors utilise ASTM standards, as well as our students at the University of Guyana and other technical institutions,” Walcott-Bostwick is quoted by the Department of Public Information (DPI) as saying.
Walcott-Bostwick pointed out that local manufacturers and practitioners benefitting from the activity will also be given the opportunity, to demonstrate the use of ASTM standards on products manufactured locally, and to share their experiences in using ASTM standards.
She noted the sessions would be interactive, since the ASTM officials will also share their experiences on available standards for the construction sector.
In October 2011, the GNBS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ASTM to strengthen its collaboration with the US standards institution.
The GNBS has also signed on to a total of 19 technical committees with ASTM which allows the agency to be in agreement with a number of standards being developed and participate in their development for a number of areas.
Some of the areas include fuels and lubricants, textiles, water, waste management, solar, occupational safety and health, and environmental assessment.
