STANDARDS CORNER
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has recognised that small manufacturers and other stakeholders in the micro and small enterprises sector also need to meet the minimum requirements of quality and environment management system standards within their operations. In this regard, the Bureau has implemented a technical assistance programme which falls under the purview of the Conformity Assessment Department.

GOAL OF PROGRAMME
The goal of the programme is to promote the concepts and principles of Quality Management as outlined in the ISO 9001:2008 standard, the Environmental Management principles as outlined in the ISO 14000 series of standards and Guidelines for Good Management Practices in Micro and Small Enterprises, through the provision of technical assistance to industries.

THE OBJECTIVE OF THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME
To provide assistance to organisations desirous of implementing a management system meeting the requirements of the ISO 9001:2000 (Quality Management System), ISO 1400:1996 (Environmental Management System) and GYS 231:2002 (Guidelines for Good Management Practices for Micro and Small Enterprises) standards.

BENEFITS OF THEPROGRAMME
This programme is very useful in that it:

? Improves effectiveness and efficiency of Business Operations.

? Avoids multiple assessments by purchaser/customer.

? Increases acceptance of products and services in the domestic and international markets.

? Provides an independent assessment of the organization’s capability and helps it to consistently meet regulatory requirements.

? Reduces environmental pollution risks through prevention at the source.

? Improves the competitiveness and performance of the entity.

? Decreases waste of resources and raw materials.

THE GNBS PROVIDES ASSISTANCE TO COMPANIES IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:
* Conducting gap analyses and training personnel to equip them with the skills to meet the requirements of the particular standard.

* Assisting in the documentation of procedures to meet the requirements of a particular standard.

* Providing guidance in the implementation of documentation (in relation to the requirements of the respective standard.

* Facilitating contact with the registration/certification body;

* Helping companies to correct any nonconformance identified by a registration/certification body; and

* Providing guidance to an organization/business for its continuous improvement.

The GNBS is encouraging especially entrepreneurs involved in operating businesses in the micro and small enterprises sector to tap into the available resources and consider the benefits of the implementation of management system principles into their operations, for greater success and profitability in a competitive trading arena.

For further information, please contact the Conformity Assessment Department of the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0062, 219-0064, 219-0065 and 219-0067. You can also check the Bureau’s e-mail at gnbs@networksgy.com