The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has announced guidelines for Infrared Temperature Guns that are being used to test body temperature, including that they be tested and calibrated by the agency. The GNBS made the announcement in a July 10, 2020 advisory for stakeholders in all sectors, including health, aviation, education, retail and commercial, manufacturing, forest, tourism and hospitality, mining, energy, agriculture and services. The use of the temperature guns are a growing practice among entities seeking to screen persons for COVID-19.
It recommended calibration by the GNBS, while noting that this is necessary to prevent error in the accuracy in the measurement of temperature. The GNBS, however, said that it has the capacity to calibrate infrared temperature guns with a minimum measuring range of 16.5 cm.
It further added that all users of Infrared Temperature Guns are advised to adhere to the following guidelines:
Temperature gun labels should be in English.
Methods of use for temperature guns vary in terms of range and conditions. Always strictly follow manufacturer guidelines when using these devices. Do not touch the sensory areas of temperature guns. Cleaning must be done according to the set guidelines by manufacturers.
Do not drop or expose the device to physical shocks.
Always store the device properly when not in use; this is key to prolonging its life and accuracy.
Devices for ear measurement must not be used to take readings on the skin.
It also directed that persons visit the following link below to view the World Health Organization (WHO) advisories on Infrared thermometers: https://gnbsgy.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/WHO-IR-thermometer-advice.pdf
