Temporary Site Lab in GIFT City Receives NABL Accreditation

A temporary site laboratory for testing aggregates and concrete at construction sites in Gujarat's GIFT City has become the first of its kind to receive formal "recognition" from the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). The laboratory, set up by real-estate developer Savvy ATS Realty LLP within the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) area of GIFT City, earned the accreditation following a formal application process.

NABL's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), N Venkateswaran, confirmed the recognition in a statement to businessline during an event. He explained that the laboratory's recognition is a significant step, noting that civil engineering projects often have temporary site testing facilities for testing building materials like fine aggregates, coarse aggregates, and concrete cubes. This new scheme, he said, ensures the quality and competency of these temporary site testing laboratories.

The laboratory is associated with a residential project named "Marina." Venkateswaran elaborated that NABL launched this recognition scheme to instill confidence in the test results issued by temporary site testing laboratories, critical for ensuring the quality of materials used in construction. He also mentioned that the recognition scheme applies to site testing laboratories with an area of 50,000 square feet or more.

The recognition for temporary site testing laboratories is valid for a maximum of five years. The starting date corresponds with the project commencement certificate from the authority, and the end date is marked by the receipt of the occupancy certificate. NABL will conduct onsite surveillance every 10 months and before 12 months. In cases where the project duration is shorter, surveillance will occur within six months, with additional unannounced assessments during the recognition period.

Venkateswaran noted that the competency of the temporary site testing laboratory would be judged through onsite assessments (including test witnesses), participation in proficiency testing programs (PT), and adherence to specific criteria. He added that this scheme applies exclusively to temporary site testing facilities, excluding mobile testing facilities. The scheme is voluntary, offering an independent quality assurance framework for temporary site testing laboratories.

HBL