Any person desirous of establishing a Rice Mill should comply with the following:
1. A written application must be made to the General Manager for a permit to establish a mill (in triplicate).|
This should be accompanied by:
- The building plans.
- The certificate of title, lease or any other document evidencing title or a right of occupancy of the land.
- An environmental permit from the Environmental Protection Agency.
2. When the permit to establish the rice mill is obtained but before construction commences approval must be obtained from:
- The Central Housing and Planning Authority.
- The Central Board of Health.
- The factories division of the Occupational Health and Safety Department.
- The department of fire service.
FIFTH SCHEDULE RICE FACTORIES ACT 1998 GUYANA RICE DEVELOPMENT BOARD ESTABLISHMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR RICE FACTORIES
1. ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
- LOCATION: If possible, away from residential areas.
- ACCESS: Factory must have good access roads to accommodate both heavy and light vehicles.
- DRAINAGE: Area should have good drainage.
- WATER SUPPLY: Potable water is readily available. If there is no potable water supply, a water reservoir should be constructed, or a well sunk and a water purification plant installed.
- POWER SUPPLY: Must have access to power source for lighting and milling operations.
- WASTE DISPOSAL: Disposal plan must conform to all relevant laws on environmental protection and pollution control.
- EXPANSION: If there are plans for expansion of the factory, adequate area must be available and included on the site plan.
2. LAYOUT OF FACTORY
- COMPONENTS: Components should be so arranged as to facilitate a continuous flow of operations.
- MILL: Must be separate from all other areas of operation.
3. MILL CONSTRUCTION
- FLOOR: Mill floor and all other floors should be water and gas proof and slightly inclined. Floors should be smooth and free from cracks and crevices. Drains must be provided.
- WALLS: Smooth surfaces with no seams. All openings should be meshed to prevent entry of rodents, birds or pests. Ventilation should be provided.
- CEILING: Should be flat to minimize accumulation of dust, debris and cobwebs. The eaves should be sealed to prevent entry of bats and rodents.
- LIGHTING: Light intensity should be adequate for the operation of the various units.
4. FENCING: Perimeter fencing must be provided.
5. WEIGHING FACILITIES: Standard scales must be provided for various operations.
6. QUALITY CONTROL: Minimum grading equipment must be provided to determine the quality of raw materials and finished products in accordance with the stipulations laid down by the relevant authority.
7. DRYING: Either mechanical or floor drying may be used.
8. PADI STORAGE: Bonds, silo and other storage facilities should be constructed in such a manner as to:
- (a) Restrict entry of rodents, birds or pests;
and - (b) Be weatherproof.
9. PRODUCT STORAGE: The main product (rice) should be stored separately from by-products.
10. EQUIPMENT & MATERIAL STORAGE: An area should be provided for the storage of bags, tools and other equipment and machinery.
11. STAFF FACILITIES: Wash rooms (toilet and bathrooms), rest rooms and a canteen must be provided for staff in accordance with relevant labour laws.
12. PARBOILING FACILITIES:
- WATER SUPPLY: Potable water must be available.
- DRAINAGE: Drains to dispose of water and waste are necessary.
- STEAM GENERATING UNIT: Should be sited away from storage and immediate work areas. Should have proper safety devices in accordance with relevant safety laws.
- FUEL STORAGE: Must conform to relevant fire laws.
- FUEL WASTE DISPOSAL: Must conform to relevant conditions.
- SOAKING TANKS:Should be closed to drying areas. They should be of a type approved by the Board and must be equipped with adequate fittings for filling and draining.
- STEAMING TANKS: Should be closed to soaking tanks. They should be made of non-corrosive material.
- STEAM CONDUIT PIPES: Must be insulated and be free from leaks.
