Points to Consider Before Purchasing Cement
Cement is the most important construction material for any modern construction. It is suggested that the cement company should educate IHBs about the authenticity of the cement. This will prevent them from purchasing spurious cement for construction, with their hard-earned money. The application of sub-standard cement decreases the life of the construction and in some cases results in mishaps at the construction site.
To avoid any accidents, cement consumers, especially IHB, should check the following basic standard specifications before buying cement.
1. NAME OF MANUFACTURERS
The manufacturer's name and registered trademark (logo) must be thoroughly checked. If the trademark and name is not properly printed or there is any spelling mistake, then the cement bag may be a duplicate. Additionally, imitation products with similar names may be found.
2. IS MARK (BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS)
The ISI mark should be printed on the cement bags in black color. The ISI mark confirms that the cement packed in the bag has fulfilled every requirement of the specifications. The mark should be followed by license number of the manufacturer.
3. TYPE & GRADE OF CEMENT
The grade and type of cement is an important point to check on a cement bag. A cement bag of OPC 53 must carry the following words – Ordinary Portland Cement-33 Grade, Ordinary Portland Cement-43Grade, Ordinary Portland Cement -53 Grade or Ordinary Portland Cement, 53-S Grade, Composite Cement, Portland Slag Cement. Portland Pozzolana Cement, etc. whichever is applicable. The various details about the cement should be printed on the bag as follows: i.e., OPC in black, PPC in red and Slag in orange.
4. WEIGHT OF CEMENT IN BAG
The net weight of the cement in kilograms, i.e., 50 kg, 25 kg, etc. must be mentioned on the cement bag. In the Indian market, normally 50 kg cement bag is available. A maximum of 2% variance per bag is permissible but total weight of the lot shall be per bag × 50 kg only.
5. BRAND NAME
The brand of cement should be checked. It is important that the cement is of a reputed brand. One must also check the cut-sheet or product brochure provided by the brand, to gain an understanding of the technical details and application of the product.
6. MAXIMUM RETAIL PRICE (MRP)
The maximum retail price is an important point to check on a cement bag. The retailer or seller can fool the consumer by selling the cement bag at a price higher than the MRP. Hence, checking the MRP before buying the cement bag will help the consumer to avoid any kind of fraud. Under normal circumstances, the cement company prints MRP higher than the existing retail price of their product in the markets.
7. PRINTING OF NO HOOKS
Ascertain that the phrase – 'Use no Hooks' or an equivalent symbol is printed on the cement bag.
8. BATCH /WEEK NUMBER AND DATE
The batch/control unit number in terms of week, month and year of packing must be mentioned on the cement bag. It is advisable to use a cement bag, which has been recently packed, usually less than 3 months. It the date of packing of the cement bag exceeds more than three months, cement can be used only after it is tested in a reputed lab and meets all criteria of BIS Standard. Further utilization of the same cement may be avoided in big construction.
9. ADDRESS OF ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER & CUSTOMER CELL NUMBER
The complete address and contact numbers of the manufacturer must be mentioned on the bag to facilitate contacting him for future enquiries and customer services and any complaints received about the product.
10. COMPOSITION OF PRODUCT
The type and percentage of performance improver(s) added must be mentioned on the cement bag. For example, in PPC cement, fly ash content shall be in the range of 15-35%. Under no circumstances, the fly ash quantity shall be more than 35% in PPC cement. Similarly, in PSC and composite cement, the proportion of slag is mentioned.
11. CODE Numbers
The particular IS code number should be printed on the cement bag. For example, if OPC 53 Grade cement has been ordered, then IS-12269-1987 should be printed on the cement bag; and if you have ordered Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC), IS 1489 –Part 1 -2015 & IS 1489 –Part 2 -2015 should be printed on the cement bags.
Additional Important Considerations
⚠️ RE-BAGGING
It has been observed that re-bagged cement is also available in the markets. While purchasing the cement, it should be bought from the authorized/reputed Stockist of the company only, and the purchase of re-bagged cement should be avoided.
⚠️ Stitching of Bag
Customer should ensure while purchasing the cement bag that the cement bag is stitched mechanically, not manually.
Conclusion
It is essential to check if the above points are mentioned on a cement bag, prior to purchasing it. This will ensure that the cement bags are from a reputed manufacturer, meets quality standards, and chances of loss to the customer are minimized or nullified.