In its role as the official U.S. member body to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) facilitates the involvement of U.S. stakeholders from the private and public sectors in international standardization work. U.S. experts and leaders in relevant fields are given the opportunity to help determine the future of their industries through active participation in U.S. Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs) to a variety of ISO Technical Committees (TCs) and Subcommittees (SCs). U.S. TAGs work to develop and implement U.S. positions on ISO activities, including the approval, revision, and withdrawal of ISO standards.
The Woodworking Machinery Industry Association (WMIA) has teamed with ANSI to administer the U.S. TAG to ISO TC 39/SC 4, Woodworking machines. WMIA will provide funding and technical support for the effort and ANSI will serve as the TAG administrator, managing the day-to-day operations and providing process and procedural guidance. The U.S. TAG is currently seeking industry, government, and other experts or stakeholders to participate in this important ISO technical activity. To get involved, contact [email protected]. For more information, check out WMIA's magazine article, "Partners for a Safer Workplace," on the benefits of global standards for woodworking machines.
"Becoming a U.S. delegate to an international meeting is a tremendous opportunity for an individual's career development and for the company they represent," said S. Joe Bhatia, ANSI president and CEO. "Time and again we have seen that those who understand how to effectively influence and address standardization and compliance issues have the greatest success in the global marketplace."
"We firmly believe that harmonizing U.S. and ISO standards will benefit the entire industry including machinery manufacturers, both domestic and abroad, as well as end users," said John Park, WMIA president.
For more information about U.S. participation in ISO, contact Karen Hughes, director ISO P membership services ([email protected]; 212.642.4992). A list of all current ANSI-accredited U.S. TAGs to ISO is available here.