Decorative Outdoor Gas Appliances
Outdoor decorative gas appliances such as stoves and fire pits not only keep guests warm when entertaining outside, but also enhance the atmosphere. This home improvement trend aids property owners in creating a highly desirable indoor-outdoor environment year round. A recently released standard from CSA America, Inc., ANSI Z21.97-2010, Outdoor Decorative Gas Appliances, strives to protect consumers by outlining proper construction and installation guidelines for the use of these appliances.
ANSI Z21.97-2010 explains that there are risks of injury to persons inherent in appliances that, if completely eliminated, would defeat the utility of the appliance. The provisions in the American National Standard (ANS) are intended to help reduce such risks while retaining the normal function of the appliance. This publication represents a basic standard for safe operation, substantial and durable construction, and acceptable performance of outdoor decorative gas appliances. The standard applies to newly produced, decorative gas appliances for outdoor installation, constructed entirely of new, unused parts and materials, and are portable, stationary or built-in.
CSA America, Inc., an ANSI-accredited standards developer and organizational member, is a standards writing body for gas appliances and accessories and alternative energy products.
Recreational Boating
Water sports and recreational boating are staples of summertime fun. According to the United States Coast Guard Boating Safety Division, there are more than 12.5 million recreational boating vessels registered in the U.S. Ensuring safety in the design, construction, maintenance, and repair of recreational boats is the mission of the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), an ANSI organizational member and accredited standards developer.
Three recent additions to ABYC's family of ANS provide guidelines for the selection, design, construction, and installation of various features that will aid in keeping boating safe and enjoyable:
ANSI/ABYC S-7-2010, Boat Capacity Labels
ANSI/ABYC S-8-2010, Boat Measurement and Weight
ANSI/ABYC T-1-2010, Aluminum Applications for Boats and Yachts
In addition to developing and updating safety standards for building and repairing boats, ABYC provides education, seminars, and workshops for the marine industry, as well as certification programs for marine technicians. ABYC's membership includes boat builders and owners, surveyors, boatyards, insurance companies, law firms, trade associations, marinas, dealerships, government agencies, educational institutions, and equipment and accessory manufacturers.