Did You Know? offers a quick look at the broad scope of activities underway within the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Federation of members and partners, highlighting recent accomplishments and new resources related to standardization.
Standards Bodies Collaborate for Improved Geolocation Web Data
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) have joined forces to improve the use and sharing of geospatial data over the Internet. Geospatial data gives geographic elements to information found online - for example, the exact location of a breaking news story or a list of restaurants near a certain landmark.
W3C and OGC have formed working groups to examine how to link the infrastructure of the Web to the infrastructure of geospatial systems through the use of existing standards. The groups will collaborate to release a joint list of best practices as early as the end of the year.
To learn more, read the PC World article.
Mark Your Calendars for Free ASHRAE Webcast on Existing Building Commissioning
ASHRAE, an ANSI member and audited designator, has announced that it will hold a free live webcast on existing building commissioning and its benefits for the environment, occupants, operations staff, and ownership costs. Speakers will address topics including the varied scopes of commissioning, when to apply, comprehensive versus focused commissioning, and best practices.
The webcast will be held on April 23, 2015, from 1-4 p.m. Further details on registration, speakers, and program will be released in the coming weeks. For more information, see ASHRAE's website.
New International Guide Details Child Safety Hazards for Standards Developers
A new guide released by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) provides information on child safety that should be considered when standards are being developed. ISO/IEC Guide 50:2014, Safety aspects - Guidelines for child safety in standards and other specifications, includes lists of hazards for children and suggestions on how to avoid them. It also outlines characteristics and developmental traits of children at different stages that may affect how they are exposed to hazards.
The guide is suggested for use by standards developing organizations (SDOs), government agencies, manufacturers, and consumer associations. It was developed by a Joint Working Group of ISO's Committee on Consumer Policy (COPOLCO) and the IEC Advisory Committee on Safety (ACOS). The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is the U.S. member body to ISO, and to COPOLCO via the ANSI Consumer Interest Forum (CIF), as well as to the IEC via the U.S. National Committee (USNC).
To learn more, see the ISO and IEC news release.
Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services Applies for ANSI Accredited Standards Developer Status
The Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) has submitted an application for accreditation as an ANSI Accredited Standards Developer (ASD) and proposed operating procedures for documenting consensus on CAAS-sponsored American National Standards (ANS). CAAS's proposed scope of standards activity is the operational areas of organizational management, interagency relations, general management, financial management, community relations, public affairs, human resources, clinical standards, safe operations, managing risk, equipment, vehicles, facilities and communications centers, as well as ground vehicle standards for ambulances, which are currently being developed.
For questions or comments, contact Marcie McGlynn, CAAS director of administration (847.657.6828; [email protected]). Please submit any comments to CAAS by February 16, 2015, with a copy to [email protected]. You may view or download a copy of CAAS's proposed operating procedures from ANSI Online during the public review period at www.ansi.org/accredPR.
Portable Lights American Trade Organization Applies for ANSI Accredited Standards Developer Status
The Portable Lights American Trade Organization (PLATO) has submitted an application for accreditation as an ANSI ASD and proposed operating procedures for documenting consensus on PLATO-sponsored ANS. PLATO's proposed scope of standards activity is measurement standards for portable lighting performance, such as FL-1 for directional lights, and portable automotive, bike, outdoor, area, and headlamp lights.
For questions or comments, contact David Costello, PLATO executive director (617.875.2492; [email protected]). Please submit any comments to PLATO by March 2, 2015, with a copy to [email protected]. You may view or download a copy of PLATO's proposed operating procedures from ANSI Online during the public review period at www.ansi.org/accredPR.