Voluntary Standards Cover the Spectrum: from Telephone Transmissions to Safety Nets

In an effort to communicate the vital role that standards play in daily life, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) will publish, on an ongoing basis, a series of snapshots of the diverse standards initiatives undertaken in the global and national standards arena, many of which are performed by ANSI members and ANSI-accredited standards developers. Two of the latest selections follow:

Telephone Transmissions
Advancements in telecommunications have long surpassed Alexander Graham Bell's vision when he invented the first telephone in 1876. In order to keep our modern telecommunications systems fully operational, IEEE, an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, publishes new and revised standards to meet the demands of our technologically advanced culture.

IEEE 269-2010, Standard Methods for Measuring Transmission Performance of Analog and Digital Telephone Sets, Handsets, and Headsets, provides practical methods for making laboratory measurements of electroacoustic characteristics of analog and digital telephones, handsets, and headsets. The methods outlined in the standard can also apply to a wide variety of other communications equipment, including cordless, wireless, and mobile communications devices.

The standard is intended to be used in tandem with IEEE STD 269A-2007, IEEE Standard for Methods for Measuring Transmission Amendment 1 (POD). Revisions from the 2002 edition of IEEE 269 include new parameters covering acoustic output level, conversational gain, and tonal balance. The standard also offers a new pulsed noise distortion test and updates the maximum acoustic pressure test.

Safety Nets
Within the construction industry, workers consistently operate in environments where hazards abound. Where height is a risk factor, netting systems can help to assure the safety of workers, civilians, property, and equipment.

The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer committed to protecting people, property, and the environment, recently published ANSI/ASSE A10.11-2010, Safety Requirements for Personnel and Debris Nets. The standard establishes safety requirements for the selection, installation, and use of personnel and debris nets during construction, repair, and demolition operations.

This American National Standard (ANS) is part of the ASSE A10 family of standards, which aims to improve the safety of construction sites safer for both workers and civilians. Among other considerations, ANSI/ASSE A10.11-2010 addresses the design, installation, and inspection of nets; the materials used; and factors affecting net life, such as sunlight, abrasion, and rust.