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.
OSAC Announces Three Standards Open for Public Comment
The Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science (OSAC), launched by the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST),
ANSI/NIST ITL-1 2011, Data Format for the Interchange of Fingerprint, Facial & Other Biometric Information, standard defines the content, format, and units of measurement for the electronic exchange of fingerprint, palm print, plantar, facial/mugshot, scar, mark & tattoo (SMT), iris deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and other biometric sample and forensic information that may be used in the identification or verification process of a subject. The standard was submitted by an OSAC Virtual Interdisciplinary Subcommittee (consisting of representatives from multiple OSAC subcommittees) for consideration. For more on the NIST standard, view the document or submit a public comment.
The following two standards developed by ASTM International, an ANSI member and audited designator, were submitted by the Materials (Trace) Subcommitee for consideration:
ASTM E2927-16, Standard Test Method for Determination of Trace Elements in Soda-Lime Glass Samples Using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry for Forensic Comparison, method covers a procedure for the quantitative elemental analysis of the following seventeen elements: lithium (Li), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), titanium (Ti), manganese (Mn), rubidium (Rb), strontium (Sr), zirconium (Zr), barium (Ba), lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), neodymium (Nd), hafnium (Hf), and lead (Pb) through the use of Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) for the forensic comparison of glass fragments. For more, view the document or submit a public comment.
ASTM E3085-17, Standard Guide for Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy in Forensic Tape Examinations, is a guide that provides basic recommendations and information about infrared spectrometers and accessories, with an emphasis on sampling techniques specific to pressure sensitive tape examinations. For more, view the document or submit a public comment.
AGA and NERC Partner in Security Information Sharing Initiative
The American Gas Association (AGA) and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), both ANSI members and accredited standards developers, have joined forces to share information and collaborate on grid and energy delivery security.
Staff from the Downstream Natural Gas Information Sharing and Analysis Center (DNG-ISAC) will join the Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Center (E-ISAC) through the partnership. Together, they will coordinate efforts and share information on potential security risks in the electricity and natural gas pipeline infrastructure, strengthening both of their positions in mitigating these potential risks.
Learn more in the NERC news item.
NFPA Webinar to Address Cancer Mitigation Efforts for U.S. Firefighters
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an ANSI member and audited designator, will hold a free webinar on cancer prevention efforts and research for firefighters in the United States.
Factors Relating to Cancer and Contamination in the US Fire Service will present the results of its 2015 survey of over 26,000 U.S. municipal fire departments that relate to cancer prevention. Attendees will learn the figures of how many fire departments are prepared with the personal protective clothing and equipment that mitigate cancer risks. The presentation will also cover new research into personal protective equipment.
The free webinar will be held on Tuesday, May 23 from 12:00-1:30pm ET. Registration is required. Visit the NFPA website to register.
NGWA Article Details Safe Work Habits for Young Summer Workers
The National Ground Water Association (NGWA), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, has published an article in its Water Well Journal with safety information and statistics for teenagers working summer jobs.
The article states that young workers have high occupational injury rates, likely in part due to inexperience and lack of proper safety training. Teens may also be hesitant to ask questions or make demands of employers, leading to an increased risk of injury.
NGWA suggests employers stress safety among supervisors, who can influence teens as positive role models, and train young workers to recognize hazards on the job. Teens should be coached on how to use safety equipment, and employers should assure that the new workers follow the instructions without resorting to shortcuts.
Learn more in the Water Well Journal.
PGMA Provides Summer Safety Tips for Portable Generator Use
The Portable Generator Manufacturers' Association (PGMA), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, has published an article on the safe use of portable generators over the summer, when many families rely on them to power electronics, lights, and cooking equipment in backyards and campgrounds.
PGMA warns that carbon monoxide is emitted through portable generator exhaust, but it can't be seen, smelled, or tasted. Following safety rules is crucial for both the use and storage of portable generators. Some guidelines provided by PGMA include:
Read all of PGMA's safety tips.