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.
AAMA Offers Safety Tips for Window Safety Week
April 5-11 is Window Safety Week, and ANSI member the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has published eight tips for practicing window safety with young children in the home.
Suggestions include placing furniture away from windows so that young children cannot climb them; installing code-compliant devices that limit how far windows open, or using window guards (with quick-release mechanisms in case of a fire) to help prevent falls; keeping windows closed and locked when young children are present; and teaching children how use windows safely during an emergency, such as a fire.
These tips and several more were provided by the Window Safety Task Force of the National Safety Council. To view all tips, see the AAMA news release.
ABYC Promotes Safe Boat Use to Prevent Electric Shock Drowning
The American Boat & Yacht Council's (ABYC) Foundation is collaborating with the Energy Education Council's Safe Electricity "Teach Learn Care TLC" program to spread awareness of Electric Shock Drowning (ESD). ESD occurs when there is AC leakage from boats or docks into fresh water that electrocutes or incapacitates nearby swimmers.
The ABYC Foundation is disseminating safety messages including proper maintenance of a boat's electrical system and safe actions in the water in order to help prevent this tragedy. Further, a recent grant from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)'s Fire Protection Research Foundation, as well as support from the ABYC Foundation, is supporting new research and investigation into solutions to prevent ESD.
ABYC, an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, has taken many steps to mitigate ESD over the past 15 years, including enhancing standards for safety equipment on boards with alternating current electrical systems. To learn more, see the ABYC news release.
AHRI Publishes AC and Heat Pump Maintenance Tips for Spring
The Air-Conditioning, Health, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, is welcoming spring with helpful tips for homeowners to prepare their central air conditioning and heat pump units for the warmer months ahead.
Tips include checking air filters and changing them when dirty; clearing away leaves and debris that block airflow to an outdoor condensing unit; and making sure indoor air vents are not blocked by furniture. These suggestions can help to save money and assure that units are working at their optimal efficiency.
For those hiring a professional to service their equipment, AHRI offers a list of things that homeowners should ask a technician to check, such as the accuracy of the thermostat, the condition of belts and oil motors, and the amount of refrigerant in the system.
Read all of the tips in AHRI's news release.
AISC Seeks "Steel Selfies" for Instagram Contest
ANSI member The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) has launched a "Steel Selfie" contest for industry professionals and college students. Participants are asked to take a picture of themselves with someone or something related to structural steel, and post it on their Instagram profiles. College students should tag their photos with #SteelSelfieContest #Student, and steel industry professionals should tag them with #SteelSelfieContest.
Each month, five students and five industry professionals with the most "likes" on their pictures will be chosen to win a $10 gift card of their choice to Amazon, Chipotle, or Starbucks. The contest coincides with the launch of the Institute's new Instagram account, @aisc.
Camera-shy constituents can participate by voting for their favorite selfies here. (Voters must have an Instagram account.) To learn more, see the AISC news release.