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.
NFPA Podcast Outlines Changes in 2017 National Electrical Code
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an ANSI member and audited designator, posted a free podcast that highlights the upcoming edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC).
The 2017 NEC will address numerous emerging issues, most notably photovoltaic, direct current micro grids, and energy storage systems. Listeners will hear from Jeff Sargent, NFPA regional electrical code specialist for the New England, Mid-Atlantic, and Southern regions, and Mark Earley, NFPA chief electrical engineer.
Access the free podcast, as well as an archive of previous NFPA podcasts, here.
CSA Provides Yard Safety Tips for Spring
CSA Group, an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, has published a list of spring safety tips focused on yard work, gardening, and lawn maintenance.
Safety tips include:
Inspect all power tools and their cords before use for damage such as cracked casings, loose parts, or frayed cords.
Make sure extension cords used for yardwork are designed and marked for outdoor use.
Practice lawn mower safety by clearing the lawn of sticks and stones before mowing, wearing appropriate gear such as hard toed shoes and certified eye/ear protection, and never allowing a child under 12 to operate a lawn mower.
Before using the barbeque for the first time, inspect burners and tubes for blockages from dirt, grease, insects, nests, or rust build up.
For more information on these tips and to read the rest of the safety guidelines, see the CSA news item.
HFES Study Guides Ergonomic Setups for Standing Computer Workstations
The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, has published a new study on user-centered standing workstation configurations.
Researchers tested different positions for the monitor, mouse, keyboard, and desk height at the standing and sitting work stations of 20 adults. Every 11.25 minutes, researchers changed the positions and setups, and then allowed participants to readjust as they felt necessary. With the use of infrared light-emitting diodes placed on the workstations and the participants, researchers were able to determine the most desirable setup for each user. The study concluded that each participant had a unique final standing workstation setup, and that standing setups varied greatly from seated workstation setups. Notably, users in standing work setups chose to have the desk and monitor lower, and the keyboard closer to the body.
Read more in the HFES news item.
GS1 Discovery App Sheds Light on the Supply Chain of Foodservice
GS1, an ANSI member, has created a foodservice version of its GS1 Discovery app that illuminates the consumer-driven supply chain of the foodservice industry.
Users of the application participate in an interactive journey that shows how a shipment of fresh fish makes its way from catch to the restaurant. The app includes information on standards that streamline the process and support food safety, traceability, and accurate product information.
See the GS1 news item to learn more and access the free app.