March 25, 2020
The ANSI Federation and standardization community are stepping up with guidance, resources, and initiatives to support public health, safety, and infrastructure during the COVID-19 outbreak. ANSI is monitoring, sharing, and promoting appropriate news to highlight these efforts. Suggestions for news items may be submitted to [email protected]. All submissions are published at ANSI's discretion.
AAMI Provides Access to Standards in Fight Against COVID-19
To promote the ready and rapid accessibility of information relevant to the COVID-19 public health emergency, AAMI - a member and accredited standards developer of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) - is providing free access to several relevant standards and other documents used in health care settings:
AAMI PB70:2012, Liquid barrier performance and classification of protective apparel and drapes intended for use in health care facilities
ANSI/AAMI PB70 provides manufacturers with a consistent basis for creating device labeling claims regarding barrier efficacy against liquid-borne microorganisms. Through labeling requirements, the standard is also intended to assist end-users in selecting the appropriate protective apparel and drapes to inhibit the transfer of microorganisms associated with blood, body fluids, and other potentially infectious materials.AAMI TIR11:2005/(R)2015, Selection and use of protective apparel and surgical drapes in health care facilities
This technical information report (TIR) covers the selection and use of protective apparel and surgical drapes. It includes information on types of protective materials, safety and performance characteristics of protective materials, product evaluation and selection, levels of barrier performance, and care of protective apparel and drapes. Definitions of terms and informative annexes are also provided.TIR68:2018, Low and intermediate-level disinfection in healthcare settings for medical devices and patient care equipment and sterile processing environmental surfaces
TIR68 provides guidance on the selection and use of low and intermediate-level disinfectants and disinfection processes for safe and effective use.
In addition, AAMI has compiled a list of relevant and useful resources, is providing direct support and guidance via a Q&A with The Joint Commission's director of engineering, and reminds stakeholders of the availability of the AAMI Connect community, which provides a way to share knowledge with colleagues in the field.
Visit aami.org/coronavirus to learn more.
ASTM International Provides Public Access to Standards Used in the Production and Testing of Personal Protective Equipment
To support manufacturers, test labs, health care professionals, and the general public as they respond to the global COVID-19 pandemic, ASTM International, an ANSI member and audited designator, is providing no-cost public access to two dozen ASTM standards used in the production and testing of personal protective equipment, including face masks, medical gowns, gloves, and hand sanitizers.
To learn more, visit astm.org/COVID-19.