As the Fourth of July approaches, Americans are gearing up for a long weekend of fireworks, beaches, BBQs, and enjoying time with family while commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Standards support these celebrations, assuring a safe and enjoyable weekend to kick off the summer.
For many, Independence Day celebrations are synonymous with fireworks. While spectacular, these pyrotechnic displays can be dangerous and should only be performed by trained professionals. Standards help to assure the safety of those conducting and viewing firework shows. NFPA 1123-2018, Code for Fireworks Display, provides information on how professional outdoor fireworks displays should be set up in order to protect the safety of the workers handling the fireworks and those attending the display, including guidance on how to set up and install a display from the ground, elevated platforms, and floating vessels; how far away the audience should be; regulations for state certification of display operators; and more. The standard was developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a member and audited designator of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
A day spent in the water - whether in the pool or at the beach - is another popular way to enjoy the Fourth of July. ISO 13009:2015, Tourism and Related Services - Requirements and Recommendations for Beach Operation, provides guidance for beach operators and users relating to beach ownership, safety, information and communication, and cleaning and waste removal, among other areas. It was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee (TC) 228, Tourism and related services. Those taking a dip in the pool can enjoy the clean water thanks to UL 1081 Ed.7-2016, Standard for Swimming Pool Pumps, Filters, and Chlorinators, a standard developed by ANSI member and audited designator Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Fourth of July celebrations of nearly any kind share a common feature: music. When live musicians aren't on the docket, a sound system and some summer tunes will set the mood. IEC 60268-21 Ed. 1.0 en:2018, Sound System Equipment - Part 21: Acoustical (Output-based) Measurements, offers guidelines for electro-acoustical transducers and passive and active sound systems, including personal and professional equipment to play music at a party or gathering. It was developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) TC 100, Audio, video, and multimedia systems and equipment.
Enjoy the long weekend and happy Independence Day from everyone at ANSI!