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.
OSHA Provides Resources on Preventing Falls in Construction
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently led efforts to prevent falls in construction through the National Safety Stand-Down week, held May 2-6, 2016. Partnering with OSHA were a number of industry and safety organizations, including ANSI member and accredited standards developer the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE).
OSHA's National Safety Stand-Down website provides numerous fall prevention resources, including educational materials for workers and employers; a lesson plan for employers; videos on fall prevention in floor openings, skylights, and bridge decking; and more. Stakeholders can also access materials on ladder safety guidance, scaffold facts and safety, and protecting roofing workers. Some resources are available in Spanish.
Visit the National Safety Stand-Down site to access all materials.
CSA Group Offers Tips for Summer Safety
CSA Group, an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, has published a list of safety tips for some of the most common activities enjoyed in the warm summer weather. They include:
Don't barbeque in the garage! Stoves, lanterns, barbeques, and fuel-burning equipment should only be used in well-ventilated areas, and never in a tent or vehicle.
Keep loose clothing away from a grill, campfire, or other open flame. Ensure any heating or cooking equipment is cool to the touch and completely turned off before packing it up after use.
Before using boats, cabins, or cottages, check that they have all proper safety equipment, such as first aid kits and fire extinguishers.
While operating a boat or any watercraft, always wear a personal flotation device and avoid consuming any alcohol.
To read all tips, see CSA's full list of summer safety tips.
ICE Releases Enhanced Format for Its Quarterly Digest
The Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, has updated the format of its quarterly ICE Digest newsletter. Previously delivered by email with links to online articles, the redesigned newsletter is now available in a digital magazine format.
The publication, which is free for all interested stakeholders, includes capabilities such as links to social media networks in each article; email links for sharing information with colleagues; email links to contact article authors; and interactive audio cues.
To learn more and access the latest issue, see the ICE news item.
IICRC Gives Readers a Clean Home Checklist
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, has published a home cleaning checklist for readers looking to freshen up their living space. The checklist suggests readers employ these cleaning strategies:
Prioritize cleaning by identifying and tending to high-traffic areas, such as entryways and main living spaces.
Keep wood and tile floors clean in order to keep carpets and rugs clean. Wash and rinse hard floors to prevent dirt from being tracked onto carpet.
Use caution when cleaning upholstery stains to avoid bleeding of dye or shrinking of materials. Check the manufacturer's directions to find out if you can wet-clean, solvent-clean, or vacuum only.
Check ceiling and walls for moisture-related stains. If you find any, consider the possibility of mold and have health risks evaluated by a professional.
Assess HVAC systems every three years for cleaning. Window air conditioner unit filters should be cleaned each season.
To learn more about each tip, see the IICRC news item.
NACF Approved as ANSI Accredited Standards Developer
ANSI's Executive Standards Council (ExSC) has approved ANSI organizational member the North American Crossbow Federation (NACF) as an ANSI accredited standards developer under its proposed operating procedures for documenting consensus on NACF-sponsored American National Standards (ANS), effective May 18, 2016. For additional information, please contact Merle Shepard, NACF project coordinator (313.268.1727; [email protected]).