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.
NSF to Host Webinar on ISO 45001 for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
NSF International, an ANSI member and audited designator, has announced that it will hold a free webinar on the new international standard for occupational health: ISO 45001:2018, Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems - Requirements with Guidance for Use.
"Preparing for the Migration from OHSAS 18001 to ISO 45001" will provide information a high-level overview of the changes in the new standard, the process and steps for migration to the standard, and key dates and timing.
The one-hour webinar will be held on February 7 at 2:00pm EST. See NSF's website to register.
ASTM Announces Free Seminar on Sustainability in the Metals Industry
ASTM International, an ANSI member and audited designator, will hold a free seminar on sustainability in the metals industry. It will take place on May 13, 2019 at the Sheraton Denver Downtown, in conjunction with the standards development meetings of ASTM's committee B02 on nonferrous metals and alloys.
The seminar will introduce ASTM's efforts on environmental, social, economic, and other issues relating to sustainability and sustainable development through their E60 committee on sustainability. Attendees will learn about the committee's work in the acquisition, promotion, and dissemination of knowledge, simulation of research, and the development of standards.
Attendance is free for all interested stakeholders. Learn more in the ASTM news item.
UL and Newsweek Vantage Survey Demonstrates Growing Interest in Circular Economy Strategies
Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an ANSI member and audited designator, partnered with Newsweek Vantage to develop a new global survey report on the growing boardroom appeal of circular economy strategies.
"Going Circular: How Global Business is Embracing the Circular Economy" speaks to the concept of a system in which resources as well as waste and emissions are reduced through strategies of long-lasting design, recycling, remanufacturing, and other processes. Circular strategies and business models include using design technology to lower material and energy footprints; offering subscription, lease, or sharing models rather than one-off sales; and designing for easier repair or remanufacturing.'
95 percent of senior executives surveyed viewed circularity as positive, and 30 percent said their company has a circular strategy. However, only nine percent of the global economy is circular, due to a lack of knowledge, technology, and available partners.
"Companies around the globe now view a circular economy as a vital tool in the fight against environmental crises such as climate change, biodiversity loss, resource scarcity, and pollution," said Dr. William (Bill) Hoffman III, senior scientist and corporate fellow, UL's Environment and Sustainability division. "Embracing the notion of a circular economy can also help companies insulate themselves from related risks and unexpected changes in available resources," he added.
Read more and download the full report at no cost on UL's website.
APSP and NSPF Announce Plan to Unify as Pool & Hot Tub Alliance
The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, has announced that it will unify with the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF). The new organization will be called the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, with operations set to begin on April 1.
Leaders of both organizations agreed that the new structure will offer increased community benefits including research and outreach activities; expanded growth opportunities for aquatics professionals and businesses; and stronger advocacy opportunities to protect the interests of the industry.
"Industry leaders and our members and stakeholders increasingly realized that as our industry has continued to evolve and grow, there was tremendous, uncaptured potential to maximize our collective investments and talents for the greater good," said Lawrence (Larry) Caniglia, CEO of APSP. "We are excited to announce that this potential will now be realized."
Read more details on the upcoming unification in the APSP press release.