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.
IAPMO Group Redesigns Website
IAPMO, an ANSI member and audited designator, has launched a newly redesigned website that offers easy, fast access to the organization's core competencies.
The site offers quick links to product testing and certification, codes and standards development, training and personnel certification, and membership. A clean and organized appearance designed to make it easy to navigate and search, along with faster performance and increased accessibility around the world. It is also integrated into IAPMO's social media accounts, with updates displayed on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Instagram, and YouTube.
"I think members, industry contributors, and the general public will gain enhanced insight from this major intuitive update of The IAPMO Group websites," said IAPMO Group CEO GP Russ Chaney. "The communication platforms available today via social media and other tools enable IAPMO to get accurate and timely information to those who depend on our technical programs to assist them in doing their jobs every day. We are delighted to announce this major upgrade, and I encourage each of you to see how you can derive benefit simply by accessing information on www.iapmo.org."
See the IAPMO news item to learn more.
ASSP Research Demonstrates Value of Wearable Technology for Reducing Workplace Injuries
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, has released a research report on the use of wearable technology in the workplace to measure fatigue.
The study indicates that wearable technology can help employers capture a worker's safety performance, translating the data into personal fatigue levels. In the future, this information may be used to identify research-supported interventions that protect employers from workplace injuries caused by fatigue.
"Fatigue is a hidden danger in the workplace, but now we've tackled the measurement and modeling of fatigue through wearable sensors, incorporating big data analytics and safety engineering," said Dr. Lora Cavuoto at the University at Buffalo, who led the three-year study with Dr. Fadel Megahed of the Farmer School of Business at Miami University of Ohio.The project also involved researchers from Auburn University and the University of Dayton. "Information is power, so knowing when, where, and how fatigue impacts worker safety is critical. You can't identify solutions until you pinpoint the problems."
Read more and access the fatigue research report on ASSP's website.
TIA Publishes Position Paper on Deployment of ICT Equipment
The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, has released a position paper on deployment of information and communications technology (ICT) equipment.
"Central Office Evaluation Strategy for Deployment of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Equipment" discusses the requirements of next generation networks and 5G implementation, including their need for traditional central offices to function more like data centers. Service providers now need their central offices to integrate functionality, creating a Smart Central Office where the wireline, fiber, and mobile worlds unite. The TIA paper outlines the transition of central offices to support these systems.
"The technology landscape is constantly evolving as the world races toward a 5G future," said Harry Smeenk, TIA's vice president of program development. "TIA and its members are at the forefront developing best practices for making communications equipment smarter to meet these demands."
Read more and access the free paper in the TIA news release.
Toy Association Report Outlines Counterfeit Toy Problems and Solutions
The Toy Association, an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, has published a new report on the rise in counterfeit toys being sold online.
"The Real Threat of Fake Toys: The Increase of Knockoff and Counterfeit Toys Sold Online & How to Fight Back" lists the three factors leading to the rise of counterfeit and otherwise illicit toys being sold online, and offers three solutions that combat each of these factors. Readers will also learn about possible initial policy solutions that address the issue.
"The Toy Association's white paper represents the concerns and voice of our members to raise awareness of the seriousness of counterfeit products available today while also providing actionable solutions," said Steve Pasierb, president and CEO of The Toy Association. "This paper - and future updates - will be a centerpiece in our advocacy campaign over the coming months to drive home the toy and play community's concerns on Capitol Hill and to the Administration as we come together to demand change."
See The Toy Association article and read the free report here.