New Compact Fluorescent Lamp Study by UL Finds Lights Safer Than Perceived
A new safety study on compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) conducted by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), a member and audited designator of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), found that CFLs may be safe to use more broadly than originally believed.
The study found no fire or shock hazards in CFLs when used in light fixtures, lighting controllers, and switches traditionally used with incandescent light bulbs. It also revealed that CFLs perform well and safely in a variety of lighting applications, and temperatures of CFLs are generally lower than those of incandescents when used in a wide range of lighting applications, among other findings.
To find out more, read the UL news item.
NIST Advisory Board Releases White Paper on American Manufacturing
A new white paper developed by the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Board, managed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), analyzes the present and future of American Manufacturing.
The freely available report discusses the state of domestic manufacturing and characteristics of good manufacturers, and develops means to improve the competitiveness of manufacturing in the United States. Overall, the white paper concludes that there are reasons for both concern and optimism about the future of American manufacturing.
To learn more and to read the white paper, see the NIST news item.
ASSE to Hold Singing Competition for Upcoming Conference Attendees
The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, has announced that it will hold a singing competition for those registered for the June ASSE Safety 2010. The contest winner will sing the U.S. national anthem in front of thousands at the conference.
Contestants may enter as solo singers, or in a duet, trio, or quartet. The winner(s) will sing at the Safety 2010 opening general session on Monday, June 14, at the Baltimore Convention Center. Interested participants should contact ASSE at [email protected] by April 16.
For more information, see the ASSE news release.
ASQ Releases Report on Lessons Learned from H1N1 Concerns
The American Society for Quality (ASQ), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, has released a report on the lessons learned by public health agencies regarding H1N1 influenza concerns.
H1N1 Influenza and Quality Tools: What Have We Learned? finds that agencies are working with fewer resources to help residents get vaccinations and other services in a timely manner; however, they are also bolstering efficiency and public safety through process-improvement methods.
To learn more, and to read the report, see the ASQ press release.
ASIS to Hold Free Webinar on Enhanced Performance Through Standards
ASIS International, an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, will hold a free online professional development course on Enhanced Performance Through Standards. The webinar will run on May 7, 2010, at 12:00 p.m. EST.
Presenters Marc Siegel and Brian Zawada will discuss two factors that are changing the way continuity and security professionals perform organizational obligations: the development of standards by international and national standards development organizations, and the increased convergence of security, crisis, continuity, and recovery management practices. Topics to be discussed include: What are standards and how can you impact their development?; How can you get the most bang for your buck when building a standards implementation program?; and more.
To learn more or to register for the webinar, see the ASIS website.
ANSI Approves Accreditation of U.S. TAG on Traditional Chinese Medicine
ANSI's Executive Standards Council (ExSC) has approved the accreditation of a new U.S. Technical Advisory Group to ISO Technical Committee 249, Traditional Chinese Medicine, with NSF International, an ANSI member and audited designator, serving as TAG Administrator. For additional information, please contact Jane Wilson, director of standards, NSF International (734.827.6835, [email protected]).