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.
ASTM Chooses EWI and Auburn University-NASA for Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence
ASTM International, an ANSI member and audited designator, has announced that EWI and Auburn University-NASA are the winners of its competition for its first Center of Excellence. The center will serve as a global innovation hub focused on additive manufacturing (3D printing), advancing technical standards, research and development, and education and training.
EWI and Auburn University-NASA will collaborate to create the center. EWI will build industry consortia and leverage their experience in developing, testing, and implementing advanced manufacturing technologies. Auburn University will contribute to research activities, and develop education and training resources and tools. ASTM will provide funding, in-kind, and other support.
"This game-changing collaboration will build a strong foundation for the future of additive manufacturing," said Katharine Morgan, president of ASTM International. "The synergy among Auburn, NASA, and EWI - combined with the trailblazing work of ASTM's additive manufacturing committee - will help fill industry gaps and accelerate innovation. It's clear that this new center has the potential to shape the future of industries like aerospace, auto, medical, and more."
Learn more in the ASTM news release.
International Code Council (ICC) Announces Many ANSI Standards are Under Consideration for Inclusion in the 2021 I-Codes
The code development process for the 2021 International Codes (I-Codes) is underway. This April, the International Code Council (ICC), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, is hosting the Committee Action Hearings to review code change proposals for the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, and others. A number of American National Standards will be under consideration for inclusion in the I-Codes including:For a full list of standards under consideration, access ICC's proposed new standards document. Also available is a complete list of code change proposals (webpage or PDF).
This year's Committee Action Hearings are on April 15-23 in Columbus, Ohio. The hearings offer code officials, architects, builders, engineers, designers, and plumbing and mechanical professionals an opportunity to provide input on proposed code changes to the Group A I-Codes. Registration is free.
The Code Council develops a number of codes and standards, including mechanical, plumbing, structural, resilience, accessibility, and green standards, and is accredited by ANSI as a standards developer.
*CSA B805-17/ICC 805-2017, Rain Harvesting System standard, has completed final committee ballot and will be submitted to ANSI (BSR9 form) shortly for approval as an American National Standard (ANS).
ASHRAE Webcast to Highlight Practical Design Approaches and Strategies for Energy Efficiency
ASHRAE, an ANSI member and audited designator, will hold a free webcast that can help stakeholders achieve optimum energy performance in commercial and high-rise residential buildings.
Making Energy Efficiency a Reality will be broadcast live on April 19 from 1-4pm EDT, and will also be available on demand from April 20 to May 4. It will coverthe myths and realities of energy efficiency, and how to use a holistic approach when assessing a building and its systems. Presenters will relay their real life experiences in striving for energy efficiency as they discuss relevant strategies and policies to meet efficiency goals.
The webcast is free, but registration is required for live viewing or to view on demand. Attendees may receive three Professional Development Hours (PDHs), three Continuing Education Hours (CEs) awarded by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), or three Learning Units (LU/HSWs) awarded by American Institute of Architects (AIA). Learn more and register on ASHRAE's website.
UL Develops Free Tool for OSHA Reporting
Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an ANSI member and audited designator, has developed a free software tool that streamlines OSHA's reporting requirements for workplace injuries.
The tool allows users to enter injury data and receive all of the necessary forms required by OSHA. UL developed the tool in light of a rule change within OSHA requiring organizations with 250 or more employees to submit workplace injury forms electronically.
"Tabulating data by hand or in spreadsheets is no longer the best way to keep track of workplace illness and injury. Companies in leading health and safety cultures have found that the quickest and most effective option is to maintain injury data in an automated program," said Mark Ward, general manager of UL EHS Sustainability. "It ensures that injury data is recorded accurately and can be accessed easily. Further, digital data can be more easily analyzed within your organization to look for leading indicators that might further improve your safety culture."
Read more and access the tool in UL's news item.
New NFPA Portal Provides Data on Individual States' Fire Service Needs and Progress
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an ANSI member and audited designator, is offering a new online portal that delivers statewide and customizable data on how well the needs of fire departments in each state are being met.
The portal, which was developed using data from NFPA's 2001, 2005, 2010, and 2015 U.S. Needs Assessment surveys, can generate statistical comparison reports between departments of similar size, population protected, and region. Available statistics include the percentage of fire departments that are trained to fight structural fires, have the necessary protective equipment, conduct health and fitness programs, and more. Users can also access state-by-state fact sheets.
"Customized data from the portal can serve as a powerful benchmark for showing where fire departments are ahead of the curve and where they're experiencing gaps in meeting the needs of their communities identifying how they stack up to departments serving communities of similar demographics and size," said Hylton Haynes, senior research analyst at NFPA. "It can also be an effective tool to justify budgets for needed equipment, apparatus, personnel, programs, and other resources."
Access the fact sheets and online portal through NFPA's news release.