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.
NIBS Webinar to Discuss Precast Concrete
The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, is hosting a webinar on precast concrete through its Seismic Safety Council (BSSC).
"Seismic Design of Precast Concrete Structures" is the second webinar in BSSC's 2017 series, sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It will highlight the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP), 2015 NEHRP Recommended Seismic Provisions for Buildings and Other Structures, as well as its supporting materials. Listeners will learn about two changes that have been made to the document since its 2009 iteration, as well as the alternate seismic design force level and the precast concrete design methodology.
The webinar will be held on Friday, March 17, from 2 to 3 p.m. ET. Participation is free, but registration is required. Learn more and register here.
ASSE Offers Teen Work Safety Resources
The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, has a tool kit of resources on teen safety in the workplace.
Information on current youth labor laws, frequent injuries on the job, and safety tips for young adults in the workplace is available. In addition to brochures, ASSE offers presentation aids, handouts, a quiz, and links to additional resources on the topic. ASSE suggests these resources may be useful for presentations in classrooms, scout meetings, community meetings, and other gatherings where young workers are present.
Access the full Teen Work Safety Tool Kit on ASSE's website.
NEMA Article Introduces Daylight Management Concepts
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, has posted an article in the "NEMA Currents" blog that outlines the principles and benefits of daylight management.
Daylight management refers to efforts to control the penetration of sunlight into homes, offices, and other interior spaces through various strategies and technologies. Daylight penetration has both psychological and biological benefits, including providing information about outdoor conditions and supporting healthy circadian rhythms. However, daylight may have downsides in certain situations, from uncomfortable glare to unwanted heat.
The NEMA blog post provides information on some of the strategies and technologies being explored in daylight management, including automated operation of dynamic glazings and window attachments that provide the maximum benefit to building occupants. Read about these strategies here.
IEEE Explains the Bitcoin Blockchain in Animated Video
IEEE, an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, has posted a short video that outlines the Bitcoin Blockchain for those unfamiliar with the system.
The video explains how the online currency Bitcoin differs from old security models, and how it may be the future of all digital transactions. Viewers learn about the Bitcoin Blockchain, "an open ledger that stores a history of financial transactions," with animated visuals to assist viewers in understanding the complex system.
View the video on YouTube here.
BCI Video Highlights Lead Battery Recycling
Battery Council International (BCI), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, has released a video that features recycling of the primary components of lead batteries: lead, plastic, and acid.
The video, which was released for National Battery Day on February 18, explains how a used battery can be efficiently recycled into a new battery that starts automobiles, powers vehicle control systems to improve fuel economy, and provides backup power for hospitals, among other uses.
"The lead, plastic, and acid are isolated from one another at an EPA regulated facility, and through a multi-step recycling process, these components become new lead batteries. This unique process allows consumers to purchase a product that is both economically and environmentally favorable," said Mark Thorsby, executive vice president of BCI.
Learn more and access the video in the BCI blog post.
Licensing Executives Society (U.S. and Canada) Approved as ANSI Accredited Standards Developer
ANSI's Executive Standards Council (ExSC) has approved ANSI member Licensing Executives Society (U.S. and Canada) as an ANSI accredited standards developer under its proposed operating procedures for documenting consensus on LES-sponsored American National Standards (ANS), effective January 17, 2017. For additional information, please contact Kelli Baxter, LES executive director and COO (703.234.4088; [email protected]). See the recent press release for more information.