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.
AAFS Standards Board Publishes its First Forensic Standard
The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Standards Board (ASB), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, has announced the publication of its first American National Standard (ANS).
ANSI/ASB Best Practice Recommendation 007, Postmortem Impression Submission Strategy for Comprehensive Searches of Essential Automated Fingerprint Identification System Databases, was produced through ASB's Disaster Victim Identification Consensus Body. The standard provides guidance to medical examiners, coroners, and investigators on the submission of recorded postmortem impressions for comprehensive searches of essential automated fingerprint identification system databases.
Learn more on ASB's website.
NFPA Reminds Swimmers of Electric Shock Hazards in Pools and At Marinas
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an ANSI member and audited designator, has published an article, video, and safety tips advising people to stay safe and be aware of electrical hazards in swimming pools, hot tubs and spas, on boats, and in the waters around boats, marinas, and launch ramps.
"Most people, including boat and pool owners and swimmers, are not aware of the risks of electric shock drowning," said Lorraine Carli, NFPA's vice president of outreach and advocacy. "NFPA is raising awareness of this troubling trend and sharing our water safety resources so that everyone can safely enjoy summer water activities."
Tips are given for swimmers, pool owners, and boat owners. They include:
- While in a pool, hot tub, or spa, look for underwater lights that flicker or are not working properly.
- If you feel a tingling sensation while swimming in a pool, swim in the opposite direction and exit the water as quickly as possible. Avoid using metal ladders or rails.
- Have your boat's electrical system inspected by a qualified marine electrician each year and after major storms.
- Avoid entering the water when launching or loading a board. Electricity leaking into the water from docks or boats may cause water electrification.
Read all tips and see the video on electric shock hazards in the water on NFPA's website.
AHAM Report Examines Dangers of Counterfeit Water Filters
The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, has conducted a study that reveals the dangers of counterfeit refrigerator water filters.
The study shows that these counterfeit filters overwhelmingly fail to remove harmful contaminants from water. 100% of the 32 randomly selected filters failed to meet NSF/ANSI standards two times the life cycle, and no counterfeit filter removed live cysts to the standards of NSF/ANSI 53.
AHAM has launched a consumer education campaign called "Filter It Out" to raise awareness of the problems associated with counterfeit water filters. To learn more, read the full report summary, and see materials from the campaign, see AHAM's Filter It Out website.
COPANT Launches Updated Website
The Pan American Standards Commission (COPANT) has launched an update of their website, www.copant.org.
The redesigned website features a homepage that highlights news items from COPANT and their members. Visitors can also find easy-access links to COPANT's Twitter, Flickr, LinkedIn, and Facebook accounts. COPANT members are encouraged to designate a representative to upload their news onto the site.
Visit COPANT's updated website to see the news items, social media links, and more.