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.
APFP and AWC Develop Website on Carbon-Neutral Bioenergy
ANSI members and accredited standards developers the American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA) and the American Wood Council (AWC), along with the Forest Resources Association and the National Alliance of Forest Owners, have joined forced to develop Biomass101.org.
This new site provides a clearinghouse for scientifically sound information on carbon-neutral bioenergy. It will feature infographics, blog posts, videos, and other media content that clarifies distorted information on bioenergy that consumers may receive from the press.
"When we encounter coverage that is not factual or objective, we feel obligated to correct the record so that the public receives balanced and unbiased information," said Heather Stegner, communications director at the American Wood Council.
To learn more, see the
AAMI to Host Webinar on Accurate Alarm Counts for Healthcare Facilities
The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, will host a free webinar outlining how hospitals can develop and maintain alarm management systems that benefit both patient safety and staff effectiveness.
"Sounding the Alarm: How Accurate Are Your Counts?" is part of a series of patient safety seminars being held by the AAMI Foundation. It will take place Monday, June 12, from 12 to 1 p.m. Attendees will learn methods for obtaining an accurate alarm count; steps that can be taken to lower the number of non-actionable alarms; the elements needed to make alarm systems more effective; and strategies to improve patient safety.
To learn more and to register for the webinar, see the AAMI news release.
CSA Group and APSP Offer Pool Safety Tips for Summer Fun
The CSA Group and the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP), both ANSI members and accredited standards developers, have published tips for pool and spa safety this summer. Suggestions include:
Install a pool alarm and self-closing, self-latching gates
Keep a life jacket and safety flotation devices close to the pool
Tie back long hair and loose clothing
Have the pool or spa inspected to make sure it meets federal and recommended safety standards
Learn to swim no matter your age
Actively supervise children near pools and join them when they are in the water
See more CSA Group tips here, and APSP tips here and here.
Future Technology May Focus on Mind Control, According to IEEE Survey Results
A survey conducted by IEEE, an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, revealed that technology enthusiasts are highly interested in everyday objects that can be controlled by the mind.
The survey revealed the increasing consumer demand for mind-controlled devices that can open doors, operate kitchen appliances, and turn lights on and off. Using the mind to control was the most appealing option according to the survey, scoring higher than biometrics, retina scanners, cell phone, motion, or manual control.
Conversely, survey respondents are becoming less interested in the use of cell phones and mobile devices to control technology. The vote was split on driverless cars, with many men showing an interest in an autonomous experience, while more women prefer manual control.
Learn more in the IEEE news release.
ASNT Requests Historical Photos
The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, is seeking any historical photos and images of ASNT activities and people. The images will be used to illustrate the organization's history as it approaches its 75th anniversary.
Read more about requested images and how to submit them in the ASNT news release.
Society of Allied Weights Engineers Approved as an ANSI Accredited Standards Developer
ANSI's Executive Standards Council (ExSC) has approved ANSI organizational member the Portable Lights American Trade Organization (PLATO) as an ANSI Accredited Standards Developer under its proposed operating procedures for documenting consensus on PLATO-sponsored American National Standards, effective May 27, 2015. For additional information, please contact Daniel Durbin by email at [email protected] or by phone at 440-835-7661.