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.
WQA Offers "Water Treatment for Dummies" Booklet
The Water Quality Association (WQA), an ANSI member, is offering a free booklet on how to enhance the quality of drinking water in homes and businesses while saving money.
Water Treatment for Dummies (a Wiley Brand): WQA Special Edition explains how to identify water contaminants, treat them, and remove them in simple terms for readers without a technical water background. The booklet also includes information on water softeners, different water filtration options, and questions that consumers can ask professionals before installing a water treatment system.
To access the booklet, download a free copy at www.wqa.org/dummies or order a printed copy (minimal shipping and handling fee). Learn more in the WQA news release.
NFPA Firewise Toolkit Guides Homeowners in Reducing Wildfire Risk
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an ANSI member and audited designator, has updated its Firewise Toolkit. Published by NFPA's Firewise Communities Program, the toolkit provides resources to homeowners and other stakeholders who wish to learn more about reducing the risk of wildfire.
The free toolkit includes a checklist for homeowners, a guide to the principles of reducing wildfire risk, checklists for high fire days, and infographics. Interested stakeholders can use the guide for individual use or share it at meetings and presentations.
Read more in the NFPA news item, and download the Firewise Toolkit here.
The Vision Council Publishes Report on Digital Eye Strain
The Vision Council, an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, has published its 2016 Digital Eye Strain report, Eyes Overexposed: The Digital Device Dilemma.
The report examines the physical discomfort that people feel after prolonged exposure to digital screens, commonly occurring after spending two or more hours staring at a device. Using two or more devices simultaneously can increase the incidence of eye strain, as well.
Readers will learn about tools that can help reduce the discomfort of digital eye strain and minimize vision problems that come as a result. The report also contains information on specially designed computer eyewear - lenses tailored for digital screen use that can reduce strain to the eyes, protecting them from blue light, glare, and other stressors.
Click here to read the related Vision Council news item and access the free report.
UTMB Summarizes Safe Sleeping Tips for Babies
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, published an overview of the American Academy of Pediatrics' updated recommendations for baby sleep safety. Recommendations, intended for babies up to one year of age, include:
Put baby to sleep on his back on a firm sleep surface.
If the baby falls asleep in a car seat, swing, or stroller, move her to a firm surface as soon as possible.
Cribs and bassinets should have no blankets or pillows - just a fitted sheet on the mattress.
Keep the baby away from smokers and places where people smoke. If you smoke, keep your car and home smoke-free.
Don't dress the baby too warmly. If her chest feels hot or she is sweating, she may be too warm.
Give the baby "tummy time" during waking hours to strengthen neck muscles.
Read all of the tips in the UTMB news item.
Caveon, LLC Applies for ANSI Accredited Standards Developer Status
Caveon, LLC has submitted an application for accreditation as an ANSI Accredited Standards Developer (SDO) and proposed operating procedures for documenting Caveon-sponsored ANS. Cavon's proposed scope of standards activity is the elements necessary for delivery of high-stakes tests that are delivered in a remote location where a proctor or invigilator observes and interacts with a test taker through the use of computer technologies. They take into account the ability to observe the test taker throughout the duration of the test administration; interact with the test taker through both visual and audio communication; stop the test administration if there is non-compliant behavior being exhibited by the test taker; secure/lock down the computer to prevent unauthorized access to other materials; use an individual trained as a proctor to observe the testing event; alert the proctor when the test taker is accessing unauthorized computer-based resources during the examination; and record test taking sessions for later review, as necessary.
For questions or comments, contact David Foster, Ph.D., Caveon CEO and president (801.208.0103; [email protected]). Please submit any comments to Caveon by September 6, 2016, with a copy to [email protected]. You may view or download a copy of Caveon's proposed operating procedures from ANSI Online during the public review period at www.ansi.org/accredPR.
Licensing Executives Society Applies for ANSI Accredited Standards Developer Status
The Licensing Executives Society (USA and Canada), Inc, has submitted an application for accreditation as an ANSI Accredited Standards Developer (SDO) and proposed operating procedures for documenting LES-sponsored ANS. LES's proposed scope of standards activity is of IP management, with a current focus on management systems standards. Also included in the scope is the management of knowhow, proprietary, confidential, and commercial information, enterprise processes, financial information, enterprise strategies, and any other non-public information or ways of doing business belonging to an enterprise.
For questions or comments, contact Kelli Baxter, LES executive director and COO (703.234.4088; [email protected]). Please submit any comments to LES by September 12, 2016, with a copy to [email protected]. You may view or download a copy of LES's proposed operating procedures from ANSI Online during the public review period at www.ansi.org/accredPR.