Revised ICC Standard Builds a More Accessible Environment
With an eye toward promoting a more accessible environment for all, the International Code Council (ICC) has made several important updates to ICC A117.1, Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.
The standard contains technical accessibility requirements for both new and existing buildings, and includes new and revised requirements addressing dwelling units, recreational facilities, restrooms, and variable message signs, among other important considerations.
"The Code Council is proud of its leadership role in shepherding the development of ICC A117.1 over the years. These critical updates represent a consensus approach from advocates and industry to promote a more accessible built environment," said Code Council CEO Richard P. Weiland.
The ICC is a member and accredited standards developer of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) dedicated to building safety, fire prevention, and energy efficiency. Many ICC codes and standards serve as the basis for construction of federal properties around the world, and as a reference for many nations outside the U.S.
NSF Releases Guideline for Nutritional Supplements Expiration Dates
From milk containers to canned goods to nutritional supplements, savvy consumers make looking at expiration dates a regular part of their shopping excursion.
NSF International, an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, has developed a voluntary stability testing guideline to help nutritional supplement companies ensure they have science-based data to support expiration dating on their product labels.
The guideline seeks to help nutritional supplement companies understand the impact that manufacturing, packaging, labeling, distribution, and warehouse processes may have on a product's stability. Factors involved in stability testing range from ingredient strength and microbial growth to moisture content and a product's closure system. The guideline recommends companies to identify the physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics under long-term storage, and proposes that stability testing be conducted in the same container used for marketing. The guideline can be used to help companies meet the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for dietary supplements. The document was developed by NSF-DBA, an NSF International Company, in conjunction with regulators and industry trade groups.
NSF International writes standards for food, water, and consumer goods to minimize adverse health effects and protect the environment. For more information on the new voluntary stability guideline, visit www.nsfstability.org.
NEMA Takes Part in National Export Initiative Event
ANSI member and accredited standards developer the National Electrical Manufacturer's Association (NEMA) was highlighted at the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) International Trade Administration's (ITA) Partnering to Double Exports event in Washington, DC, in December. Hosted by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke and Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, the event highlighted the National Export Initiative (NEI), President Barack Obama's initiative to double exports and add 2 million U.S. jobs to the economy by 2015.
NEMA was one of three organizations selected to showcase their work carried out under the ITA's Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP), which provides financial and technical assistance to projects that enhance U.S. competitiveness globally.
NEMA has won four awards under the MDCP program, which has yielded more than $2.9 billion in increased exports since ITA initiated the program in 1993. A current MDCP award granted to the NEMA aims to ensure national treatment for U.S. exports and secure the acceptance of relevant standards across ten countries in Central and South America. Another helps NEMA work with Canada and Mexico to ensure interoperability of their electrical systems and Smart Grid operations by conducting standards harmonization efforts.
NFPA Teams with USFA for ‘Put a Freeze on Winter Fires' Campaign
ANSI member and audited designator the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is teaming with the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) to put a freeze on winter fires.
Between increased cooking and use of fireplaces, holiday decorations, and space heaters, home fires are more prevalent in winter than in any other season. In fact, half of all home heating fires occur in December, January, and February. The good news is that many of these fires can be prevented.
NFPA's Sharon Gamache and USFA acting fire administrator Glenn Gaines have introduced a series of winter safety podcasts explaining how to protect the home against fires when it's cold outside. The podcasts, which take a look at candles, holiday decorations, cooking, home heating, carbon monoxide, and winter storms, educate consumers on important safety steps.
The mission of the international nonprofit NFPA is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. NFPA's 300 codes and standards influence every building, process, service, design, and installation in the U.S. and many other countries.
For more information on the Put a Freeze on Winter Fires campaign, click here.