The summer edition features an editorial from a UL senior standards specialist about the process and numerous benefits related to the adoption of IEC standards in the U.S. market, and an article that details the procedures that govern the national adoption process. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is the official U.S. representative to ISO, and, via the U.S. National Committee, IEC, and is a U.S. representative to the International Accreditation Forum (IAF).
This month, the USNC recognizes professional achievements, including the participants of the 2017 IEC Young Professionals Workshop, and the eight USNC experts honored with the 2017 ANSI Leadership and Service Awards. The USNC also recently welcomed two new program administrators to its USNC team in New York.
Other highlights include coverage on an international guideline on vessel shore reporting that can improve navigation safety, and details about the IEC System Committee Active Assisted Living (SyC AAL) - formed to support independent living of the aging global population as well as others of any age group that require support due to illness or disability.
The issue's Decision Depot column provides links to recent decisions that have been made regarding IEC and USNC policies and procedures that directly affect its members.
A committee of ANSI, the USNC serves as the focal point for U.S. parties who are interested in the development, promulgation, and use of globally-relevant standards for the electrotechnical industry. The Committee is also engaged in the assessment of conformance to standards, undertaking work in areas such as testing, certification, and accreditation.
As the U.S. representative to the IEC and many related regional standardization bodies, the USNC is a conduit to the global standards-setting community for technical and policy positions arising in the U.S. and brings issues from the global arena to the U.S. for review, consideration, and response. Strong U.S. participation in the IEC is critical to national competitiveness and the continued growth and innovation in U.S. electrotechnical industries.