ANSI-HSSP Report Recognized in U.S. Government Accountability Office Study
The report, Lessons Learned from Hurricane Katrina and the Role for
Standards and Conformity Assessment Programs, from the American National Standards Institute’s Homeland Security Standards Panel (ANSI-HSSP) was recently referenced in a study from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).
Cited along with congressional, agency, and White House documents, the ANSI-HSSP report was recognized for its recommendations aimed at bolstering national preparedness, response, and recovery efforts in the event of a natural disaster. A key resource identified in the ANSI-HSSP document is the American National Standard for Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs (ANSI/NFPA 1600), which was developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Developed during a series of ANSI-HSSP workshop meetings, the report defines a set of recommendations and resources that can be used to mitigate the impact of future similar disasters. In particular, the report highlights the value of compliance with NFPA 1600 – a standard that the 9/11 Commission endorsed in its public report in 2004 – for both public and private sector disaster/emergency management and business continuity programs.
AIHA and NIOSH Team to Support Science News Service
ANSI members, the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have partnered to support Discoveries and Breakthroughs Inside Science (DBIS), a television science news service produced by the American Institute of Physics (AIP).
Aiming to educate a wide audience on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, DBIS provides research-based reports to subscribing local television stations. The stories cover many scientific disciplines and involve topics such as health, consumer solutions, and earth science. Through this new partnership, DBIS will promote awareness of the importance of industrial hygiene, as well as occupational and environmental health and safety. Some segments will be filmed at the research facilities of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Partnering organizations will also contribute story ideas and supply experts.
To learn more about the DBIS program or to view sample segments, visit http://discoveriesandbreakthroughs.org. For additional information about AIHA’s involvement, contact Melissa Hurley, AIHA communications specialist, at [email protected].
NEMA Launches NEMACurrents, an Electroindustry Blog
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has launched NEMACurrents, a blog dedicated to the electrical industry.
Intended to provide timely information on issues that affect the electrical industry, NEMACurrents features daily posts that discuss energy efficiency, anti-counterfeiting, environmental design, and electrical safety. According to NEMA president and CEO, Evan Gaddis, this industry-specific blog will collect in real-time valuable opinions from readers on issues such as environmental impact and safety that are critical to NEMA’s mission.
To read NEMACurrents visit www.nemacurrents.org.
National Council of Examiners for Engineering & Surveying Granted ANSI Accreditation
In the year that marks the 100th anniversary of engineering licensure in the United States, ANSI’s Executive Standards Council has approved the accreditation of the National Council of Examiners for Engineering & Surveying (NCEES) as a developer of American National Standards. NCEES has been an ANSI organizational member since December 2005.
The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) is a national non-profit organization that overviews professional licensure of engineers and land surveyors through uniform laws and licensing standards. The organization writes and scores the exams required for engineering and surveying licensure, provides educational materials, and helps professionals obtain licensure in multiple jurisdictions. In its mission, NCEES stresses the importance of promoting uniform procedures that rely on quality education, examination, experience, and continuing professional competency.
For additional information contact: Mr. Jerry Carter, associate executive director of NCEES, at [email protected].
National Ground Water Association Now an ANSI-Accredited Standards Developer
ANSI’s Executive Standards Council recently approved the accreditation of the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) as a developer of American National Standards. NGWA has been an ANSI Organizational Member since October 2006.
The National Ground Water Association is dedicated to advancing the expertise of all ground water professionals. By furthering ground water awareness and protection through education and outreach, NGWA promotes the responsible development, use, and management of ground water resources.
For additional information contact: Mr. Jonathan Jenkins, standard development administrator, NGWA, at [email protected].