In an effort to communicate the vital role that standards play in daily life, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) will publish, on an ongoing basis, a series of snapshots of the diverse standards initiatives undertaken in the global and national standards arena, many of which are performed by ANSI members and ANSI-accredited standards developers. Two of the latest selections follow:
Safe, Lean Manufacturing
A lean manufacturing endeavor seeks to eliminate waste, improve efficiency, and lower production costs. However, manufacturers must take care not to exclude or compromise safety considerations as they evaluate and modify their processes. A recently released standard from ANSI organizational member The Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT) aims to harmonize efficiency and safety by improving the manufacturing process while increasing work-place safety.
B11.TR7-2007, Designing for Safety and Lean Manufacturing: A guide on integrating safety and lean manufacturing principles in the use of machinery, provides guidance on the practical application of safety and lean manufacturing principles to machines and manufacturing systems for improving performance, safety, and quality by reducing injury and waste. B11.TR7-2007 is a technical report designed to assist machine tool suppliers and users in minimizing waste and risk associated with machines and manufacturing systems, including individual and integrated machine tools and auxiliary components.
AMT is a membership organization that represents and promotes the interests of American providers of manufacturing machinery and equipment through technological advancements and improvements in the industry including sales, design, automation, material removal, material forming, assembly, inspection, testing, communications, and control of manufacturing products.
Plumbing Fixtures
Plumbing has come a long way since the invention of water systems by the ancient Greeks and Romans nearly 4,000 years ago. ANSI-accredited standards developer and organizational member ASME continues to safeguard public health with the recent publication of ASME A112.19.3/CSA B45.4-2008, Stainless Steel Plumbing Fixtures.
ASME A112.19.3/CSA B45.4-2008 applies to plumbing fixtures made of stainless steel alloys, including corrosion-resistant steel, and specifies requirements for materials, construction, performance, testing, and markings. The new standard covers various plumbing fixtures including bathtubs, bidets, shower bases, urinals, drinking fountains, water coolers, and lavatories, as well as a variety of sinks for use in the bathroom, kitchen, bar, laboratory, laundry, service, and utility area.
ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization promoting the art, science and practice of mechanical and multidisciplinary engineering and allied sciences. ASME develops codes and standards that enhance public safety and enables learning and technical exchange opportunities benefiting the global engineering and technology community.