January 4, 2008 Manual 57, Routine Coal and Coke Analysis: Collection, Interpretation, and Use of Analytical Data, authored by John T. Riley, Ph.D., provides descriptions of over 35 ASTM standard methods, discussions of the utilization of the methods in industry, and the significance of the data collected using the methods. It contains 10 chapters covering topics such as coal classification, sampling, testing, analysis, calculations, and new developments in instrumentation.

January 4, 2008 ASTM International Committee F36 invites all interested parties to participate in standards developing activities on Infrastructure Asset Management. While subcommittee plans to address other assets in the future, initial focus is on piping and related support equipment of all shapes, sizes, materials, and designs for water and wastewater municipal infrastructure. Guidelines will be developed to address specific asset management areas where no such resources exist.

January 4, 2008 Developed by Subcommittee F23.70 on Radiological Hazards, part of ASTM International Committee F23 on Protective Clothing, standard WK15823 will provide healthcare workers who fluoroscopically inspect radiation protection garments with specific method as well as acceptance and rejection criteria. Standard will also be useful to managers responsible for inspection programs and radiation safety officers responsible for overall safety within facility.

January 4, 2008 On Jan 17, 2008, PMA East Michigan District will host meeting to provide metalformers with industry benchmarking information. Training hours, lost workday injuries, employee turnover, average setup time, earnings before interest and taxes, and many other key measures will be reviewed. Attendees will be able to compare their companies' performance against most profitable and best-in-class leaders.

January 4, 2008 According to December 2007 Business Conditions Report, metalforming companies have positive outlook as they head into 2008. When asked what they expect trend in general economic activity to be over next 3 months, 20% reported conditions will improve, 50% anticipate activity will remain the same, and 30% expect decline in business conditions. In addition, 33% of companies expect incoming orders to increase in next 3 months, while 37% anticipate no change, and 30% forecast decrease.

January 4, 2008 Following release of U.S. Department of Commerce data, PMA President, William E. Gaskin expressed concern about continuing decline in most steel imports. Total steel imports in 2007 are down 26% on year compared to Nov 2006, with hot-rolled import down almost 50% from 2006. At annualized rate, import levels for hot-rolled and cold-rolled imports in 2007 will be at their lowest levels since 2003, when 201 steel tariffs were in full effect.

January 2, 2008 John E. Shelk, president and CEO of EPSA issued statement concerning complaint filed at FERC on wholesale electricity prices. Competitive markets are spurring investment in renewable energy, demand response, and are rising to meet complex challenges of growing demand for electricity. In contrast, those filing pleading have been long on complaints, but short on realistic solutions. EPSA reiterates its focus on realities of future investments and steps necessary to achieve low carbon future.

January 2, 2008 EPSA commended members of U.S. Senate for their reconfirmation of Joseph Kelliher and Jon Wellinghoff for second terms on FERC. Chairman Kelliher has distinguished himself through his leadership in implementing Energy Policy Act of 2005, which laid out new responsibilities for Commission. John E. Shelk, President and CEO of EPSA also welcomes Wellinghoff's continuing leadership in improving wholesale electricity markets while encouraging demand response, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.

January 2, 2008 Although there will be some deceleration in production growth, prospects for Latin America manufacturing remain solid through 2008, according to Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI Latin America Outlook: 2007-2008. Stronger growth in Brazil and unabated Argentine expansion offset slowdown in Mexican activity in first half of 2007. Forecast predicts more balanced scenario among countries in 2008, although prospects will continue to remain brighter for Brazil and Argentina.

January 2, 2008 According to Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI Quarterly Industrial Outlook, U.S. manufacturing sector will face turbulent times next year due to continuing housing collapse. As a result, economic landscape will remain volatile in 2008 before rebounding in 2009. Alliance predicts no growth in 2008, including slight decline in non-high tech industries before rebounding to 2.6% growth in 2009. In 2009, solid turnaround should occur with 19 of 24 industries expecting growth.

January 2, 2008 Through Practicing Institute of Engineering, ASHRAE is offering New York professional development hour credit at 2008 ASHRAE Winter Meeting in NYC. Attendees can earn 1.5 to 2 PDHs in each of 27 sessions being certified through PIE. Included sessions span range of topics such as sustainability, commissioning, mold, exergy, and energy recovery. Overall ASHRAE technical program at meeting focuses on net-zero-energy design in buildings.

January 2, 2008 Covering G, H, J, K, L, R, T, and CC classes of fuses, FU 1-2002 Series consists of current responsive element inside fuse body with contacts on both ends, rated 600 V or less, AC and DC. Standard includes updates to definitions, voltage rating, and interrupting rating tables, as well as current carrying and temperature rise tests.

January 2, 2008 Reaffirmed ICS 61800 Adjustable Speed Electrical Power Drive Systems Part 1: General Requirements (R2007) includes set of rating specifications applicable to low-voltage, adjustable-speed DC power drive systems that include power conversion, control equipment, and motor or motors. Approved as an American National Standard, solution excludes elements such as traction and electrical vehicle drives.

January 2, 2008 Signed into law by President Bush, HR 6 Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 includes NEMA-advocated provisions that span various areas in order to maintain national approach to energy efficiency. Addressed areas include lighting, electric motors, standby power, and green building codes. Smart grid policies, also included, support research, development, and demonstration of smart grid technologies.

January 2, 2008 Received by less than 1% of nation's utilities, Directors Award of Recognition from the Partnership for Safe Water has been bestowed upon Clifton Water District's Charles A. Strain Water Treatment Plant in Clifton, Colorado. This national volunteer initiative, developed by EPA and other water organizations, represents water suppliers striving to provide their communities with drinking water quality that surpasses required federal standards.

January 2, 2008 On Jan 27-29, 200 leaders from water industry will gather in Albuquerque, NM to explore contaminant identification and treatment technology at AWWA 2008 Inorganic Contaminants Workshop. Water quality, research, and treatment professionals will discuss emerging contaminants, techniques for treatment and analysis, new challenges, and risk assessment. Over 40 presentations will cover nitrate and perchlorate, radionuclides, residuals, arsenic, iron, manganese, and more.

January 2, 2008 In ceremonies held Dec 5, 2007, 13 local employees of Commerce Department's NIST were honored with awards. Acting Director, James Turner and Acting Deputy Director, Richard Kayser presented awards, assisted by other Institute officials. Five staff members received Bronze Medal Award, the highest honorary recognition given, characterized by outstanding or significant contributions that have increased efficiency and effectiveness of NIST.

January 2, 2008 According to SPP proposal, electricity flowing in region's wholesale Energy Imbalance Service Market will be treated as interruptible. In filing with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, EPSA asked FERC to reject SPP's proposal, which would prevent imbalance energy flows from being given Firm rather than Interruptible transmission service status. EPSA says SPP's proposed revisions would limit market participation and are not adequately supported.

December 31, 2007 According to Cliff Waldman, Economist for Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI, there was a rebound in U.S. manufacturing output growth during November. While factory activity remains sluggish, it has yet to fall into actual contraction. Sharp rebound in business equipment production was catalyzed by acceleration in growth of information processing equipment output. While data is encouraging, diffusion indices suggest less than half of manufacturing industries appear to be growing.

December 31, 2007 Utilizing OSHA's web page, cleaning and maintenance industry employers can help protect safety and health of employees. OSHA Assistance for the Cleaning Industry Topics page provides information on potential hazards, such as slips, trips, and falls; OSHA standards; and links to free resources from OSHA and other organizations. Developed by OSHA with input from ISSA, page also includes topics related to hazardous or toxic substances, cleaning chemicals, and electrical risks.