October 5, 2007 ANSI has initiated 30-day letter ballot to appoint 11 Director-at-Large seats on Institute's Board of Directors. Candidates have been recommended to ANSI membership by nominating committee and are being considered for 3-year term commencing Jan 1, 2008. Designated voting representative of each full or basic member has been sent an e-mail containing electronic copy of official letter ballot. Responses are requested as soon as possible but no later than Nov 2, 2007.

October 5, 2007 Scheduled for Oct 20, 2007 to Dec 4, 2007, public comment period will focus on ASCE/SEI's second supplement to its ASCE 7-05 standard. Purpose of standard is to provide minimum load requirements for design of buildings and other structures that are subject to building code requirements. Supplement addresses changes to seismic design requirements for building and non-building structures.

October 4, 2007 OSHA is inviting the public to participate in its informal stakeholder meeting on Occupational Exposure to Diacetyl and Food Flavorings Containing Diacetyl. Being held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 17, 2007, at the Crowne Plaza Washington National Airport Hotel, the meeting will address uses of diacetyl, approaches used to assess exposure, available exposure data, controls utilized to minimize exposure including substitutes, and medical screening and surveillance.

October 4, 2007 OSHA and the National Construction Safety Executives (NCSE) have formed an alliance to provide employees in the construction industry with information, guidance, and access to training resources regarding safety and health. It will focus on falls, electrical, struck-by, and caught in-between hazards. Members will promote national dialogue on workplace safety and health by participating in forums, roundtable discussions, and stakeholder meetings.

October 4, 2007 Guidance on Safe Sling Use released by OSHA will help employers select and use the appropriate slings when handling and moving materials. Improper selection or use of slings can result in sling failure or load slippage, which can lead to injuries or death. OSHA intends to format the document for use on the Web so users can get information on the type of sling they are using without having to look through material that is not relevant to the workplace.

October 3, 2007 Released jointly by AAMA and FMA, 13-page FMA/AAMA 100-07 Standard Practice for the Installation of Windows with Flanges or Mounting Fins in Wood Frame Construction specifically addresses new construction of no more than 3 stories in height utilizing membrane/drainage system. Techniques demonstrated in document have been developed to allow incidental water entering from superficial cracks to drain onto membrane drainage plane and to exit to building exterior.

October 3, 2007 First published in 1997, AAMA 1801-07 technical specification establishes acoustical rating of windows, doors, storefront, and curtain walls based on ASTM standards and test methods. Updated version includes minimum test size requirements of side-hinged doors, sliding doors, and double side-hinged doors per AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S. 2/A440. Test specimen size for curtain wall, storefront, and all site built construction was changed to be in accordance with AAMA 1503 and NFRC 100.

October 3, 2007 According to Richard Walker, President and CEO of AAMA, 5 companies joined AAMA's membership in July. Global Vinyl Solutions joined Category 1, which is for manufacturers with national or international presence of interest. Category 2 companies, who have primarily regional market, but who wish to stay in touch with national industry developments, include Luoma Contract LLC, ES Windows LLC, and NGG LTD Inc. Strictly serving regional markets, Armor Screen Corp joined Category 3.

October 3, 2007 Released by AAMA, technical specification AAMA 2001-07 helps to address lack of specific detailed definitions and requirements for glazing systems in model building codes. Residential translucent sloped glazing systems are used to add thermal efficiency and enhance natural lighting in homes. Document specifies recommended minimum performance criteria and communicates minimum design criteria for various structural loads and other code requirements.

October 3, 2007 Addressing concerns regarding diacetyl exposure in the workplace, OSHA will initiate a rulemaking under section 6(b) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, issue a Safety and Health Information Bulletin, and provide hazard communication guidance. The actions build upon the National Emphasis Program, announced in April 2007, which focuses on health hazards of microwave popcorn butter flavoring containing diacetyl.

October 3, 2007 Based on ANSI Z136.1 Safe Use of Lasers standard, Industrial Laser Safety Audit enables industrial laser users to keep their facilities safe and compliant with OSHA. It includes review of training requirements for Laser Safety Officer and other area personnel, hazard analysis, evaluation of laser use area, review of laser area controls, assessment of non-beam hazards and electrical hazards, review of laser and laser system requirements, and review of laser documentation.

October 3, 2007 With theme of Shaken Not Stirred - Finding the Perfect Mix, 2007 Annual Conference of AEM will help attendees find perfect mix of markets and strategies to achieve ongoing success despite cyclical nature of off-road equipment industry. Scheduled for Nov 11-13, 2007 in Naples, FL, conference will focus on "going global" with examination of international markets and business options, and will explore workforce development with discussions of innovation and visionary leadership.

October 3, 2007 Taking place at the Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter on November 6 and 7, 2007, Additives Short Course will offer opportunity for business and technical professionals to come together for education that benefits everyone from scientists to sales persons. Additives are a vital part of creating adhesives and sealants and can be critical to promotion of them.

October 3, 2007 First published in 2005, Voluntary Specification for Self Adhering Flashing Used for Installation of Exterior Wall Fenestration Products establishes test methods and minimum performance requirements for self-adhering flashing products that are used around perimeter of exterior fenestration products. It also provides method to determine minimum width of flashing products and to evaluate influence of environmental factors on installation of self-adhering flashing products.

October 2, 2007 IEEE Expert Now courses are available for IEEE Regions, Sections, and Chapters interested in participating in IEEE Expert Now Section-Chapter Program. Started in 2006, program helps local IEEE volunteers organize event where attendees can view one or more IEEE Expert Now courses and discuss materials with local expert on that topic. IEEE Regions, Sections, and Chapters who participate will have ability to award Continuing Education Units to event participants free of charge.

October 2, 2007 The IEEE Educational Activities Board, in cooperation with the IEEE Standards Association, is presenting an education workshop about the role IEEE 802 Wireless Standards play in manufacturing and production processes. Scheduled for November 30 to December 1, 2007, the workshop will feature a panel discussion and cover topics such as wireless LAN Standards for Wi-Fi Solutions, the development of WPAN ecosystem standards, and the basis of WiMAX mobile broadband networks.

October 2, 2007 IEEE is announcing the launch of IEEE.tv with targeted programming on technology and engineering produced by IEEE members. Programming options including hot topics in technology, conference highlights, and interviews with industry experts. Launched as a beta site in August, 2006, it now features a flash video format, a list of most viewed and recently added videos, as well as options for RSS feeds. Currently 30 programs are available which are categorized into 6 different series.

October 1, 2007 NEMA welcomes the European Commission's proposal to indefinitely postpone implementation of EU 1980, which would have banned usage of non-metric units on products sold in the EU. According to NEMA President and CEO Evan Gaddis, differences between European and North American electrical infrastructures would make required usage of metric-only labeling unworkable. The proposed suspension must still be ratified by the European Parliament and Council of Ministers.

October 1, 2007 The FAA and NATCA signed an employment agreement covering approximately 1,200 Engineers and Architects who are responsible for the planning, design, and installation of facilities, systems, and equipment to ensure the safety of the National Airspace System. It was overwhelmingly ratified by the union membership after 9 months of negotiations. As a result, the FAA will increase the percentage of employees in its pay-for-performance plan to 84%.

October 1, 2007 The BSA Educational Services Committee, chaired by Howard Gainey, Vice President/General Manager, Bearings & Drives, Inc., completed a revision of the Lubrication Guide and also decided to make it available separately. It will also continue to be included with the In-House Training Guide, which provides bearing-specific employee training.