Research + Tech

ASTM International launches first chapter in the United Arab Emirates

On March 11, ASTM International announced it will launch its first international chapter in the United Arab Emirates.

The announcement followed a planning meeting held between key industry, academic and government leaders at the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council. The Quality and Conformity Council uses ASTM International standards and helped host the ASTM International board of directors meeting in October 2016.

The group appointed a nominating committee to identify chapter officers and reviewed draft bylaws. Potential chapter goals also were discussed, including strengthening the involvement of UAE and other Gulf region technical experts in standards-related activities, sharing information regarding the UAE's societal needs and emerging trends so ASTM International can develop solutions, and providing a direct link between the UAE and ASTM International.

"We are excited to deepen our already strong relationships with industry and governments throughout the Gulf," says Katharine Morgan, president of ASTM International. "I look forward to seeing how this chapter will flourish and bring economic and societal benefits to this dynamic region."

ICC enters strategic partnership with International Trade Administration

The International Code Council has entered into a formal strategic partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration to raise awareness of international standards in construction. With a shared goal of promoting the use of U.S. building codes and standards, the partnership will encourage global adoption of the I-Codes to enhance public safety in construction and infrastructure.

ITA helps U.S. companies succeed globally through international market analysis, trade and export assistance, and the enforcement of trade agreements. ITA gives Strategic Partner designation to entities that have demonstrated a willingness and ability to work with ITA's network to increase export promotion.

ICC represents the U.S. building safety and regulatory community in international dialogues and is expanding its global footprint, positioning the organization to help advance ITA's mission. Through the strategic partnership, ICC will continue to collaborate with ITA regarding several global trade initiatives in the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia.

"With our redefined focus on our global strategy, this new strategic partnership is not only exciting, but it will help us achieve our goals to reach beyond code adoption to help countries successfully implement a cohesive building safety system to achieve a safer built environment," says Dominic Sims, ICC's CEO. "At the same time, we will leverage our expertise and international expansion efforts to help U.S. exporters and standards developers in the construction industry to access opportunities overseas."

Roofing industry ladder safety video now is available

NRCA and its industry partners have made available "Safe Ladder Practices in Roofing," a new industry-specific ladder safety video that also showcases the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's ladder safety app.

Falls and injuries from ladders are preventable. Misjudging the ladder angle, improper ladder setup and improper ladder use all contribute to accidents. The video demonstrates how to safely select, set up, use and remove ladders on job sites, including how the NIOSH ladder safety app can be used as a resource.

Available in English and Spanish, the NIOSH ladder safety app has an angle of inclination indicator that can be used on a mobile device, making it easy for a user to set up a ladder at the proper angle. The feature gives visual and audible signals when the ladder angle is set correctly. The app also has additional information about ladder selection, inspection, accessorizing and use.

NRCA is pleased to share the video with the roofing industry as part of the association's partnership with The Center for Construction Research and Training, and the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers.

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