World Standards Day 14 October 2011 – creating confidence globally

Issue 32 – October 2011

World Standards Day is celebrated each year on 14 October to pay tribute to the efforts of the thousands of experts worldwide who collaborate with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and ITU (the United Nations specialised agency for information and communication technologies – ICTs) to develop Standards. These Standards facilitate trade, spread knowledge, and share technological advances.

ISO appoints its new British President

Issue 32 – October 2011

Terry Hill, CBE has been appointed to be the next ISO President following the 34th ISO General Assembly, held in New Delhi, India, 21 to 23 September 2011. Hill, who was nominated by BSI, will be the first British President since 1958 and will lead ISO, ensuring that it continues to support global innovation and deliver a portfolio of market relevant international Standards. In this capacity, Hill will chair the major ISO meetings including its General Assembly and Council. Hill will assume his role as President-Elect from Jan 2012 and formally serve as President of ISO from Jan 2013 to Dec 2014.

WTO Director General Pascal Lamy cites 'vital relationship' between WTO and ISO

Issue 32 – October 2011

Pascal Lamy, Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), emphasised the 'vital relationship' between the WTO and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in a video message on 21 September 2011 to the 34th ISO General Assembly in New Delhi, India.

ISO mourns loss of dedicated manager – Michael Smith

Issue 32 – October 2011

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) recently announced the passing away of Michael Smith, Secretary of the ISO Technical Management Board (TMB). Michael had dedicated 32 years' service to ISO and the organisation. 'Mike' as he was affectionately known to his colleagues at ISO Central Secretariat (CS) in Geneva, Switzerland, and hundreds of Standards developers worldwide, died suddenly on Sunday, 25 September 2011, in New Delhi, India, where he had been attending a meeting of the TMB and ISO's 34th General Assembly.

IEC announces nominations of officers – IEC committees

Issue 32 – October 2011

As well as its regular Technical Committees, the IEC has a number of Strategic Groups, Sector Boards, and Technical Advisory Committees which report to the Standardization Management Board (SMB). In September 2011, IEC announced announces various changes and nominations.

Keeping electronics safe – IECQ tool to tackle counterfeit and hazardous substances

Issue 32 – October 2011

The global market for electronic components has shown strong growth for many years. This is a real success story, achieved by consistent technological and industrial innovation. In recent years, electronic manufacturers have had to address new concerns: national and regional endeavours to pass legislation restricting or forbidding the use of hazardous substances in components, and the emergence of counterfeit products.

Sustainability – banking on the motors

Issue 32 – October 2011

When the going gets tough, a customary fiscal reaction of many states is to print additional national currency. As the millions of fresh banknotes roll off the printing press, how many of us stop to think of the many processes involved in their manufacture? Or of the number of efficiently run motors required to produce the simple piece of paper that represents so much, both culturally and financially? A banknote has that dual role. Graphically, it depicts national pride, history. Financially, through its many security printing and manufacturing technologies, it ensures that the note retains its face value. Each of the manufacturing efforts involved is wholly dependent on the efficiency and reliability of its own machinery.

Canadian engineering school wins 'ISO Award for Higher Education in Standardization'

Issue 32 – October 2011

A leading engineering school from Canada, the Ecole de technolgie supérieure, is the winner of this year's 'ISO Award for Higher Education in Standardization'. The award was presented at the 34th ISO General Assembly in New Delhi, India, 21 – 23 September 2011. This is the third time the prize has been awarded since its creation in 2006 to encourage and recognise successful programmes in higher education on standardisation. Professor François Coallier received the award on behalf of the engineering school for its standardisation programmes for both graduate and undergraduate degrees.

Energy storage – nanomaterials open new frontiers

Issue 32 – October 2011

Nanotechnologies have become an integral part of such electrochemical energy storage devices as batteries and ultracapacitors. For example, nanoparticles found in some high-performance battery electrodes and nanoscale materials form the critical elements in ultracapacitors.

Ergonomics – new ISO Standard

Issue 32 – October 2011

Car park ticket machines, computer keyboards, equipment for use in a cold store – these are just three varied examples of the millions of products that should be safe for people to use, accessible, and should not pose unreasonable difficulties to operate. To achieve this, they must incorporate ergonomic principles into their design. Ergonomics – General approach, principles and concepts ISO 26800:2011 provides an integrated framework and a high-level view how ergonomics is applied.

ISO food Standards developers – award for superior performance

Issue 32 – October 2011

An ISO Technical Committee (TC) that has developed nearly 780 international Standards for the food industry has been recognised through an award for superior performance, presented at the 34th ISO General Assembly, held in New Delhi, India, 21 to 23 September 2011. For 2011, 'The Lawrence D Eicher Leadership Award for excellence in creative and innovative standards' development goes to ISO TC 34, Food products.

ASTM STANDARDS

To purchase PDF or hard copy ASTM Standards, please email enquiries@standards.co.nz or call 0800 782 632 during business hours.

AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS

To purchase PDF or hard copy Australian Standards, please email enquiries@standards.co.nz or call 0800 782 632 during business hours.

BRITISH STANDARDS

You can now purchase PDFs of British Standards from Standards New Zealand – please email enquiries@standards.co.nz or call 0800 782 632 during business hours to order PDFs. British Standard publications in hardcopy format are also available for purchase from our web site www.standards.co.nz by entering the Standard number and selecting the BSI button in the search panel.

IEC PUBLICATIONS

You can now purchase PDFs of IEC Standards from Standards New Zealand – please email enquiries@standards.co.nz or call 0800 782 632 during business hours to order PDFs. IEC Standards in hardcopy format are also available for purchase from our web site www.standards.co.nz by entering the Standard number and selecting the IEC button in the search panel.

ISO PUBLICATIONS

You can now purchase PDFs of ISO Standards from Standards New Zealand – please email enquiries@standards.co.nz or call 0800 782 632 during business hours to order PDFs. ISO Standards in hardcopy format are also available for purchase from our web site www.standards.co.nz by entering the Standard number and selecting the ISO button in the search panel.