ASTM International Signs Memorandum of Understanding with National Safety Council

Representatives of global standards organization ASTM International and the National Safety Council (NSC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) supporting advanced and emerging technology. 

The MoU is intended to promote the advancement of technologies including exoskeletons and exosuits (exo), robotics, automation, and autonomous systems and to ensure that standards address key safety components within these areas. 

The agreement was signed by Brian Meincke, vice president, global business development and innovation strategy, ASTM International, and Nick Smith, chief operating officer, NSC. 

“ASTM International is excited to work with NSC to promote the development and use of standards for advanced and emerging technologies,” notes Meincke. “We look forward to identifying how this partnership can support the development of key safety components within these emerging industries.”

“Technology and safety go hand in hand and have ample opportunities to benefit each other,” adds Smith. “The National Safety Council looks forward to working with ASTM International to save lives and reduce injuries through emerging technology and thanks them for their commitment to safety.” 

Objectives of the ASTM International and NSC MoU include:

  • Promote communication between the two organizations;
  • Promote knowledge of the ASTM standards and benefits of ASTM membership to NSC members;
  • Promote knowledge of NSC and benefits of NSC membership to ASTM members;
  • Increase expert input into the development of ASTM exo, robotics, automation, and autonomous system standards and other areas of common interest from NSC; and
  • Pursue safe and reliable exo, robotics, automation, and autonomous systems technologies through awareness and education activities such as workshops, symposia, training events, and conferences. 

ASTM International’s committee on exoskeletons and exosuits (F48) was formed in 2017 to develop standards that address safety, quality, performance, ergonomics and terminology for exo systems and components during their full life cycle. ASTM’s Center of Excellence in Exo Technology (ET CoE) focuses on accelerating exo standards through research, education, workforce development, training certifications, and connecting global exo communities. For more on the ET CoE, visit www.etcoe.org.  

Last year, ASTM International expanded the scope of its robotics, automation, and autonomous systems committee (F45). The scope now addresses standards development for automatic, automated, and autonomous vehicles, robotic arms and manipulators, and sensors used in these systems, for smart infrastructures, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and other automation. Learn more, here. 

 

About ASTM International

Committed to serving global societal needs, ASTM International positively impacts public health and safety, consumer confidence, and overall quality of life. We integrate consensus standards – developed with our international membership of volunteer technical experts – and innovative services to improve lives… Helping our world work better.

About the National Safety Council

The National Safety Council is America’s leading nonprofit safety advocate – and has been for over 100 years. As a mission-based organization, we work to eliminate the leading causes of preventable death and injury, focusing our efforts on the workplace, roadway and impairment. We create a culture of safety to not only keep people safer at work, but also beyond the workplace so they can live their fullest lives.


ASTM Media Inquiries:
Dan Bergels, tel +1.610.832.9602; dbergels@astm.org  

NSC Media Inquiries: Erin McDermott; 630-775-2037; media@nsc.org 

 

Release #11350

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Committee
F45
F48
Category
January 11, 2022