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A new ASTM International standard will provide the means to quickly detect and quantify the lead concentration in toys and other children's products. The new standard, F2853 , Test Method for Determination of Lead in Paint Layers and Similar Coatings or in Substrates and Homogenous Materials by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry Using Multiple Monochromatic Excitation Beams, was…
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Climate change assessment and risk management is becoming an increasingly important topic in the field of environmental assessment. An ASTM task group is developing proposed new standards that cover all aspects of climate change assessment. The first standard to be approved by this task group is ASTM E2718 , Guide for Financial Disclosures Attributed to Climate Change. The task group is under the…
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The rate at which a volume of light non-aqueous phase liquid, such as oil, will flow through a unit width of porous material, such as soil, for a unit gradient is termed LNAPL transmissivity. Being able to measure LNAPL transmissivity is an important aspect of environmental assessment work. It is possible to measure LNAPL transmissivity via several methodologies (for example, baildown tests,…
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As interest in energy efficiency and green buildings continues to build, it is easy to imagine that property due diligence by prospective buyers and lessees will begin to include such environmental considerations, which can impact property values and rental rates. This is particularly true in light of legislation such as California’s Assembly Bill 1103, a new law that became effective Jan. 1 and…, ASTM WK24707, , Guide for Building Energy Performance Disclosure, is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee E50.02 on Real Estate Assessment and Management. ASTM WK24707 will be used by professionals conducting due diligence for prospective property purchasers and lessees. “It is anticipated that energy disclosure obligations will be incorporated into the traditional legal obligations of landlords and sellers…
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Six months after the spring 2008 publication of ASTM standard E2600 , Practice for Assessment of Vapor Intrusion into Structures on Property Involved in Real Estate Transactions, the task group that developed it surveyed users to receive feedback on the new standard. According to Anthony Buonicore, CEO of the Buonicore Group and chair of the vapor intrusion task group, the survey results have led…
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Subjects Include Vented Construction Systems, Furnace Exposure and Tunnel Fire Resistance, Subcommittee E05.11 on Fire Resistance, part of ASTM International Committee E05 on Fire Standards, is currently developing a number of proposed standards, including the following three test methods on vented construction systems, furnace exposure on test samples and tunnel fire resistance. All parties interested in working on fire resistance standards are encouraged to join in the activities of…, Vented Construction, Understanding how construction systems will perform in the earliest moments of a fire is crucial. A proposed new ASTM standard, WK22660 , Test Method for Evaluating Fire Performance of Vented Construction, will provide tests for evidence on how vented construction systems are affected by the first five minutes of a fire and will be used to complement existing fire testing methods test results “…, Furnace Exposure, Fire test laboratories and fire protection engineers will be the primary users of proposed new standard ASTM WK23795 , Test Method for Measuring the Uniformity of Furnace Exposure on Test Samples. The proposed standard provides general principles for measuring the uniformity of furnace exposure on samples tested in accordance with the following standards: - ASTM E119 , Test Methods for Fire…, Tunnel Fire Resistance, Fires in tunnels can reach temperatures as high as 2,500°F [1371°C], but current standards that deal with building fires provide for a maximum temperature of 2,000°F [1093°C] and are not specific to tunnels. A proposed new standard, ASTM WK23821 , Test Methods for Tunnel Fire Resistance, will be developed with the special considerations of tunnel fires in mind. According to Barry Badders, manager…
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the 2008 revision to an ASTM International standard describing the environmental assessment needs of parties involved in the acquisition of forestland and rural properties is now compliant with the agency’s All Appropriate Inquiries Rule (40 CFR Part 312, Standards and Practices for All Appropriate Inquires). The EPA decision came in a…
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The presence of lead in toys and other consumer products continues to make headlines. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a United States law enacted in August 2008, addresses the lead issue and makes provisions for the use of X-ray spectrometry in testing for lead content. To aid the toy and consumer products industries in using X-ray spectrometry for lead detection and meet the…
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New ASTM Committee E58 to Develop Standards That Support Engineering Investigations and Assist the Court, ASTM International, one of the largest voluntary standards development organizations (SDO) in the world, today announced the formation of ASTM Committee E58 on Forensic Engineering . Committee E58 will develop standards that promote awareness of the scientific, engineering, ethical and legal considerations inherent in forensic engineering investigations, reporting and testimony., Bringing Engineering Reason to the Dispute Resolution Process, Forensic engineering focuses on the investigation of alleged defects in materials, products, structures and components. These cases are litigated on the premise that the defects cause personal injury or damage to property. Forensic engineering investigations may help determine the causes of these events and assist the disputing parties or the court in resolving the case. Today, forensic…, Assisting the Court through Consensus Standards, ASTM Committee E58 comes together to create important standards and guides that will support the judicial process by facilitating an improved understanding of forensic engineering practices and associated technical issues. This will better enable the court to resolve disputes in a more well-informed and efficient manner, relying on deeper knowledge of the technical data presented and the sound…, E58 Standards: Guiding Forensic Engineering Practice, E58 standards will help guide forensic engineers in conducting investigations in a robust manner while protecting overall public safety. The initial scope of Committee E58 activities will be driven by subcommittees on Product Defect Incidents, Vehicular Incidents, Electrical Incidents and Industrial Processes. ASTM Committee E58 will build upon the body of work of former subcommittee E30.05 on…, Foundation Standard for the Forensic Engineering Profession, Other E58 standards will bolster the role of forensic engineering professionals in the eyes of the court and other users of these services. Consistent with this objective, Committee E58 has recently drafted a general practice document for the forensic engineering profession, titled Standard Guide for the Practice of Forensic Engineering. The goal of this standard is to further educate the court…