ROUNDTABLE
What changes in U.S. standards and regulations have you seen recently - if none, when were these last established? If so, what impact and benefits have these made in the market? KP: Standards are constantly updated to reflect the needs of industry and regulators. It is up to each industry or regulatory agency to determine the standards that best fit their needs. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
https://www.asme.org is an independent, not-for-profit organization. ASME is one of the oldest and most respected standards developing organizations (SDOs) in the world. It produces and maintains approximately 550 codes and standards, covering a multitude of technical areas including boiler components, cranes, elevators, hand tools, fasteners, and pipelines to name just a few. ASME has over 30 safety consensus
standards that are related to the crane industry, including the B30 Safety Standards Committee for Cableways, Cranes, Derricks, Hoists, Hooks, Jacks, and Slings and P30 Planning for the use Of Cranes, Derricks, Hoists, Cableways, Aerial Devices and Lifting Accessories volumes, as well as the BTH-1 Design of Below-the-Hook
development and processes, while increasing efficiencies (e.g., training) and minimizing waste.
Kathleen "Kat" Peterson
S&C Project Engineering Advisor at ASME (The American Society of Mechanical Engineers)
Lifting Devices. These standards are developed by a consensus committee made up of industry experts and are continuously maintained. Some have been recognized, either in whole or in part, by governmental or regulatory agencies around the world. Standards offer substantial value to
organizations and end users: Standardization can help maximize compatibility, interoperability, safety, repeatability, and/or quality in product
How does this differ to other regulations outside the U.S., and do they change from state to state? KP: ASME standards are considered voluntary because they serve as guidelines, but do not of themselves have the force of law. Their use is voluntary. Standards become mandatory when they have been incorporated into a business contract or into regulations. Each jurisdiction decides independently which of the regulations or codes are required within their jurisdiction. ASME does not keep track of regulations in place for the jurisdictions in the U.S.
When companies launch new products, what processes do they or should have to go through to ensure their equipment is safe and ready to be installed on site? Also, is ASME involved in this process? KP: ASME standards staff does not ‘approve', 'rate', or 'endorse' any item, construction, proprietary device, or activity; Therefore, we are unable to answer any questions that might be interpreted as doing so. In addition, ASME does not offer certification programs associated with B30, P30 or BTH; however, if there is a need for product certifications related to cranes and hoists, ASME Conformity Assessment staff can be contacted to find out about creating a path to certification for these standards and the important industry they relate to. In the lifting handling industry, individuals also may consider consulting third body certification bodies and/ or qualified experts to ensure compliance with appropriate standards. For other products, such as boiler and pressure vessels, ASME’s Conformity Assessment (CA) Certification and Accreditation programs have helped leverage the playing field for many businesses, enabling them to enter new markets, compete, and win. Certification helps companies comply with regulations, achieve process efficiencies, reduce costs, and increase their product's quality, safety, and reliability.
Are there standards or regulations you would like to see introduced in the near future? KP: ASME is open to developing new standards and certifications based upon the needs of the industry and government. A request for a new standard or certification may come from individuals, committees, professional organizations, government agencies, industry groups, public interest groups, or from an ASME division or section and is evaluated by the appropriate area within ASME.
16 Fall 2024 |
ochmagazine.com
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