Standards Project News Archives - Page 14 of 34 - Consumers' Federation of Australia

12 August , 2020

CFA Standards representative Elaine Attwood AM receives international award

Congratulations to Elaine Attwood AM as the joint winner of the ISO Simon Holland Award 2020, which is aligned with the ISO Excellence Award. It recognises her outstanding contribution to the work of ISO/TC 229 Nanotechnology in the previous year and acknowledges the input and support Elaine offered to the ISO/TC 229 community and her…

30 July , 2020

Standards and working from home

During this challenging time standards ensure that we can work from home safely and efficiently. Standards Australia developed these standards via technical committees whose members come from a range of stakeholders including Consumers’ Federation of Australia (CFA). Can you speak up for consumers as part of the CFA Standards Project to ensure that new standards…

3 July , 2020

Safe ladder use and Australian Standards

Ladders are used in most households for a range of jobs from DIY to changing lightbulbs; however, if the ladder is not in good condition or is used unsafely, falls can occur and cause fractured limbs, spinal cord damage, severe brain injury or death. Standards Australia has just published a revised standard AS 1895.2:2020 Portable ladders which provides minimum requirements…

26 June , 2020

New safety standard for aquatic toys

An updated mandatory safety standard for aquatic toys will help to better protect children using inflatable aquatic toys in and around water. Children, in particular young children who often cannot swim, are at risk of drowning if their inflatable aquatic toy suddenly deflates when air is released through the air inlet. The hazard increases if…

24 June , 2020

Working from home and cybercrime – how safe is my information?

Working from home has specific cyber security risks, including targeted cybercrime. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has tips when working from home. Consumer groups are pushing for stronger cybersecurity responses from governments, internet providers and manufacturers, with clear and actionable guidance for consumers. Standards Australia has joined with AustCyber, industry leaders and the NSW…

17 June , 2020

Why you should use a helmet when skateboarding or cycling

Protection given by a helmet for recreational activities goes a long way in preventing serious head injuries. The recently published third edition of the Australian/New Zealand standard AS/NZS 2063:2020 Helmets for use on bicycles and wheeled recreational devices addresses these concerns. The objective of the updated Australian/New Zealand standard is to provide lightweight helmets that…

20 May , 2020

Artificial intelligence – Standards Australia roadmap

The extensive growth in Artificial Intelligence (AI) programs by the world’s most advanced economies has highlighted the need to effectively use the standards process to promote, develop and realise the opportunities of responsible AI, delivering business growth, improving services and protecting consumers. Standards Australia has released the Artificial Intelligence Standards Roadmap: Making Australia’s Voice Heard. This comprehensive…

19 May , 2020

Doing some DIY – beware electrical work

Even when you think you know what you are doing, never attempt to do your own electrical work — it’s dangerous, illegal and can be fatal. Compliance with standards in the electrical sector is a key element of safety in the community and industry. Consumers’ Federation of Australia has a representative on the Standards Australia Technical Committee EL-001 Wiring…

14 May , 2020

Using standards as a tool for consumer protection

UNCTAD held its first UNCTAD / ISO COPOLCO/ Consumers International joint webinar on Using standards as a tool for consumer protection. This webinar brought together standards experts and consumer agencies’ representatives to inform both communities about the work of COPOLCO and the standards it promotes – read the notes on the webinar here. Consumers’ Federation of Australia (CFA) has two representatives on the Standards…

13 May , 2020

Celebrating volunteers during National Volunteer Week May 18-24

National Volunteer Week is the annual celebration to acknowledge the generous contribution of the nation’s volunteers, especially during this challenging time. Consumers’ Federation of Australia (CFA) takes this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who represent CFA and put forward the consumer perspective on a range of bodies, organisations and committees, including Standards Australia Technical…

5 May , 2020

Free standard on construction in bushfire prone areas

Living in bushfire pone areas has its risks and anyone planning to build or re-build following the recent devastating bushfires should consult the Australian Standard that covers the bushfire safety requirements of building in the area and provides the methodology for calculating your bushfire attack level. The Australian Standard AS 3959:2018 Construction in bushfire prone areas is a…

7 April , 2020

ISO standards relevant to COVID-19 made free to access

International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has compiled a list of standards to support global efforts in dealing with the COVID 19 crisis. Available standards include protective gloves, lung ventilators and other medical devices, and risk management guidelines. They are freely available in read-only format here.