ASSE, ASPE agree to develop joint plumbing dictionary

Chicago and Westlake, Ohio — The American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE) and the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE), the two global leaders serving the sanitary and plumbing engineering professions, have agreed to work together to develop a joint plumbing dictionary. The dictionary will combine the current publications issued by each organization, bringing the plumbing community one step closer to having consistent, globally accepted terminology.

ASSE President Jim Bickford stated, “Both ASSE and ASPE have a strong focus on providing technical expertise in helping to ensure that plumbing systems are designed, installed, and maintained in a manner to ensure public health and safety. We see this joint venture with ASPE as a first step in building a stronger collaboration between both our organizations.” William F. Hughes Jr., CPD, LEED AP, FASPE, President of ASPE, notes, “ASPE is honored to join with ASSE on this important project. ASSE has had a positive impact on plumbing design and public health for over 100 years, and it is my sincere hope that ASPE, working in collaboration with ASSE on these types of projects, will further advance the entire plumbing community in providing safe and efficient plumbing systems.”

A joint committee has been formed comprising both ASSE and ASPE members, and the committee will begin its work in the very near future. It is anticipated that the finished product will be ready for release sometime in 2012. Ronald L. George, CPD, a long-time member of both ASSE and ASPE, is the current ASSE Plumbing Dictionary editor and ASSE Nomenclature Committee chair. He will be chairing the joint ASSE/ASPE committee.

IAPMO, PMI sign MoU to explore more dynamic collaboration

Rolling Meadows, Ill. — The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) specifically detailing ways in which the two venerable organizations will work together to jointly advance and promote mutual industry interests as related to education, training and advocacy.

Through this MoU, IAPMO and PMI pledge cooperation in the achievement of numerous objectives, including the following:

• Where mutually beneficial, identify and consider a possible agreement between IAPMO and PMI to promote new and existing sustainability opportunities and services collaboratively to our members and the industry, including IAPMO's green training programs.

• Consider ways the organizations might aid best practices in the plumbing industry, and seek collaborations

with other industry groups to promote effective delivery of continuing education programs for workers and recruitment of new workers.

• Identify joint areas of interest in legislative and regulatory advocacy.

• Consider expansion of IAPMO educational content and offerings to including hosting of existing PMI courses

and collaborate with PMI on development of new courses that may be offered jointly and co-promoted.

• Investigate the feasibility of jointly produced educational conferences.

IAPMO CEO GP Russ Chaney and PMI Executive Director Barbara C. Higgens signed the MoU on Oct. 13 in Washington, D.C.

NFPA symposium slated for December

Quincy, Mass. — The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and its affiliate, the Fire Protection Research Foundation (the Foundation) will host a 1-day Alternative Energy Technologies and Electrical Safety Standards Symposium December 6, 2011 in Atlanta.

\The symposium comes at a significant turning point, as more businesses and consumers are turning to alternative energy sources and technologies. Developments in the field are proliferating at an ever increasing rate, and new questions about safety and reliability continue to be raised.

“The landscape for electric and alternative technologies is rapidly changing,” said Kathleen Almand, executive director of the Foundation. “New technology brings new safety issues to consider, so it’s important to continue to learn and develop appropriate safety procedures. The symposium will provide an opportunity for attendees to get familiar with these technologies and to get a glimpse of what lies ahead.”

Professionals in electric, alternative energy and safety industries will gain expert knowledge on these issues in a forum led by industry leaders. They will discuss safety aspects of alternative energy technologies and how they relate to the National Electrical Code® and related standards. Electrical safety standards pertaining to electric vehicles will also be discussed.

Visit NFPA’s website at www.nfpa.org/AEsymposium for more information or to register online or call 800/344-3555, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (EST).