Standardization News

Annual Campaign Co-Sponsored by ASTM

May was 2012 Building Safety Month, presented by the International Code Council and with sponsors including ASTM International, AMCA International, BASF, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency and others.

Building Safety Month is an annual public awareness campaign offered each May to help individuals, families and businesses understand what it takes to create and maintain safe and sustainable structures. The campaign reinforces the need for the adoption of building codes, an efficient system of code enforcement and a well-trained, professional work force to maintain the system of standards and code updates and revisions.

U.S. President Barack Obama issued a proclamation in honor of Building Safety Month in which he recognized the value of public-private collaboration to ensure public safety, stating:

"In neighborhoods and workplaces across America, professionals throughout government and industry work to implement building safety solutions that strengthen resilience and meet community needs. By designing and implementing state-of-the-art building safety, energy efficiency, and fire prevention codes and standards, they help save lives and prevent disruptions in the wake of disasters."

Many standards development organizations, including ASTM International, and code developers collaborate to ensure that stakeholders have the best resources and tools to address their safety and sustainability needs. ASTM standards help to ensure the strength, safety, energy performance and other attributes of buildings.

Overall, the 2012 Building Safety Month was an opportunity to increase public awareness about utilizing standards and codes to properly construct safe and sustainable buildings and homes.

To learn more about building safety month, go here. To read President Obama's proclamation and those from states and jurisdictions from around the country, go here.