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A.G.A. The American Gas Association is an energy trade association which represents nearly 200 local energy utility companies that deliver natural gas to more than 56 million homes, businesses and industries throughout the United States, and which account for over 80 percent of all natural gas delivered by the nation's local natural gas distribution companies.
Source: www.aga.org
A.G.A. "Blue Star" The American Gas Association (A.G.A.) "Blue Star" mark for gas appliances and other liquid petroleum products indicates certification to applicable U.S. standards. This mark was used by CSA International until June 30, 2000. As of July 1, 2000 the CSA Blue Star mark has been required.
Source: www.aga.org
AATCC The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), established in 1921, is the world's largest technical and scientific society devoted to the advancement of textile chemistry. AATCC is actively involved in developing ISO standards that pertain to the testing of textiles. The Association has some 5,000+ individual and 270 corporate members in the U.S. and in 65 countries.
Source: www.aatcc.org
ABFLO The Association of Bedding & Furniture Law Officials (ABFLO) was founded in 1936 and the name was changed to the International Association of Bedding & Furniture Law Officials (IABFLO) in 2003. The association is made up of state officials who are responsible for the enforcement of consumer oriented bedding and furniture laws in their respective states.IABFLO strives and actively promotes uniformity in laws, terminology, test methods, and enforcement procedures within the various state programs. Uniformity, particularly with respect to terminology on the law label, balances the rights and responsibilities of industry and the consumer. The long-range plan of IABFLO is to have one set of laws that would govern the bedding and furniture industry worldwide with one law label that would be acceptable to all.
Source: www.abflo.org.
ABNT The Associacai Brasileira de Normas Tecnicas (ABNT) is a private, independent entity without lucrative ends, established in 1940, that is recognized for the Brazilian government as National Fórum of Normalization, besides being one of the founders and only representative of the ISO (International Organization for Standardization), in Brazil. Moreover, she is credential for the INMETRO (National Institute of Metrologia, Normalization and Industrial Quality), which possesses agreement of recognition with the members of IAF (International Acreditation Forum) to certify Systems of the Quality (ISO 9000) and Systems of Ambient Management (ISO 14001) and diverse products and services.
ABNT (C) ABNT (C) represents a certificate of conformity issued by the Associacai Brasileira de Normas Tecnicas (ABNT) to companies who want to prove that their products comply with specific, Brazilian, international or foreign norms (logo not available).
ABNT (Q) ABNT (Q) is a mark of conformity issued by the Associacai Brasileira de Normas Tecnicas (ABNT). This mark indicates that the product is in accordance with certifys the quality and aptitude to the use of the product the respective Brazilian Norms.
APHIS The Animal and Plant Health inspection Service (APHIS) is responsible for protecting and promoting U.S. agricultural health, administering the Animal Welfare Act, and carrying out wildlife damage management activities.
Source: www.aphis.usda.gov
AQL Acceptance Quality Limit (AQL) is the largest quantity of defects allowed in a certain sample size that can make the lot definitely acceptable; Customer will definitely prefer zero defect products or services and will ultimately establish the AQL. Competition however, will 'educate' the customer and establish the customer's values. There is only one ideal AQL - zero defects - all others are compromises based upon acceptable business, financial and safety levels.
Source: www.isixsigma.com/dictionary/Acceptable_Quality_Level_-_AQL-75.htm
ASQ The American Society for Quality (ASQ), headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, is the world’s leading authority on quality since 1946. The 104,000-member professional association creates better workplaces and communities worldwide by advancing learning, quality improvement, and knowledge exchange to improve business results. By making quality a global priority, an organizational imperative, and a personal ethic, ASQ becomes the community for everyone who seeks technology, concepts, or tools to improve themselves and their world.
Source: www.asq.org/about-asq/who-we-are/index.html
ASQC The American Society for Quality Control (ASQC) has been the leading quality improvement organization in the United States for almost 50 years. Its members have initiated most of the quality methods now used throughout the world, including statistical process control, quality cost measurement and control, total quality management, failure analysis, and zero defects. The mission of ASQC is to facilitate continuous improvement and increased customer satisfaction by identifying, communicating, and promoting the use of quality principles, concepts, and technologies. Its vision is to be recognized throughout the world as the leading authority on, and champion for, quality. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA, the not-for-profit Society has about 240 sections or local chapters, 20 divisions, and 4 technical committees servicing specific industries and disciplines. ASQC implements a variety of professional, educational, and informational programs reflecting the changing needs of business and industry.
BIFMA Established in 1973, The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer’s Association (BIFMA) International is a not-for-profit trade association of furniture manufacturers and suppliers addressing issues of common concern. The association's membership of over 245 companies represents over 80% of the value of North American shipments of office furniture. BIFMA's mission is to serve the North American office and business furniture manufacturing industry as an information resource, industry advocate and by offering professional and industry-wide trade development opportunities. BIFMA International provides an effective forum for cooperation and collaboration for the promotion of the industry. Strategic areas of focus include standards development, statistical data generation, government relations, industry promotion, education, networking and trade development activities.
Source: www.bifma.org
C-TPAT Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) is a joint government-business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen overall supply chain and border security.
Source: www.customs.gov
CAS Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) is a team of scientists, creating and delivering the most complete and effective digital information environment for scientific research and discovery. CAS provides pathways to published research in the world's journal and patent literature--virtually everything relevant to chemistry plus a wealth of information in the life sciences and a wide range of other scientific disciplines--back to the beginning of the 20th century. Since 1907, CAS has indexed and summarized chemistry-related articles from more than 40,000 scientific journals, in addition to patents, conference proceedings and other documents pertinent to chemistry, life sciences and many other fields. In total, abstracts for more than 24 million documents are accessible online through CAS.
Source: www.cas.org
CB Scheme The IECEE CB Scheme is the world’s first truly international system for acceptance of test reports dealing with the safety of electrical and electronic products. It is a multilateral agreement among participating countries and certification organizations. A manufacturer utilizing a CB test report issued by one of these organizations can obtain national certification in all other member countries of the CB Scheme.
Source: www.cbscheme.org
CFC Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) is a class of synthetic chemicals that is odorless, non-toxic, non-flammable, and chemically inert. The first CFC was synthesized in 1892, but no use was found for it until the 1920s. Their stability and apparently harmless properties made CFCs popular as propellants in aerosol cans, as refrigerants in refrigerators and air conditioners, as degreasing agents, and in the manufacture of foam packaging. They are now known to be partly responsible for the destruction of the ozone layer. In 1987, an international agreement called the Montréal Protocol was established; it was one of the first global environmental treaties and it banned the use of chemicals responsible for ozone damage, such as CFCs in aerosols and refrigerants. When CFCs are released into the atmosphere, they drift up slowly into the stratosphere, where, under the influence of ultraviolet radiation from the Sun, they react with ozone (O3) to form free chlorine (Cl) atoms and molecular oxygen (O2), thereby destroying the ozone layer, which protects the Earth’s surface from the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. The chlorine liberated during ozone breakdown can react with still more ozone, making the CFCs particularly dangerous to the environment. CFCs can remain in the atmosphere for more than a hundred years. Replacements for CFCs are being developed, and research into safe methods for destroying existing CFCs is being carried out.
Source: www.tiscali.co.uk/reference/encyclopaedia/hutchinson/m0023689.html
CHAP Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel. CHAPs are appointed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission to advise the Commission in accordance with the provisions of section 2080(b) of this title respecting the chronic hazards of cancer, birth defects, and gene mutations associated with consumer products.
Source: www.washingtonwatchdog.org/documents/usc/ttl15/ch47/sec2080.html
Choking To stop or almost stop breathing due to a restriction of airflow into the trachea and bronchial passages.
CTFA The Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) provides a complete range of services that support the personal care products industry’s needs and interests in the scientific, legal, regulatory, legislative, and international fields. The CTFA 2004 Annual Report provides specific information about Association efforts during the past year. CTFA strives to ensure that the personal care products industry has the freedom to pursue creative product development and compete in a fair and responsible marketplace. CTFA represents the industry’s interests at the local, state, national, and international levels, promoting voluntary industry self-regulation and reasonable governmental requirements that support the health and safety of consumers.
Source: www.ctfa.org
CGA Blue Flame Canadian Gas Association Blue Flame, which is a mark for gas appliances and other liquid petroleum products that indicated certification to applicable Canadian standards. The CGA Blue Flame mark was used by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) until June 30, 2002. Since July 1, 2002, the CSA Blue Flame mark has been required.
Source: www.technick.net/...p=guide_safetymarks
CGSB The Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB), an organization of the Government of Canada, offers client-centered, comprehensive standardization services in support of stakeholders' economic, regulatory, procurement, health, safety and environmental interests.
Source: www.pwgsc.gc.ca/cgsb/home/index-e.html
CITT The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) is an administrative tribunal operating within Canada's trade remedies system. It is an independent quasi-judicial body that carries out its statutory responsibilities in an autonomous and impartial manner and reports to Parliament through the Minister of Finance.
Source: www.citt.gc.ca/index_e.asp
CMR The Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR) contains regulations promulgated by state agencies pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act (M.G.L. c. 30A). Rules and regulations form part of the body of administrative law along with administrative orders and decisions.There have been three editions (1976, 1978, 1987) of the CMR published by the Secretary of State. The current edition was published in the spring of 1987 (reprinted in 1993/94) and contains 25 loose-leaf volumes.
Source: www.lawlib.state.ma.us/cmrfaq.html#what
Colipa Colipa is the European Trade Association representing the interests of the cosmetic, toiletry and perfumery industry, and was set up in 1962 to act as a voice for these industries. Colipa represents a wide range of products that go well beyond beauty aids. A significant part of the products we call cosmetics is made up of essential personal hygiene products such as deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste and sunscreens, of which over 5 billion units are sold every year.
Source: www.colipa.com
CPLA Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act (CPLA) issued by the Canadian government is an Act respecting the packaging, labelling, sale, importation and advertising of prepackaged and certain other products.
Source: laws.justice.gc.ca/en/C-38
CPSC The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an independent federal regulatory agency was created in 1972 by Congress in the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA). Congress directed the Commission to "protect the public against unreasonable risks of injuries and deaths associated with consumer products."
Source: www.madcon.com/law_lib/cpsa
CRARM The Presidential/Congressional Commission on Risk Assessment and Risk Management (CRARM), which was mandated as part of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, was disbanded on August 31, 1997.
Source: www.riskworld.com/Nreports/1996/risk_rpt/RR6ME001.HTM
CSPA The U.S. Child Safety Protection Act (CSPA) has been in effect since 1995. The law mandates cautionary labeling relating to the choking hazards to children under three years of age, of any toy or game intended for children ages three through under six years of age which contains a small part, any small ball, marble or balloon. It also bans balls with a diameter of 1.75 inches or less intended for children under three. TIA supported the final legislation that contains a preemption provision that precludes states or localities from legislating in this area in a manner not identical to the federal requirements. The labeling provision of the CSPA does not apply to unassembled small parts in toys and games intended to be assembled by an adult, so long as the shelf package and assembly instructions prominently indicate that the article is intended to be assembled only by an adult.
Source: www.toy-tia.org/.../Background_Info_on_Safety.htm
DEHP Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), also known as di-octyl phthalate (DOP), is one of the most common plasticizers used in vinyl and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products to make the material more pliable. Experts have confirmed that the health of people in general is not being endangered by the use of DEHP.
Source: www.dehp-facts.com/index.asp?page=5
Denier Denier is one unit of measure for the linear mass density of fibers. The term is derived from the French silk industry; the denier was an old French silver coin. Denier is defined as the mass in grams per 9000 meters. Fiber can be used in many products, including cigarette filters, optical cable, yarn, and fabric. This definition can apply to fibers in two ways. Filament denier is defined as the mass in grams per 9000 meters of a single filament of fiber. Total denier is also defined as the mass in grams per 9000 meters, but it applies to an agglomeration of filaments. The linear agglomeration of fibers may or may not be of continuous filaments. Yarn is an example of an agglomeration of fibers.
DIDP Diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP) is a common phthalate plasticizer, used primarily to soften polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It has properties of volatility resistance, heat stability and electric insulation and is typically used as a plasticizer for heat-resistant electrical cords, leather for car interiors, and PVC flooring. The typical content of DIDP in flexible PVC products is between 25 and 50%. Non-PVC applications are relatively small but include use in anti-corrosion and anti-fouling paints, sealing compounds and textile inks.
DINP Diisononyl phthalate (DINP) is a commonly used plasticiser, 95 per cent of which is used in PVC applications. More than half of the DINP used in non-PVC applications involves polymer related-uses (e.g. rubbers). The remaining DINP is used in inks and pigments, adhesives, sealants, paints and lacquers and lubricants.
DNOP Di-n-octylphthalate (DNOP) is a colorless, odorless, oily liquid that doesn't evaporate easily. It is a man-made substance used to keep plastics soft or more flexible. This type of plastic can be used for medical tubing and blood storage bags, wire and cables, carpetback coating, floor tile, and adhesives. It is also used in cosmetics and pesticides.
Source: www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts95.html/a>
DSHEA The provisions of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) define dietary supplements and dietary ingredients; establish a new framework for assuring safety; outline guidelines for literature displayed where supplements are sold; provide for use of claims and nutritional support statements; require ingredient and nutrition labeling; and grant FDA the authority to establish good manufacturing practice (GMP) regulations. The law also requires formation of an executive level Commission on Dietary Supplement Labels and an Office of Dietary Supplements within the National Institutes of Health.
Source: www.dshea.org/
ECPI The European Council for Plasticisers and Intermediates (ECPI) is a Brussels-based trade association representing the common interests of European manufacturers of plasticisers, alcohols and acids. ECPI is a sector group of Cefic, the European Chemical Industry Council, which represents the interests of the European chemical industry.
Source: www.ecpi.org/
EMC The world's leading electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing and certification organizations offer manufacturers the International "emc-Mark." This Mark incorporates European, Japanese, U.S. and Australian EMC requirements and provides an easily identifiable declaration that a product meets the EMC regulations of these markets. Since the multiple certification process is streamlined manufacturers of products affected by EMC regulations can now look to the International "emc-Mark" as their one-stop passport to meeting EMC requirements in Europe, Japan, the United States and Australia.
Source: www.intlemcmark.com
FHSA Federal Hazardous Substances Act (U.S.). FHSA, which was enacted in 1973, provides for the control of substances, which may cause injury/illness or death due to certain characteristics.
Field Evaluated Product Mark A mark that is applied to a product that is thoroughly evaluated in the field instead of UL's laboratories or the manufacturer's facility. If a product has been significantly modified since its manufacture or the product doesn't bear any third-party certification mark, a building owner, a regulatory authority, or anyone else directly involved with the product can request that UL conduct tests in the field on the specific piece of equipment. Products that meet appropriate safety requirements are labeled with a tamper-resistant Field Evaluated Product Mark.
GASTEC(Netherlands) GASTEC NV was established in 1929 and has operated as the Gastec group since 1998. The Gastec group includes: GASTEC NV, GASTEC at CRE Ltd, GASTEC Italia Spa, GASTEC Bulgaria, Petrogas Gas-systems BV, and Dejatech BV. As gas technology specialist they develop, manufacture and provides products and services for the supply and use of natural gas and other gases as a source of heat, cold and power. In the Netherlands around 275 people work at the corporate headquarters in Apeldoorn and 40 are employed at our subsidiaries Petrogas Gas Systems and Dejatech. The number of employees in their branches in Italy, the UK and Bulgaria is about 30. They also have representatives in Japan, the United States, Greece, Spain and Colombia.
ICPHSO Founded in 1993, The International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization (ICPHSO) is dedicated to the health and safety issues related to consumer products manufactured and marketed in the global marketplace.
Source: www.icphso.org
ICTI The International Council of Toy Industries (ICTI) consists of toy trade associations from Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. The health and safety of children throughout the world is the driving force behind ICTI, which promotes international toy safety standards and a responsible attitude to advertising and marketing to children.
Source: www.toy-icti.org
INCI INCI – International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredients are the legal definitions of cosmetic ingredients required for labeling.
Source: www.soapnuts.com/inci.html
INMETRO The National Institute of Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality (INMETRO) is the national accreditation body for Brazil. Products meeting Brazilian requirements and certified by an INMETRO accredited organization must carry the mandatory INMETRO Mark alongside the mark of the certification organization, such as the UL - BR Mark. The INMETRO Mark can be applied to both mandatory and voluntary Brazilian programs.
Source: www.ul-asia.com/services/ps_la_brazil.htm
IRAM Instituto Argentino de Normalizacion (IRAM) is the standards institute in Argentina. In accordance to the Resolution 92, (effective since August 1998), the official compliance law, electronic and electrical products marketed in Argentina must bear the IRAM Safety Mark. For granting the conformity marks a Pre-License Inspection to the manufacturing factory is required. Once the license is granted, a follow-up inspection is necessary to maintain the license status. The IRAM License is valid for the time for which the holder pays the fees and complies with the regulations set forth by the certification body. The IRAM Safety Mark is granted on the base of the compliance with the Safety Requirements of a National IRAM Standard or an IEC Standard.
Source: www.ustech-lab.com/Safety.html
ISPA International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) is the international trade association representing the mattress manufacturing industry. Founded as the National Association of Mattress Manufacturers in 1915, the organization was renamed two years later as the National Association of Bedding Manufacturers. Its goal was to create state tagging laws and address the health sanitation issues affecting consumers. The association was renamed the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) in 1987 to reflect its growth internationally. From its inception, ISPA has been committed to supporting the mattress industry through active public policy, public affairs and education initiatives. It has grown to represent the full bedding industry on a host of commercial, health, safety and environmental issues, and serves to provide a positive image for the sleep products industry.
Source: www.sleepproducts.org
ISTA The International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) exists to provide a variety of programs, services, and activities to enhance the art and science of packaged-product distribution.
Source: www.ista.org
JAS The Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS) is based on the Law Concerning the Standardization and Proper Labeling of Agricultural and Forestry Products. It stipulates product information requirements for such items as processed food and wooden building materials.
Source: www.jetro.go.jp/.../system_e5-2.pdf
JIS Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) specifies the standards used for industrial activities in Japan. The standardization process is coordinated by Japanese Industrial Standards Committee - JISC - and published through Japanese Standards Association - JSA.
Source: www.engineeringtoolbox.com/jis-standards-17_756.html
JPMA The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, Inc. (JPMA) is a national trade organization representing 95% of the $6.02 billion industry. JPMA, formed in 1962 with 29 industry companies, has grown to include more than 350 companies in the United States, Canada and Mexico. These companies manufacture and/or import infant products such as cribs, car seats, strollers, bedding, and a wide range of accessories and decorative items. JPMA developed an extensive Certification Program to help parents select juvenile products that are built with safety in mind. Parents can look for the seal on product packaging.
Source: www.jpma.org
JPA The Japan Toy Association (JPA) is an organization involved in promoting the toy industry in Japan.
Source: www.nni.nikkei.co.jp/FR/AWG/url/j_J4.html
Keymark The Keymark is a voluntary third-party European certification mark, demonstrating to the consumer or user of a product that it is in conformity with the relevant European Standard(s). The Keymark can also be used for services. Since the introduction of revised rules for this European certification mark in 2001, there has been a steady increase of European Standards, products and certification bodies involved. As of 2005, 20 certification bodies in 13 different European Member States operate Keymark Schemes on the basis of some 150 European Standards. For some product groups such as thermal insulation products and solar thermal products, the Keymark Scheme was developed by a group of interested parties. For many other products such groups were not established. The Keymark can be granted only by certification bodies that have been 'empowered' by the Committee for European Normalization (CEN) Certification Board. In December 2004 the Board of CEN agreed to an amendment of the Rules for the Keymark, which enables these empowered bodies to grant the Keymark without their own certification mark, which was not possible before. This amendment has been approved by the General Assembly of CEN in April 2005.
Source: www.cenorm.be/cenorm/conformityassessment/keymark+/index.asp
LQ Plans that can be used when the switching rules of British Standard 6001-1 (sampling procedures for inspection by attributes) are not applied, e.g. for "isolated lots". Preferred series of limiting qualities (LQ) with consumer's risk usually below 10%.
ME Importers, exporters, and producers are advised to contact a Marking Expert (ME) in the region where goods will be imported to obtain information regarding the use of exemptions. Depending on the circumstances involved, the party requesting information may be required to substantiate entitlement through the submission of an advance-ruling request, or by providing some form of written evidence supporting the use of an exemption. Information on advance rulings is contained in the section entitled “Advance Rulings.” The specific exemption being requested should be identified at the time of release by means of a written explanation to the customs inspector or a notation on the invoice. Customs inspectors will consult with the ME in situations where it is not evident that an importer is entitled to use an exemption. In such cases, the ME will make a determination regarding the marking of the goods.
NAFTA In January 1994, Canada, the United States and Mexico launched the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and formed the world's largest free trade area. The Agreement has brought economic growth and rising standards of living for people in all three countries. In addition, NAFTA has established a strong foundation for future growth and has set a valuable example of the benefits of trade liberalization.
NCA The National Candle Association (NCA) was established in September of 1974 by representatives of 20 candle manufacturing companies. The statement of purpose for the organization was: to promote the consumer acceptance and usage of candles and candle accessories; to actively respond to regulatory and public relations issues affecting the candle industry; to provide a basis for lawful cooperation among manufacturers that enhances the industry as a whole Today, the NCA is an active and vibrant organization consisting of approximately 200 companies, accounting for more than 90% of the candles manufactured in the United States. Its mission is to serve and represent US candle manufacturers and their suppliers, and to promote a healthy environment for the industry.The organization acts as a national spokesperson for the candle industry on issues of vital importance to manufacturers throughout the industry. The staff of its Washington, DC headquarters provides an information network for candle manufacturers and suppliers and offers liaison with other national organizations with related interests.
NEMA The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), created in the fall of 1926 by the merger of the Electric Power Club and the Associated Manufacturers of Electrical Supplies, provides a forum for the standardization of electrical equipment, enabling consumers to select from a range of safe, effective, and compatible electrical products. The organization has also made numerous contributions to the electrical industry by shaping public policy development and operating as a central confidential agency for gathering, compiling, and analyzing market statistics and economics data.
Source: www.nema.org
NEISS For nearly 30 years the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has operated a statistically valid injury surveillance and follow-back system known as the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). The primary purpose of NEISS has been to provide timely data on consumer product-related injuries occurring in the U.S. In the year 2000, CPSC initiated an expansion of the system to collect data on all injuries. With the expansion, NEISS becomes an important public health research tool, not just for CPSC, but for users throughout the U.S. and around the world.
Source: www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/3002.html
NFPA Established in 1896, The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) serves as the world's leading advocate of fire prevention and is an authoritative source on public safety. In fact, NFPA's 300 codes and standards influence every building, process, service, design, and installation in the United States, as well as many of those used in other countries. NFPA's focus on true consensus has helped the association's code-development process earn accreditation from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).The mission of the international nonprofit NFPA is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating scientifically-based consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. NFPA membership totals more than 75,000 individuals from around the world and more than 80 national trade and professional organizations.
Source: www.nfpa.org/index.asp
NEIHS The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is one of 27 Institutes and Centers of the National Institutes of Health (NIH),which is a component of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The Director of the NIEHS is Dr. David A. Schwartz. NIEHS Mission Statement: Human health and human disease result from three interactive elements: environmental factors, individual susceptibility and age. The mission of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is to reduce the burden of human illness and dysfunction from environmental causes by understanding each of these elements and how they interrelate. The NIEHS achieves its mission through multidisciplinary biomedical research programs, prevention and intervention efforts, and communication strategies that encompass training, education, technology transfer, and community outreach.
Source: www.niehs.nih.gov/home.htm
NIOSH The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the federal agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related injury and illness. NIOSH is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the Department of Health and Human Services.
Source: www.cdc.gov/niosh
NLEA On November 8, 1990, the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 (NLEA) was signed into law. This significant and far-reaching law brings about the most fundamental revision of food labels in the more than 50 years since the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act was passed. The objectives of the NLEA were to reduce consumer confusion about food labels, to aid them in making healthy food choices and to encourage product innovation by giving manufacturers an incentive to improve the quality of the food and make more healthy food choices available.
Source: www.webref.org/agriculture/n/nlea.htm
NOAEL No-observed-adverse-effect-level (also NEL, NOEL): In a series of dose levels tested, it is the highest level at which no effect is observed, i.e., safe, in the species tested.
Source: pmep.cce.cornell.edu/profiles/extoxnet/TIB/standards.html
NPR Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
NSC The National Safety Council (NSC) has a network of chapters that conduct safety, health and environmental efforts at the community level, providing: training, conferences, workshops, consultation, newsletters, updates and safety support materials, as well as valuable networking avenues. Located in many cities across the U.S. and in the United Kingdom, the NSC network extends the Council's visibility and provides a local voice for advocating issues that can educate, inform, protect, and save lives.
Source: www.nsc.org/chaptop.htm
NTP The National Toxicology Program (NTP) is an interagency program whose mission is to evaluate agents of public health concern by developing and applying tools of modern toxicology and molecular biology. The program maintains an objective, science-based approach in dealing with critical issues in toxicology and is committed to using the best science available to prioritize, design, conduct, and interpret its studies. To that end, the NTP is continually evolving to remain at the cutting edge of scientific research and to develop and apply new technologies.
NUD National Uniform Definition
OEHHA The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has an overall mission to protect and enhance public health and the environment by scientific evaluation of risks posed by hazardous substances. The plan consists of four primary goals, which are aligned with the agency-wide Strategic Vision of Cal/EPA. Each goal is supported by a hierarchy of objectives and cross-media strategies intended to address California’s environmental challenges in the air, in the water, and on land and to identify processes that ensure we will achieve measurable results.
Source: www.oehha.ca.gov/about/stratplan.html
OSHA The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) operates under the U.S. Department of Labor to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health.OSHA and its state partners have approximately 2100 inspectors, plus complaint discrimination investigators, engineers, physicians, educators, standards writers, and other technical and support personnel spread over more than 200 offices throughout the country. This staff establishes protective standards, enforces those standards, and reaches out to employers and employees through technical assistance and consultation programs.Nearly every working man and woman in the nation comes under OSHA's jurisdiction (with some exceptions such as miners, transportation workers, many public employees, and the self-employed). Other users and recipients of OSHA services include: occupational safety and health professionals, the academic community, lawyers, journalists, and personnel of other government entities.
Source: www.osha.gov
OTC Over-the-counter medicine is also known as OTC or nonprescription medicine. All these terms refer to medicine that you can buy without a prescription. They are safe and effective when you follow the directions on the label and as directed by your health care professional.
Source: www.fda.gov/cder/consumerinfo/otc_text.htm
PDF Portable Document Format
PEL Permissible exposure limits (PELs) are set by OSHA to protect workers against the health effects of exposure to hazardous substances. PELs are regulatory limits on the amount or concentration of a substance in the air. They may also contain a skin designation. PELs are enforceable. OSHA PELs are based on an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) exposure.
Source: www.osha.gov/SLTC/pel/
“PIRRO” Metals Palladium, Iridium, Ruthenium, Rhodium and Osmium
PSI Pre-Shipment Inspection
psi pounds per square inch
UCC Uniform Code Counts
UPC A Universal Product Code (UPC) appears as lines (bars) of varying widths representing the series of numbers commonly shown below the bars. Barcode scanners, as you will know them from your favorite retailers, read the bars and convert them back to the 12-digit UPC number that they represent. This number is then looked up within the retailer's inventory system to find the corresponding product name and price that vendors provide them with when they sign an agreement for the retailer to carry their product. In short, the UPC is a 12-digit unique code for a product represented by scanable bars.
Source: www.upccode.net/faq.html
USDA President Abraham Lincoln founded the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1862. Today, USDA remains committed to helping America's farmers and ranchers. USDA leads the Federal anti-hunger effort with the Food Stamp, School Lunch, School Breakfast, and the WIC Programs. USDA is the steward of our nation's 192 million acres of national forests and rangelands. USDA is the country's largest conservation agency, encouraging voluntary efforts to protect soil, water, and wildlife on the 70 percent of America's lands that are in private hands. USDA brings housing, modern telecommunications, and safe drinking water to rural America. USDA is responsible for the safety of meat, poultry, and egg products. USDA is a research leader in everything from human nutrition to new crop technologies that allow us to grow more food and fiber using less water and pesticides. USDA helps ensure open markets for U.S. agricultural products and provides food aid to needy people overseas.
Source: www.usda.gov
UV Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum emitted by the sun. Whereas UVC rays (wavelengths of 100-280 nm) are absorbed by the atmospheric ozone, most radiation in the UVA range (315–400 nm) and 10% of the UVB rays (280-315 nm) reach the Earth’s surface. Both UVA and UVB are of major importance to human health. Small amounts of UV are essential for the production of vitamin D in people, yet overexposure may result in acute and chronic health effects on the skin, eye, and immune system.
Source: www.who.int/uv/en/
WTO The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. At its heart are the WTO agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world’s trading nations and ratified in their parliaments. The goal is to help producers of goods and services, exporters, and importers conduct their business.
Source: www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/whatis_e/whatis_e.htm
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