Mounted search and rescue

[Una Smith <una.smith@att.net>]

For a glimpse of the standards development process, take a look at this
new press release from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:

Infant Deaths Prompt CPSC Warning About Sling Carriers for Babies
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10165.html

The press release says in part:

        Two months ago, the Commission added slings to the list of
        durable infant products that require a mandatory standard.
        Additionally, CPSC staff is actively investigating these
        products to determine what additional action may be appropriate.
        Until a mandatory standard is developed, CPSC is working with
        ASTM International to quickly complete an effective voluntary
        standard for infant sling carriers.

I expect if ASTM comes up with a standard that is satisfactory to the
CPSC, the CPSC will adopt the ASTM standard.  But doing this in ASTM
means anyone involved in making and selling infant slings (hundreds of
small companies, most owned by women) has an opportunity to contribute
to the standard.  Neat, huh?

        Una Smith
        New Mexico