Texas town adopts Uniform Plumbing Code

Cibolo, Texas — The Cibolo, Texas, City Council has voted unanimously to adopt the 2009 Uniform Plumbing Code® (UPC). Nicknamed the “City of Choice,” Cibolo is located about 20 miles west of San Antonio, which will host IAPMO’s 82nd annual Education and Business Conference, Sept. 25-29.

Developed by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) using an ANSI accredited three-year consensus code development process, the UPC governs the installation and inspection of plumbing systems as a means of promoting the public’s health, safety and welfare.

IAPMO Region 8 manager John Mata provided testimony at the Aug. 23 meeting during which the city council voted to adopt the UPC and other codes. Mata worked with Cibolo Community and Development Services Director Robert Stricker on the adoption. Cibolo previously used the 2006 International Plumbing Code and 2006 International Fire Gas Code, both of which will be replaced by the 2009 UPC.

IASTM International sponsors workshop on the history of mechanical testing

W. Conshohocken, Pa. —A workshop on the History of Mechanical Testing will be held Nov. 13, at the Tampa Marriott Waterside in Tampa, Fla. Sponsored by ASTM International Committee E28 on Mechanical Testing, the workshop will be held in conjunction with the November standards development meetings of the committee.

Today’s construction codes and other standards routinely specify various mechanical tests to assure that structures perform as intended. The scope of the workshop covers the various aspects in the development of mechanical testing procedures and standards. Papers in four different areas are expected:

• Historical framework (rapid growth in industrial technology after 1830). Focus areas might include railroads, ships, bridges, buildings, etc.;
• History of various mechanical test methods, such as strength, toughness, hardness, etc.;
• Significant individuals, such as structural designers (e.g., I.K. Brunel), standards committee leaders (e.g., G. Charpy), and equipment manufacturers (e.g., Wilson Mechanical Instrument Co.); and
• Significant failures/case studies, e.g., liberty ships, Tacoma Narrows Bridge, World Trade Center Towers, etc.

Online registration opens approximately eight weeks before the workshop and closes Nov. 9. There will be no fee to attend the workshop. For more information, visit www.astm.org/E28work1111.htm.

More Americans cleaning up in public restrooms

Milwaukee — Americans are becoming more diligent about washing their hands after using a public restroom, according to a national survey conducted by Bradley Corp., Menomonee Falls, a leading manufacturer of bathroom and locker room furnishings, including sinks, faucets, hand dryers, showers and lockers.

In Bradley’s third annual Healthy Hand Washing Survey, Americans said they wash up 90 percent of the time after using a public restroom — that’s up from 87 percent when the survey was first conducted in 2009.
But while more Americans are taking the time to wash, the vast majority (91%) of respondents described the impact of an unclean public restroom as having a negative effect on their perception of the establishment or business. For more information, www.bradleycorp.com.