公告&动态 第206页

Precision farming takes off

Companies created quite a buzz this year with the announcement that their plans to use drones to deliver packages are becoming a reality. As the technology continues to evolve, the number of users of, and uses for, unmanned aircraft systems has risen to new heights. The need for an International Standard is clear, but what’s the link with farming?

More than seven billion lives depend on humankind’s unique ability to scratch into the shallow surface of our planet and grow plants. And though the crops are firmly rooted in the soil, the mysterious thing that makes it all work can only be grasped by looking to the skies.

Water and carbon dioxide are transformed by plants into sugar (and water), fuelled by the power of the sun. But ask the farmers who make their living from this miracle and their take on it is probably more down to earth: while sunshine and air for photosynthesis are free, labour, fuel, sprays and fertilizers comprise a substantial cost. Often, even water comes at a price, both financially and environmentally. In order for farmers to stay in business and keep up with our burgeoning population (in fact, it has grown by about 50 people since you started reading this), we have to use these resources better, and that’s where precision agriculture comes in.

The idea has been around since the 1980s, but current technology is making this a reality in ways that most of us couldn’t have imagined back then. For the answers, we can look to the skies again. Or rather to Cortney ­Robinson, ­Secretary of technical committee ISO/TC 20’s subcommittee SC 16, which standardizes unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones as they’re more commonly known.

Robinson, Director of the Civil Aviation Infrastructure at the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), is coordinating a group of experts to create an International Standard for drones – ISO 21384. The scope of their work is ambitious, with three parts covering general specifications, product systems and operational procedures, respectively. It’s worth noting that Part 1 specifies general requirements for UAS for civil and commercial operations only; it does not cover state or military use, though governments are welcome to apply them.

The general specifications of Part 2 give requirements for the design, manufacture and continued airworthiness of any UAS, which, as you’ll see later, is a term that covers more than just the drone itself. ISO 21384-3 will specify the requirements for operational procedures. The time frame is demanding, with publication currently scheduled for 2018.

For industry insiders, an International Standard can’t come soon enough. “The cost of unmanned aircraft has come down dramatically and that’s contributed to an explosion in their popularity with both hobbyists and commercial operators,” Robinson explains. This is clear to see from the register that the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintains for all flying vehicles. “Although voluntary for smaller drones, most enthusiasts choose to register their drone under the ‘know before you fly’ scheme, and the numbers have jumped dramatically. The total number of US-registered aircraft [manned and unmanned] surged from around 260 000 aircraft in 2015 to more than 750 000 UAS alone today.”

New ISO standard for climate action framework under development

Greenhouse gases (GHG) are identified as the principal cause of climate change and managing them is crucial to help us adapt to its consequences. To address the issue, initiatives are being developed on an international, regional, national and local scale to limit GHG concentrations in the Earth’s atmosphere. Future ISO 14080 will help government and industry put together credible, transparent and consistent climate action.

A new International Standard under development is intended to give all organizations involved in climate action a framework for the development of consistent, comparable and improved methodologies in the fight against climate change. ISO 14080, Greenhouse gas management and related activities – Framework and principles for methodologies on climate actions, will provide guidance on how to create effective mitigation and adaptation activities while giving stakeholders enhanced access to financial and other resources needed to combat climate change.

The future standard, which is currently at the Draft International Standard (DIS) stage, provides a generic framework for the development of climate action methodologies and their review and management over time. It specifies principles for designing a framework and guideline to establish methodologies that take into account prevailing climate change policies as well as the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement. The standard also provides examples of a methodology profile, which can be used for communication with relevant stakeholders to harmonize aggregated actions and encourage the disclosure of climate-related information, including financially relevant information.

ISO 14080 can help non-state actors, initiatives, industry associations and GHG programmes demonstrate that climate action can contribute to a low-carbon society and adaptation strategies with governance.

ISO 14080 will help organizations meet their commitment to the Paris Agreement and global climate action agenda. Publication is expected in 2018.

A better designed workplace with ISO standards

Depression and mental health conditions are on the rise globally. Affecting more than 300 million people of all ages across the world, depression causes immense suffering to people and their families, as well as placing a great economic cost on society. Its consequences and solutions are highlighted in this year’s World Health Day on 7 April.

Mental health problems and stress-related disorders are a major health concern and the biggest overall cause of early death, according to the World Health Organization, which organizes World Health Day each year. Resulting from a complex interaction of social, psychological and biological factors, depression is often triggered by adverse life events such as unemployment, bereavement or psychological trauma. It can be debilitating for the affected person, who functions poorly at work, at school and in the family.

Some of the root causes of depression are related to living and working conditions. For example, the working environment is a powerful determinant of health and has a significant impact on the employee’s mood. In today’s context of economic globalization, the occupational environment is delivering increasing mental stress, which can lead to job dissatisfaction, reduced work performance, ill health and depression.

Towards a happier workplace

To help businesses and experts design workplaces that encourage employee satisfaction and well-being, ISO has developed several International Standards addressing the issues of ergonomics in the design of work systems.

For example, ISO 6385, Ergonomic principles in the design of work systems, provides core ergonomic principles to improve, (re)design and modify working situations to make the workplace safer, more comfortable and more productive. It covers a wide variety of occupations such as machine operators, assembly line workers, car/lorry drivers, airport personnel, healthcare professionals, teaching staff as well as office workers and mobile workers on laptops.

Another example, ISO 10075, Ergonomic principles related to mental workload, provides system design guidelines specifically intended to prevent mental overload. Mental stress can result from many different and interacting factors including the requirements of the task, the physical conditions of the job, social and organizational factors or societal factors. The idea behind the ISO 10075 series of standards is to help design systems that prevent mental strain.

Another standard, ISO 27500, describes the values and beliefs that make an organization human-centred, the significant business benefits that can be achieved, and explains the risks for the organization of not being human-centred. It provides recommendations for the policies that executive board members need to implement to achieve this. It sets out high-level human-centred principles for executive board members to endorse in order to optimize performance, minimize risks to organizations and individuals, maximize well-being in their organization, and enhance their relationships with the customers.

Developed by technical committee ISO/TC 159, Ergonomics, subcommittee 1, General ergonomics principles, whose secretariat is held by DIN, the ISO member for Germany, these standards are destined to help designers apply the latest knowledge in work systems and work equipment in a human-centred way, for a more productive workplace.

Implementing a strong occupational health and safety management system is also another way organizations reduce accidents and ill health. ISO is also developing an occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system standard, ISO 45001, which is intended to enable organizations to manage their OH&S risks and improve their OH&S performance. The implementation of an OH&S management system is a strategic decision for an organization that can be used to support its sustainability initiatives, ensuring people are safer and healthier and increase profitability at the same time.

A step towards financial inclusion for all with new ISO standards

Mobile banking not only makes our life easier, it gives access to banking services to those that have none. A new series of standards just published will provide the platform for this technology to expand and grow, bringing robust and secure banking services to more people than ever before.

According to the World Bank, around two billion people worldwide are “unbanked”, meaning they have no access to a bank account. Cash is king and that can bring with it its own problems. However, more and more people, particularly in developing countries, have a mobile device, whose functionality in the financial world is growing daily, offering more and more services and transactions.

The ability of mobile devices to execute transactions between the large number of platforms and financial institutions is due to a robust interface and effective operability. A new series comprising International Standards and technical specifications has just been published. ISO 12812, Core banking – Mobile financial services, defines common terms and requirements for greater interoperability. It specifies the technical components and their interfaces and the role of the various parties so that everyone is on the same page.

Patrice Hertzog, Chair of ISO/TC 68/SC 7, the ISO technical subcommittee that developed the series, said that with more people having mobile phones than bank accounts in the world, developing this technology will bring secure financial services to a wider audience.

“Financial access has many benefits, allowing people and businesses to plan their lives and also invest in things like education and health, and access insurance. The World Bank has a goal of universal financial access by 2020, and these standards will help contribute to that.

“In addition, through supporting the development and implementation of technology in this area, the standards will provide a catalyst for refining and improving the experience of the end user by complementing other standards in the sector such as ISO 20022 for financial messaging,” he said.

The series was developed by working group WG 10 of ISO/TC 68/SC 7, whose secretariat is held by AFNOR, ISO’s member for France. WG 10 included experts from a wide range of countries and sectors, including liaison organizations from industry, such as the European Payments Council and Swift, and consumer representatives like Consumers International.

The ISO 12812 series can be purchased from your national ISO member or through the ISO Store.

ETSI releases specifications for Licensed Shared Access

Enabling spectrum sharing and improved Quality of Service

The ETSI Technical Committee for Reconfigurable Radio Systems (TC RRS) has announced the completion of the specification for the support of Licensed Shared Access (LSA).

This provides a means to enable spectrum sharing coordination between LSA licensees and existing spectrum licensees, thereby ensuring Quality of Service (QoS).

The recently completed specification, ETSI TS 103 379 addresses information elements and protocols for the operation of Licensed Shared Access in the 2 300 MHz – 2 400 MHz band. The document defines the application protocol, also known as LSA1 protocol, on the interface between the LSA Controller and the LSA Repository, and the content of the information conveyed by this protocol.

With this new specification, ETSI TC RRS completes a set of specifications that opens the way for interoperable implementation of LSA Repositories and LSA Controllers to support LSA deployments in the initial target band (2 300 MHz – 2 400 MHz). Extensions to other bands are not precluded, in response to future regulatory requirements. It is the intention to take such future requirements as well as additional features into consideration when starting a new release of the LSA specifications.

“ETSI’s LSA activities are a perfect example of the efficient interaction between the European Commission, CEPT and ETSI. Within the EC mandate M/512 framework, the regulation and standards challenges were efficiently addressed, leading to a ready-to-use package for Licensed Shared Access technology in Europe. Furthermore, ETSI’s specifications have substantially influenced related activities in other regions, such as the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Report and Order on the Citizens Broadband Radio Service in the 3 550 – 3 700 MHz band,” says Markus Mueck, chairman of ETSI TC RRS. “Licensed Shared Access based spectrum sharing is expected to be a key element in the tool box of regulatory administrations in order to address future 5G spectrum needs.” he adds.

In the LSA architecture, the LSA repository contains information on spectrum resource availability, which is dependent on existing current holder of spectrum rights of use required usage and in accordance with each country’s specific regulatory regime. The LSA Controller resides in the network operator’s domain to ensure that the network configuration complies with the instructions received from the LSA Repository. The LSA1 protocol thus provides a reliable and flexible means to ensure that the information is synchronized between controller and repository, including confirmation of compliance by the LSA Controller after any change of restrictions.

The ETSI work was initiated in response to the European Commission’s Mandate M/512 on RRS, and closely followed related CEPT work, particularly the ECC Report 205 on “Licensed Shared Access”. It completes and complements existing ETSI specifications including:

ETSI TR 103 113: System Reference document (SRdoc); Mobile broadband services in the 2 300 MHz – 2 400 MHz frequency band under Licensed Shared Access regime

ETSI TS 103 154: System requirements for operation of Mobile Broadband Systems in the 2 300 MHz – 2 400 MHz band under Licensed Shared Access (LSA)

ETSI TS 103 235: System architecture and high level procedures for operation of Licensed Shared Access (LSA) in the 2 300 MHz – 2 400 MHz band

In addition, ETSI TC RRS has started new work to address the different technical possibilities for local high-quality wireless networks to access spectrum temporarily on a shared basis. A Technical Report will be finalized during this year.

About ETSI

ETSI produces globally-applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT), including fixed, mobile, radio, aeronautical, broadcast and internet technologies and is officially recognized by the European Union as a European Standards Organization. ETSI is an independent, not-for-profit association whose over 800 member companies and organizations, drawn from 68 countries, determine its work programme and participate directly in its work.

ETSI releases specifications for Licensed Shared Access

Enabling spectrum sharing and improved Quality of Service

The ETSI Technical Committee for Reconfigurable Radio Systems (TC RRS) has announced the completion of the specification for the support of Licensed Shared Access (LSA).

This provides a means to enable spectrum sharing coordination between LSA licensees and existing spectrum licensees, thereby ensuring Quality of Service (QoS).

The recently completed specification, ETSI TS 103 379 addresses information elements and protocols for the operation of Licensed Shared Access in the 2 300 MHz – 2 400 MHz band. The document defines the application protocol, also known as LSA1 protocol, on the interface between the LSA Controller and the LSA Repository, and the content of the information conveyed by this protocol.

With this new specification, ETSI TC RRS completes a set of specifications that opens the way for interoperable implementation of LSA Repositories and LSA Controllers to support LSA deployments in the initial target band (2 300 MHz – 2 400 MHz). Extensions to other bands are not precluded, in response to future regulatory requirements. It is the intention to take such future requirements as well as additional features into consideration when starting a new release of the LSA specifications.

“ETSI’s LSA activities are a perfect example of the efficient interaction between the European Commission, CEPT and ETSI. Within the EC mandate M/512 framework, the regulation and standards challenges were efficiently addressed, leading to a ready-to-use package for Licensed Shared Access technology in Europe. Furthermore, ETSI’s specifications have substantially influenced related activities in other regions, such as the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Report and Order on the Citizens Broadband Radio Service in the 3 550 – 3 700 MHz band,” says Markus Mueck, chairman of ETSI TC RRS. “Licensed Shared Access based spectrum sharing is expected to be a key element in the tool box of regulatory administrations in order to address future 5G spectrum needs.” he adds.

In the LSA architecture, the LSA repository contains information on spectrum resource availability, which is dependent on existing current holder of spectrum rights of use required usage and in accordance with each country’s specific regulatory regime. The LSA Controller resides in the network operator’s domain to ensure that the network configuration complies with the instructions received from the LSA Repository. The LSA1 protocol thus provides a reliable and flexible means to ensure that the information is synchronized between controller and repository, including confirmation of compliance by the LSA Controller after any change of restrictions.

The ETSI work was initiated in response to the European Commission’s Mandate M/512 on RRS, and closely followed related CEPT work, particularly the ECC Report 205 on “Licensed Shared Access”. It completes and complements existing ETSI specifications including:

ETSI TR 103 113: System Reference document (SRdoc); Mobile broadband services in the 2 300 MHz – 2 400 MHz frequency band under Licensed Shared Access regime

ETSI TS 103 154: System requirements for operation of Mobile Broadband Systems in the 2 300 MHz – 2 400 MHz band under Licensed Shared Access (LSA)

ETSI TS 103 235: System architecture and high level procedures for operation of Licensed Shared Access (LSA) in the 2 300 MHz – 2 400 MHz band

In addition, ETSI TC RRS has started new work to address the different technical possibilities for local high-quality wireless networks to access spectrum temporarily on a shared basis. A Technical Report will be finalized during this year.

About ETSI

ETSI produces globally-applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT), including fixed, mobile, radio, aeronautical, broadcast and internet technologies and is officially recognized by the European Union as a European Standards Organization. ETSI is an independent, not-for-profit association whose over 800 member companies and organizations, drawn from 68 countries, determine its work programme and participate directly in its work.

Standard for traffic safety barrier system published to help reduce workplace deaths and injuries

 BSI, the business standards company, has published Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 13, Code of practice for safety barriers used in traffic management within workplace environments with test methods for safety barrier impact resilience.

According to Health and Safety Executive statistics approximately 50 people are killed each year, and more than 5,000 injured, in accidents involving workplace transport. PAS 13 outlines the current good practice traffic management procedures for a workplace and provides a standard for the safety barriers within them.

Mixing vehicles and pedestrians increases the risk of potential accidents, so it is imperative that steps are taken to minimize the associated risks. PAS 13 gives recommendations for impact resilience, dimensions and positions of safety barriers in the workplace; guidance on how to manage the risks associated with vehicles within the workplace; and specifies the criteria for testing the impact resilience of a barrier.

The PAS was developed using a collaborative consensus-based process with input from experts such as Allianz Insurance, British Industrial Truck Association, DHL, Health and Safety Executive, Jaguar Land Rover, The University of Manchester, and the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, among others.

PAS 13 addresses the importance of a workplace having a safe system of traffic management, including methods and procedures for arrival, reception, unloading, and movement of vehicles within the workplace. It is applicable to safety barriers used where there is a risk of collision between workplace vehicles or machinery and pedestrians, and is intended to be used by those who are concerned with selecting the appropriate safety barrier for their workplace to protect personnel, vehicles and structures.

Anne Hayes, Head of Governance and Resilience at BSI, said: “Workplace safety is a serious matter not only for businesses and their employees, but also for the general public who may interact within the geographical environment where businesses operate. BSI’s new code of practice is a valuable guidance tool for any person with a health and safety focus, especially where moving vehicles or the protection of personnel, equipment and vital structures is concerned.

“Each workplace is unique and presents different hazards and risks. With a well-designed and maintained workplace with a reasonable segregation of vehicles and people, fewer workplace accidents are likely to arise.”

Health and safety managers, procurement specialists, directors, facility managers, project managers and site safety leaders will benefit from PAS 13. It will also likely be of interest to those who want to apply traffic management procedures and those who test and measure the performance of safety barriers will also benefit from PAS, and manufacturers and distributors of safety barriers.