Standards powering through

In a constantly evolving sector, the energy and electrotechnology domain requires the appropriate foresight, technical knowledge and adaptability to be present within the standards development process.

Through an array of national discussions, consultations and committee meetings, Standards Australia works closely with industry, government, academia and the public to create a collaborative environment to build the robust standards needed.

Hearing Australia’s voice in artificial intelligence

The artificial intelligence (AI) space is not slowing down, gleaming with promises and opportunity to benefit daily life. To help guide AI’s rapid progress and best unleash its potential, Standards Australia has released a discussion paper, titled ‘Developing Standards for Artificial Intelligence: Hearing Australia’s Voice’.

The paper was developed to drive responsible AI use and recognise the work of CSIRO’s Data 61 and others in shaping how ethics can impact AI into the future.

In conjunction with the paper’s release was a comprehensive national consultation process. Meeting with key leaders in the industry, government, society and academia, to listen on their insights and needs for the AI space.

The online and written feedback and face-to-face discussions received from the various roundtable sessions will be collated and used in developing the Standards Australia Artificial Intelligence Roadmap Report.

This roadmap will offer practical, actionable steps for Australian stakeholders to take through the standards process and allow their voices to be heard globally. It will also feature in work already underway at an international level.

To read the discussion or keep updated with AI and standards, visit www.standards.org.au/news/.

Gaining momentum in hydrogen

Acknowledging its capacity for a low-carbon future, enhancing fuel security or creating new investment opportunities, the hydrogen sector has seen a shift — transitioning from exploring technological viability to recognising its market potential.

The committee, ME-093 Hydrogen Technologies, which mirrors ISO TC 197 Hydrogen Technologies, was created when the possibilities of hydrogen in Australia were realised.

ME-093 has had its first kick-off meeting, resulting in the committee now reviewing a catalogue of existing national and international standards to then meet and discuss recommendations. A chairs advisory group formed to ensure that the existing committees are kept updated about the activities of ME-093 and have an opportunity to provide input when necessary.

Standards Australia is now looking at a clear delivery plan to support Australia’s Hydrogen rollout benefiting consumers and professionals alike as this alternative energy sector powers ahead.

Revised cabling standards

A series of AS 11801:2019 Information technology - Generic cabling for customer premises standards have been revised with a focus on the adoption of international standards, where possible.

The Committee, CT- 001 – Communications Cabling, which mirrors JTC 1/SC 25, revised five standards that overall address characteristics of cabling systems for customer premises including test procedures, planning and installation guides for the Australian marketplace, installers, users and specifiers.

The following standards have been recently published:

• AS/NZS 11801.1:2019 Information technology - Generic cabling for customer premises, Part 1: General requirements (ISO/IEC 11801-1:2017, MOD)
• AS 11801.4:2019 Information technology - Generic cabling for customer premises, Part 4: Single-tenant homes (ISO/IEC 11801-4:2017, MOD)
• AS 11801.5:2019 Information technology - Generic cabling for customer premises, Part 5: Data centres (ISO/IEC 11801-5:2017, MOD)
• AS 11801.6:2019 Information technology - Generic cabling for customer premises, Part 6: Distributed building services (ISO/IEC 11801-6:2017, MOD)
• AS 11801.2:2019 Information technology - Generic cabling for customer premises, Part 2: Office premises (ISO/IEC 11801-2:2017, MOD)

The international adoption of mentioned standards assists in delivering robust and technically sound guidelines that support the regulatory requirements for the distribution of information technology equipment not only from Australia but from international sources as well.

Image credit: © stock.adobe.com/au/Tierney