The Vital Role of Technical Committees in Shaping Safety Standards

In this webinar, UL Standards & Engagement provides invaluable insights into the functions of technical committees and their significant contributions to the development of safety standards. 

The video highlights the importance of safety standards, the structure and operation of TCs, and the impact of collaborative efforts on consumer safety. It also offers insight into the significance of standards, the pivotal roles and responsibilities of TC members, and essential resources available to support participants in the standards development process.

Key Highlights:

Introduction to Technical Committees

• Technical committees consist of diverse professionals who collaborate to develop and revise safety standards.
• ULSE has more than 4,300 TC members across more than 40 countries.

Reese's Law Case Study

• The discussion includes an overview of the pivotal case of Reese’s Law, prompted by a tragic incident involving a child's death due to accidental ingestion of a button-cell battery. This advocacy led to the creation of UL 4200A, which sets safety standards for coin- and button-cell batteries.

Structure of Technical Committees

• Members represent various sectors, including producers, users, and regulators, ensuring balanced participation.
• Leadership roles include TC chairs and project managers who guide the standards development process.

Standards Development Process

• The process includes proposal submissions, reviews, and balloting stages to ensure consensus before publication. Members are encouraged to actively engage in discussions and revisions.

Resources for Members

• Members have access to tools like ULSE Learn and the CSDS platform to facilitate their participation. Continuous learning opportunities through e-learning modules and upcoming webinars are also emphasized.

Engagement Opportunities

• ULSE encourages members to join multiple committees to broaden their impact on safety standards. Feedback from members will shape future training topics.

If you are interested in joining our standards development process, there are several ways to participate:

• Apply for TC membership: TC membership is contingent upon participation, as active member participation is critical to helping maintain a balance of interests and advance the standards development process. 
• Subscribe and follow a standard: Subscribe to receive up-to-date information on new standards projects, standards for public review, recently published standards and more. You can elect to receive activity notifications and get involved without being a member.
• Propose changes to a standard: Submit a proposal or request to attend a meeting.