ICT accessibility made easier with new ISO Standard
People with visual, hearing, or physical disabilities can experience difficulties in accessing computers and other information/communication technology (ICT) devices.
Information technology – User interfaces – Accessible user interface for accessibility settings ISO/IEC 24786:2009 specifies requirements to make information technology more accessible by ensuring that people with disabilities can adjust accessibility settings by themselves. ISO/IEC 24786:2009 includes guidance on specific accessibility settings, how to access and operate the accessibility setting mode, and how to directly activate specific accessibility functions.
...
[more]Water efficiency labels help consumers make better choices
New requirements for water efficiency labels will help consumers make informed choices about water consumption and relative water efficiency when purchasing washing machines, dishwashers, taps, toilets and showers, Minister of Consumer Affairs Heather Roy said today.
"Water efficiency labels have an easy-to-use zero to six-star rating system similar to that used for electrical appliances – the more stars an appliance has, the more water efficient it is. The labels will also provide water consumption information based on litres per minute, cycle or flush," Mrs Roy said.
...
[more]Good home heating cuts school absences for children with asthma
Improving heating in New Zealand homes with children who suffer from asthma has a significant impact on reducing the number of days children are away from school.
A recently published study by the University of Otago, Wellington, shows that installing heat pumps, wood or pellet burners, or flued gas heaters is the key to cutting school sick days for children with asthma.
The study of 269 children by the He Kainga Oranga/Housing and Health Research Programme shows that more effective energy-efficient heating in homes previously using unflued gas heaters, open fires, or low-kilowatt electric heaters, reduces winter school absences for asthmatic children by an average of 21% – or nearly 2 days in the winter middle terms.
...
[more]Making child's play safer play
According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) there are 2.2 billion children in the world. Approximately 85% of these children live in developing countries and over one billion live in poverty. Children's opportunities to play with toys vary greatly around the world, but it is a basic requirement that toys sold for use by children must be safe and of high quality.
International Standards at work
...
[more]DRAFT STANDARDS FOR COMMENT
Free to download from our website: www.standards.co.nz
DR AS/NZS 2416.1 Water safety signs and beach safety flags, Part 1: Specifications for water safety signs used in workplaces and public areas
The provision for the use in Australia and New Zealand of diamond-shaped warning signs as an alternative to the triangle shaped warnings.
Public comment on this draft closes on 17 May 2010.
→ View or download draft Standard for comment
DR AS/NZS 2416.2 Water safety signs and beach safety flags, Part 2: Specifications for beach safety flags – Colour, shape, meaning and performance
...
[more]