Global Cooperation/Cooperative Training/TTBS

TTBS & BSJ Intensive Training Program Overview

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ASTM International hosted a delegation of three standards experts from the Trinidad & Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) and two from the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) during a week long Intensive Training Program 14-18 November 2011 in Florida U.S.A. ASTM International signed Memorandums of Understanding with both TTBS and BSJ in February 2002. Funding for the program was provided primarily by TTBS and BSJ. ASTM arranged the logistics and arranged for the educational content. During this intensive training program, the delegation focused on steel standards developed by ASTM Committee A01 on Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and other related mechanical tests developed by ASTM Committee E28 on Mechanical Testing.

In the weeks leading up to the training, the experts participated in two virtual orientation training sessions to learn about ASTM's electronic tools and the structure and work of the ASTM Committees. Upon arrival, ASTM Staff organized site visits for the delegation to gain practical insight into the use of ASTM International standards and included stops at TrusSteel Corp and Ardaman & Associates. Both companies were located near Tampa, Florida, the site of the ASTM International November Committee Week.

The delegation continued their training program by attending the Committee Week meetings of Committees A01 and E28. Attendance at meetings allowed the group to witness the ASTM consensus process in action and afforded the opportunity for discussion of proposals for revisions to existing standards and new work items being developed. During the committee meetings, ASTM committee officers and members were generous with their time in engaging the delegation in their discussions. The delegates also met with other ASTM International members in attendance from outside the U.S.

The final two days of the program were also dedicated to site visits and included visits to the following: MAR-TEST, Stuart, Fl; HTL Testing, Riviera Beach, Fl; Fenestration Testing Laboratory, Inc., Medley, Fl; and Hurricane Engineering & Testing Inc., Doral, Fl. Mr. Mikhail Ramnarine from TTBS summarized his experience in the training program well when he noted that, "I have taken a lot away from the training and have learned to appreciate the process of developing standards and its benefits on a whole new level." In the future, these new ASTM members from TTBS and BSJ intend on participating in reviewing revisions to ASTM standards and submitting new proposals for consideration.

Training Program Timeline

    14 & 20 October, 1 & 2 November
  • ASTM Staff conducted two virtual orientation sessions each with the delegations from Trinidad and Jamaica prior to their arrival in the U.S. to provide an overview of ASTM International, ASTM’s electronic tools, and provide detailed information about the upcoming intensive training program.
    November 14
  • Visited TrusSteel to discuss production and testing of cold formed steel trusses in Haines City, FL and Ardaman and Associates, Inc. in Tampa, FL to discuss non-destructive steel testing equipment. Arrived at the November Committee Week and met with key ASTM Officers from Committee A01, as well as ASTM Staff. The remainder of the afternoon was spent attending technical committee meetings and discussing the proceedings.
    November 15 and 16
  • Attended technical subcommittee meetings and staff training modules. After the committee meetings, a debriefing was held to review material discussed. The attendance at Committee Week was concluded with a celebratory banquet.
    November 17
  • Completed a site visit at MAR-TEST in Stuart, Fl and discussed fatigue testing of materials. The afternoon included a site visit to Hurricane Testing Laboratory (HTL) in Riviera Beach, Fl. The delegation learned about hurricane testing, the Florida Building Code, and witnessed actual hurricane testing using ASTM ASTM E1886 Standard Test Method for Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, Doors, and Impact Protective Systems Impacted by Missile(s) and Exposed to Cyclic Pressure Differentials.
    November 18
  • The last day of training included a site visit to Fenestration Testing Laboratory, Inc., Medley, Fl. The delegation reviewed all types of fenestration testing and witnessed the dynamic wind and rain test during our visit which uses an aircraft engine to generate 75 mph winds. The delegation also visited Hurricane Engineering & Testing Inc. in Doral, Fl. Our host discussed the need for material testing and documentation to support the work of clients doing hurricane testing and reviewed several tensile and hardness mechanical tests and equipment.