Feb 15, 2011

 ASTM International recently hosted a delegation of eight standards experts from South Korean government and industry as part of an intensive training program focused on standardization for civil nuclear power.

Sponsored by the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS), the Korean Standards Association, Korean industry and ASTM International, the program was held at ASTM International headquarters from Jan. 17 to Feb. 2.  ASTM and KATS have collaborated extensively since signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in 2006.

The training program focused on the nuclear energy standards of ASTM Committees C26 on Nuclear Fuel Cycle and E10 on Nuclear Technology and Applications. In addition to learning about the U.S. standardization system and the ASTM standards development process, the group also participated in virtual meetings with ASTM members to gain insight into their technical work.

The Korean delegates visited various organizations and companies as a way to gain practical insight into the use of ASTM standards. They met with representatives from the American Society for Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the Advanced Systems Technology and Management Inc. on behalf of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and the International Trade Administration (ITA) at the U.S. Department of Commerce, where they learned about the U.S. Civil Nuclear Trade Initiative.  They also spent time at the Center for Neutron Research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).  

The delegation completed its training by attending the standards development meetings of Committees C26 and E10 at the ASTM International January committee week in Baltimore, Md.

The program was a positive experience for all involved. Mr. Gook-Ju Ihm, a participant from the Korea Testing Laboratory, felt that it was beneficial to his work, noting, "Through this intensive training course provided by ASTM International, I gained knowledge of the relationship between ASTM standards and the nuclear industry."

ASTM International has conducted a similar program for the plastics industry with India and is planning another program focused on road and highway construction for the Middle East.  For more information on ASTM International training programs and global initiatives, contact Jim Olshefsky, director of external relations, ASTM International (phone: 610-832-9714; jolshefs@astm.org).

ASTM Staff Contact: Jim Olshefsky, Phone: +1-610-832-9714; jolshefs@astm.org
ASTM PR Contact: Barbara Schindler, Phone: +1-610-832-9603; bscindl@astm.org 

Release #8794

Feb 15, 2011