Exciting Times for WSTDA

By Michael Gelskey, Sr., WSTDA Vice President

This is a very exciting time in the life of the Web Sling and Tie Down Association. Many developments have been made on different fronts and committee work is underway for a very productive and worthwhile meeting in Las Vegas.

During May 2007, the ASME B30.9-2006 Safety Standard for slings was issued. The WSTDA is mentioned multiple times in 9-0.3 References to Other Publications, as well as in the specific chapters: (5) web slings and (6) round slings.

It is also very gratifying to have the newer reports and standards such as the 2003 Summary Report for UV Degradation and WB-1, Standard Specification for Synthetic Webbing for Slings referenced in the ASME document.

These standards and summary reports are the result of countless, volunteer hours from the respective committees. We want to thank those that volunteer and continue to improve the information made available to all parties.

On a totally different front, I am pleased to advise you of the progress that has been made in the selection of a Human Factors Expert. The WSTDA Legal Resource Committee was tasked with facilitating a system of warnings that are scientifically based through statistical analysis to provide a defensible warning system for the manufacturers of synthetic slings and tiedowns.

The stages of the Product Warning Development were supplied and incorporated into a RFP and sent to three Human Factors Experts.

The Legal Resource Committee is in the process of selecting a Human Factors Expert (HFE) to review, improve and validate the WSTDA information bulletins and warning labels. The LRC has reviewed the three initial HFE responses and has forwarded a letter of clarification to all three respondents. The respondents have 30 days to submit their clarifications.

The timing is such that it will enable the Legal Resource Committee to review and make a recommendation to the Board of Directors in Las Vegas. Once the Board of Directors determines the selected expert, the journey will finally begin.

It has been ten years since the verdict in Taylor v. Lift-It. That verdict and other injustices suffered by innocent and reputable manufacturers was the motivation for the idea of scientifically developed, defensible warnings. As many of you know, this is a personal dream, goal and passion that has been manifested and made possible by the Web Sling and Tie Down Association.

I am also very excited about the rapport that is being nurtured and continues to grow between the Web Sling and Tie Down Association and the Associated Wire Rope Fabricators.

Certain issues, such as Risk Management, Legal Resources and defensible warnings should galvanize the associations. There is a perfect marriage as the AWRF does not write standards or sell tags or warnings. The WSTDA is involved in both activities and now makes warning tags and product information bulletins available to all.

Meeting dates are now being discussed, prior to decision, to prevent overlap and scheduling conflicts. Many of us are very good at what we do, but I haven’t quite figured out how to be at two, separate locations, simultaneously.

The President of the AWRF and the Executive Director of the WSTDA, both Baltimoreans have met and discussed ways to improve communication and cooperation.

The AWRF-Roundsling Committee Chairman, Denny St. Germain, Jr. has communicated with WSTDA-Roundsling-Technical Subcommittee Chairman, Greg Babinchak relative to the development of testing and product standards for High Performance Fiber Roundslings.

I would hope that these developments are the beginning for a level of cooperation, founded upon mutual respect, which will continue to grow and provide for consistency, cost savings, and an end to duplicity and divisiveness.

The lifeblood of our Association is the committee work that goes on, year round, culminating in our semi-annual conferences. Many of the subcommittees are meeting in advance of the scheduled conference meetings to make the committee meeting more productive. My utmost respect goes out to the hard working committee chairs and the committee members for their dedication to excellence.

If you want to become involved and make a difference, please contact any of the executive committee of the WSTDA or the committee chairs. I guarantee that much like the biblical adage, it is in giving that you shall receive.

I am looking forward to seeing you at our meetings in Las Vegas, the RFID presentation and to the opportunity to collaborate with the IFA to broaden our horizons.

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Web Sling & Tie Down Association

2105 Laurel Bush Rd. • Suite 200 • Bel Air, MD 21015 • phone: 443-640-1070 • fax: 443-640-1031 • wstda@ksgroup.org • www.wstda.com