VIRSIG’s Shelomo Alfassa, member of ASTM International, is now serving on ASTM’s Subcommittee on Electronic Security Systems (E54.06), a technical subcommittee of the ASTM’s Committee on Homeland Security Applications.
Formed in 2003, the committee develops standards and guidance materials with specific focus on borders, ports, and transportation systems; advancing and harnessing science and technology; preparing for and responding to national emergencies; and the protection of critical infrastructure.
For the security industry, ASTM provides various standard for things such as access control systems, vehicle crash testing of barriers, the design of anti-ram and perimeter security, effectiveness of materials against armed aggressors, etc.
ASTM International, formerly known as American Society for Testing and Materials, is an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services. In the United States, ASTM standards have been adopted, by incorporation or by reference, in many federal, state, and municipal government regulations.
The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act, passed in 1995, requires the federal government to use privately developed consensus standards whenever possible. The Act reflects what had long been recommended as best practice within the federal government. Founded in 1898, it is based in Pennsylvania.