Officials call new standard a ‘liberating application’ to put data in the hands of smartphone users

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IEEE launched its National Electrical Safety Code Mobile Standard, the first of what the standards group said is a series of IEEE mobile projects aimed at improving in-the-field productivity by delivering “anytime, anywhere” access to critical data and tools.

“As a global technology steward, understanding and capitalizing on the potential of new innovations is an inherent part of our DNA,” said Judy Gorman, Managing Director, IEEE Standards Association. “By leveraging the benefits afforded by emerging mobile technologies, while addressing the unique challenges they pose, the NESC Mobile Standard is a blueprint for future IEEE Standards Association mobile initiatives.”

Exclusively published by IEEE, the NESC is a comprehensive set of practical rules and guidelines for safeguarding electrical installation, operational, and maintenance personnel, as well as the general public. The new NESC Mobile Standard improves worker productivity by providing immediate, portable access to the full text of the NESC from supported mobile devices.

Using the iSilo document reader, the NESC Mobile Standard offers features and functionality including bookmarking, search tools, customizable views, and portability to desktop PCs. Available for immediate purchase, the application is compatible with any handset, device, and platform supported by iSilo, including Apple’s iPhone and iPad, Android, BlackBerry, Palm OS, and Windows Mobile.

“The NESC Mobile Standard is a liberating application – it untethers electrical personnel from the burden of carrying around printed materials, instead delivering instant access to essential, time-critical information, no matter the location or the time of day, via mobile device. By enabling users to quickly search for, find, and reference needed data, the NESC Mobile Standard allows electrical personnel to realize greater levels of efficiency,” said Michael Hyland, chair, NESC Committee, and senior vice president, engineering services for American Public Power Association. “We are very pleased to be spearheading this mobile effort.”

“IEEE’s inaugural mobile initiative adds a new dimension of accessibility and value to the industry by making it easier for workers to do their jobs more safely and effectively,” said Jim Tomaseski, vice chair, NESC Committee, and director of safety and health for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. “We are happy to have had the opportunity to take part in this project and are very pleased with its final outcome.”

With various other initiatives in the planning and production stage, such as new tools and dictionaries, the NESC Mobile Standard is the first in a planned succession of mobile projects. IEEE expects to expand its efforts in the mobile arena, eventually rolling out other mobile initiatives across its vast global network of technical councils, societies, and study and work groups.

“Taking full advantage of mobile technologies on an organization-wide basis is one of our long-term goals,” notes Gorman. “This is just the beginning of what IEEE Standards Association will be doing in mobile.”

For more information about the IEEE NESC Mobile Standard, visit standards.ieee.org/prod-serv/mobile.html.