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The Canadian Standards Association (CSA), which develops safety, quality and performance standards for consumer products in Canada, has selected Arv Hille, technical director for the Oregon Cutting Systems Group of Blount, Inc., to receive its Award of Merit for 2003.
“The CSA Award of Merit recognizes individuals who, through their leadership, have fostered the development of standards, both nationally and internationally,” described the award announcement from Robert Griffin, president and CEO of the CSA Group, and Pat Keindel, president of the Canadian Standards Organization.
For six years, Hille has served as chairperson of the Technical Committee on Chainsaw Safety Standards, responsible for the Canadian standards known as Z62.1 and Z62.3. Hille has served the committee continuously since the early 1980s, originally as a technical assistant to the Oregon representative on the committee, and eventually as a full member. Nominating Hille for the award were several committee members, who noted the man’s leadership in the development and promotion of safety standards throughout his career. The CSA Board of Directors made final selection for the Award of Merit.
Since the early days of the scientific study of chainsaw kickback, Hille has been a principal investigator and creator of test methods for measuring design and safety aspects of chainsaws. In addition to his work with the CSA, Hille’s interest in consumer safety and the outdoor power equipment industry has lead him to similar leadership positions in the development of safety standards in the U.S.A., and with the International Standards Organization (ISO).
Since 1997, Hille has served as chairperson of the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI’s) Accredited Standards Committee B175, which oversees safety standards for a range of power equipment including: chainsaws, blowers, and brushcutters. Hille has also chaired the U.S. Technical Advisory Group developing the U.S. position and representing the United States on the ISO committee for Manually Portable Forestry Equipment.
CSA, ANSI and ISO efforts have resulted in significantly reduced hazards to chainsaw users, and consumer safety principles developed for chainsaws have aided in the development of standards for other outdoor power tools.
The CSA award recognizes the value of Hille’s active contribution to the several committees and agencies involved. His skills in facilitation and engineering have helped committee representatives from groups with diverse interests overcome fundamental differences, reach consensus, and develop effective standards. In leadership roles at both the national and international level, Hille has been uniquely qualified to encourage harmonization among the several safety codes. The CSA Award of Merit honors Hille’s contributions in the interests of consumer safety in Canada, and in the international community.