Codified guidelines that define how processes are to be performed or measured, or how
products are to be designed
Usually written by businesses, industrial organizations, and government bodies
Serve to increase product quality and safety, and allow for interchangeability of parts
What are some examples of standards?
Government-mandated specifications for how mattress flammability tests are performed
Voluntary guidelines on ventilation for acceptable indoor air quality
Voluntary specifications for the width and spacing of steps in staircases
What are some points to remember when using standards?
Some standards are government-mandated, and others are voluntary. There may be
various penalties associated with not adhering to the standard.
Standards are updated frequently to keep pace with changing technology -- check to see
if the standard you are using is the latest version.
Older, superceded versions of standards may be useful in many cases, such as legal
disputes concerning the performance of a product that was manufactured when the older
standard was in force.
For a good discussion of standards, including a description of the
different types of standards such as performance standards, voluntary standards, and
others, see the following websites:
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