ANSI Standards Work for YOUR Business

But how much of an impact are we talking? Just ask the electrical fire safety industry. By collaborating on a critical standard for Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, the National Fire Protection Association, and Underwriters Laboratories have helped to prevent more than 40,000 home fires, over 350 deaths, and more than 1,400 injuries each year. YOUR sign shop is better with standards.

By participating in standards development activities – and by implementing standards and conformance tools – organizations are able to streamline processes, trim costs, earn and maintain market access, and boost their bottom line.

What is a standard?

A standard is a document, established by consensus that provides rules, guidelines, or characteristics for activities or their results.

Why are standards important?

Behind the scenes, standards make everyday life work. They may establish size or shape or capacity of a product, process or system. They can specify performance of products or personnel. They also can define terms so that there is no misunderstanding among those using the standard. As examples, standards help ensure that film to fit our cameras can be purchased anywhere in the world, that a light bulb fits a socket, and plugs for electrical appliances fit outlets.

In the U.S. alone, there are more than 100,000 standards at work across all industry sectors. These include:

• Product-Based Standards (examples: car airbags, washing machines, banking cards)
• Performance-Based Standards (examples: toy safety, greenhouse gas emissions, food safety)
• Management System Standards (examples: ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 Quality and Environmental Management Systems)
• Personnel Certification Standards (examples: cyber-risk technicians, food handlers, crane operators)
• Construction Standards for buildings and systems in the built environment (examples: building, electrical, and plumbing codes)

How are standards created?

Standards are developed by technical experts that work together to meet a common marketplace need. The term “voluntary consensus standard” describes a document developed through a process where all views and objections are considered and where affected parties (including government, consumers, and business) have reached consensus on its contents.

Who creates standards?

In the United States, any entity or individual can participate in standards development activities. It’s just a matter of figuring out what you’re interested in working on, and then finding the standards development organizations that are currently working in that area. The U.S. market-driven, sector-based approach to standards development offers flexibility, efficiency, and a responsiveness that is unparalleled in most other nations.

Lots of companies, organizations, trade associations, consumer groups, and government agencies are already developing standards. And by being an active part of the process, these groups are gaining a tangible competitive advantage over their competitors.

Get involved, start with this website: www.standardsboostbusiness.org