Frequently Asked Questions

A standard is a document that has been prepared, approved, and published by a recognized standards organization, and contains rules, requirements, or procedures for an orderly approach to a specific activity. Standards may include product design requirements, test methods, classifications, recommended practices, and other considerations.

Standards organizations are not government bodies and so they do not have the power to make a standard mandatory. A standard only becomes law if a federal, state, regional, provincial, or municipal government references it in legislation.

Standards are established by a number of nationally and internationally recognized organizations. Many of these organizations, such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and American Welding Society (AWS), for example, are associated with a specific industry or area of expertise. Some organizations, such as the Canadian Standards Association, develop regional and national standards in a wide range of subject areas.

That depends on the type of product. Electric appliances must meet a different set of standards than gas appliances, for example. Although the standards that apply to different types of products may vary, the goal of all safety standards is basically the same—to help reduce hazards when a product is used properly.