Standards Committees

When called on to develop a standard, CSA forms a committee composed of volunteer members. The volunteers are selected to represent the various interest groups most likely to be affected by the standard, such as business and industry, regulatory bodies, science and academia, labour, and consumer groups, as applicable.

There are three types of committees:

1. Strategic Steering Committee (SSC): established under the authority of the Standards Policy Board in broad areas of CSA standardization activity.

   The responsibilities of Strategic Steering Committees include the following:

   • Providing leadership and guidance in identifying the needs and priorities of, and developing effective strategies within, the sector;
   • Assessing and providing feedback on the effectiveness of the standards development program in meeting the needs of the sector stakeholders;
   • In consultation with CSA management, establishing Technical Committees (TC) and work programs, monitoring progress, and assigning standards activities within the sector - each Technical Committee has full responsibility for the technical content of its Consensus Standards Products (CSPs);
   • Together with CSA management, coordinating sector activities and establishing and maintaining continuing liaisons as appropriate;
   • Identifying potential financial resources for standards development and, in consultation with CSA management, endorsing the business case for major projects;
   • Encouraging the promotion and use of those standards and publications coming within its terms of reference and offering input concerning such promotional activities.
2. Technical Committee (TC) provides the expertise and guidance to develop the technical content of a standard. A TC has sole responsibility for approving the technical content of a standard.

   A Technical Committee is established under the authority of the SSC, with the concurrence of the SSC and CSA staff in each specific, well-defined area of standardization falling within the broad jurisdiction of the SSC.

   The responsibilities of the Technical Committee include:

   • Complying with CSA policy document CSA-SDP-1, CSA Policy governing standardization - Code of good practice for standardization and CSA's Directives and guidelines;
   • Establishing - together with CSA staff - detailed work programs and priorities consistent with the direction assigned to it by the SSC;
   • Ensuring that each Consensus Standard Product (CSP) is consistent with the scope assigned by the SSC;
   • Scheduling its activities to ensure the timely completion of its proposed CSP(s);
   • Establishing liaisons as appropriate;
   • Identifying the need for additional consultation with affected parties on the issues at hand;
   • Reviewing published CSPs under its jurisdiction on a continuing basis with the objective of keeping them up-to-date and technically valid, and at least once every five years for reaffirmation or withdrawal;
   • Making recommendations for the implementation of it's CSPs that will effectively meet societal need (e.g., recommending that a CSP be submitted for reference in a code);
   • Developing practical experience with the CSPs and providing feedback on their effectiveness.
3. Technical SubCommittee (TSC) complements the technical development level (e.g., the work of the TC). In order to maintain continuity and communication between the committees, the chair and other members of the TSC may also be members of the TC. The SubCommittees are considered permanent (standing) committees of experts. They are established by TCs to draft a CSP(s) in whole or part.

Interest Categories

The following interest categories are suitable for many committees responsible for Consensus Standards Products specifying requirements for products, most materials, and some services:

• Producer Interest (PI): Those who are predominantly involved in production (e.g., manufacturers), promotion, retailing or distribution of the subject product(s), material(s), or service(s).
• User Interest (UI): Those who predominantly represent consumer interests or end users of the subject product(s), material(s), or service(s), and who are not involved in any way in production and/or distribution of the subject product(s), material(s), or service(s).
• Regulatory Authority (RA): Those who are predominantly involved in regulating the use of the subject product(s), material(s), or service(s).
• General Interest (GI): Those who are not associated with production, distribution, direct use or regulation of the subject product(s), material(s), or service(s) but who have demonstrated relevant expertise or credentials. This category may include representatives of academic and scientific interests.