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CSA Media FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Q : WHAT IS CSA?

A : Canadian Standards Association (CSA) is an independent, not-for-profit membership association serving industry, government, consumers and other interested parties in Canada and the global marketplace.

As a leading solutions based standards organization, providing standards and codes development, application products, training and selected advisory services. CSA aims to enhance public safety, improve quality of life, preserve the environment and facilitate trade.

The Canadian Standards Association is a division of CSA Group, which also consists of CSA International, which provides testing and certification services for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas and a variety of other products; and OnSpeX, a provider of consumer product evaluation, inspections and advisory services for retailers and manufacturers.


Q : WHEN WAS CSA FOUNDED?

A : Canadian Standards Association was established in 1919 as the Canadian Engineering Standards Association (CESA). It was the first organization in Canada formed exclusively to develop industrial and commercial standards. To better reflect the breadth of CESA's activity, it officially became the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) in 1944. Today it is Canada's largest standards development organization.


Q : IS CSA PART OF THE GOVERNMENT?

A : No, CSA is an independent, not-for-profit organization.


Q : WHAT IS THE ROLE THE CSA PLAYS TODAY?

A : As a solutions-oriented organization, CSA works in Canada and around the world to develop standards that address real needs, such as enhancing public safety and health, advancing the quality of life, helping to preserve the environment and facilitating trade.

CSA is comprised of more than 1,300 Standards committees and develops standards in 54 different program areas as diverse as electronics, telecommunications, occupational health and safety, health care, energy efficiency, business and environmental systems, gas equipment and construction products and materials.

Accredited by the Standards Council of Canada, CSA has developed more than 3,000 standards, codes and related products for the safety, design or performance of a wide range of products and services


Q : WHAT SECTORS OF BUSINESS OR INDUSTRY IS CSA STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT INVOLVED IN?

A : CSA develops, administers and distributes standards, guidance documents and related products in the following areas:

  • Business Management Systems: Quality Assurance, Quality Management Systems, Quality System Checklists, Software Quality, Quality Auditing, Reliability, Basic Engineering, Privacy Code, and Risk Management
  • Communications Information: Information Technology, Electromagnetic Compatibility, and Telecommunications
  • Construction Products and Materials: Building Materials and Masonry, Concrete, Forest Products, Plumbing Products and Materials, Industrialized Building Construction, Structures (Design), Welding, National Construction Codes, Offshore Structures
  • Electrical and Electronics: Canadian Electrical Code, Parts I, II, and III, Wiring Products, Industrial Products, Consumer and Commercial Products, Electrical Engineering Standards, Performance of Electrical Products
  • Environment: Environmental Technology, Sustainable Forestry, And Environmental Management Systems
  • Energy: Performance, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Oil and Gas Industry Systems and Materials, Fire Safety and Fuel Burning Equipment, Nuclear Safety
  • Gas Equipment: Food Processing and Food Refrigeration, Gas-Fired Domestic & Commercial Heating Equipment and Air Conditioning, Large Input Commercial & Industrial Equipment, Domestic and Commercial Water Heaters and Boilers, Incineration, Accessories, Laundry Equipment, Hoses, Couplings and Assemblies, Natural Gas and Propane Vehicle Fuel Systems and Industrial Engines, Portable-type Camping Equipment, Natural Gas and Propane Installation Codes, Gas Fitters Training Materials
  • Life Sciences: Health Care Technology, Dentistry, Public Safety, Occupational Health and Safety, Sports and Recreational Equipment, Major Industrial Accidents, Aging and Disabilities, Child Safety, Mechanical Industrial Equipment, Transportation

Q : ARE THERE AREAS OF STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT CSA IS NOT INVOLVED WITH?

A : CSA currently has more than 3,000 standards, codes and related products in areas as diverse as life sciences, gas equipment, energy, environment, electrical and electronics, construction, communications and business management. There are many standards in Canada that have been developed by other standards development organizations (SDOs), industry associations and Federal, provincial and local levels of government.


Q : WHAT ARE ISO STANDARDS AND HOW IS CSA INVOLVED WITH ISO IN CANADA?

A : ISO is the International Organization for Standardization. It is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies representing approximately 140 countries. ISO works with member countries to develop standards that will help improve design, performance, safety, and other considerations.

On behalf of the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), CSA represents Canada on various ISO committees, such as ISO/TC 176 on Quality Management and ISO/TC 207 on Environmental Management


Q : WHO GOVERNS CSA?

A : CSA is a member-based organization, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The majority of directors are elected by the voting membership. The elected board members appoint the remaining directors.


Q : WHO ACCREDITS CSA?

A : Accreditation of a standards development organization (SDO) is the formal recognition of their competence to develop standards, and comply with specific accreditation criteria as determined by the accreditor.

In Canada, the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) has responsibility for co-ordination of the National Standards System (NSS).

To achieve and maintain accreditation, several criteria must be met including:

  1. Development of consensus standards which adhere to the principles used in Canada governing the consensus process.
  2. Complying with criteria established for approval of National Standards of Canada.

In the United States, CSA America, Inc. is a standards writing body for appliances and accessories fuelled by natural, liquefied petroleum and hydrogen gases. It is accredited by the American National Standards Institute.


Q : WHY DO WE NEED STANDARDS?

A : CSA standards are at work in every aspect of our lives. They touch us all, every day, affecting nearly every product or service we encounter.

Standards help to ensure that products and services meet minimum requirements. In many cases they help establish safety and quality levels or they may focus on efficiency or environmental practices.

For manufacturers, standards help to lower production costs by promoting interconnectivity and harmonization among products and components, thereby helping to open doors to new markets. For consumers, this can mean a wider selection of goods and services and contribute to a more competitive marketplace. It can also mean greater convenience and consumer confidence.

CSA tracks it performance against key indicators to demonstrate the impact standards have on the world. These key performance indicators (KPIs) demonstrate that standards play a significant role in helping to reduce injuries and fatalities.

For more information on CSA key performance indicators, please click here .


Q : WHO FUNDS STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT AT CANADIAN STANDARDS ASSOCIATION?

A : CSA and stakeholders interested in the process fund standards. This can include government, industry, and associations. Typically, a standard is funded through a combination of these sources. The CSA standards development process ensures that a single interest group does not influence the content of the standard.


Q : WHY DOESN'T CSA PAY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE STANDARDS?

A : CSA is a not-for-profit organization. Any revenue generated is used to support the work CSA does to enhance public safety and health, advance the quality of life, help preserve the environment and facilitate trade.


Q : WHAT IS CSA'S PROCESS FOR DECIDING WHAT STANDARDS TO DEVELOP?

A : Anyone can come forward and request a standard. Often it is a consumer organization, trade/industry association or a government department, which has observed a need.

CSA evaluates the usefulness of a potential standard in meeting the need, and assesses the level of support in the community and industry.


Q : WHAT IS THE STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT PROCESS?

A: 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.

Canadian Standards Association functions as a neutral third party, providing a structure and a forum for developing the standard. CSA committees are created using a "balanced matrix" approach, which means that each committee is structured to capitalize on the combined strengths and expertise of its members - with no single group dominating.

The committee considers the views of all participants and develops the details of the standard by a consensus process, which includes the principles of inclusive participation, and respect for diverse interest and transparency. All draft standards are offered to the public for a minimum 60 days for review and comment prior to publication.


Q : HOW OFTEN ARE STANDARDS UPDATED?

A : CSA standards are living documents, continually revised and refreshed to address changing requirements and emerging technologies. Each standard is reviewed at least every five years as part of our process of continual improvement.


Q : WHY DOES IT TAKE SO LONG TO DEVELOP SOME STANDARDS?

A : The development of a standard is an in-depth process that involves consultation with a variety of stakeholders, extensive research into best practices around the world, and meetings with a committee of industry experts, professionals and interested parties. The committee members are volunteers, and they commit a great deal of time to the development of a standard. When a standard has been drafted and approved by the committee, it is made available for public consultation, and amended if necessary.


Q : IS A CSA STANDARD LAW?

A : CSA is not a government body and does not have the power to make a standard mandatory. A standard only becomes law if a federal, provincial or municipal government references it in legislation.

Various CSA standards are cited in legislation at federal, provincial, state and municipal levels across North America. Many are internationally or regionally harmonized.

Compliance with all CSA standards is voluntary unless legislated by government or mandated by industry or trade associations.


Q : WHAT IS A TIL?

A : A Technical Information Letter (TIL) is a requirement recognized by the Standards Council of Canada that is able to act in place of a full standard for certification purposes.

As new and complex technologies emerge, it takes time to assess their impact and introduce them into existing standards or develop new standards. As a result, the standard development process may take several years to complete. In the short term a Technical Information Letter (TIL) may acts as a method of new technologies gaining market acceptance.


Q : HOW DOES THE PUBLIC BECOME INVOLVED IN STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT?

A : CSA believes that consumers are vital contributors to the standards that affect their lives and the things they buy and use.

CSA welcomes public comment on standards under development, and encourages consumers to participate in research and on key standards development committees. Contributions like these help CSA to produce standards that more accurately reflect the needs and expectations of the entire marketplace.

All draft standards are offered to the public online at www.csa.ca for a minimum 60 days for review and comment prior to publication.