Who Develops Standards if It Is Not ANSI?
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) does not develop standards that have ANSI in the title. These standards, designated American National Standards (ANSs), range from NSF/ANSI/CAN 600, ANSI/ISEA 107, ANSI/ASSP Z359, ANSI C12.7, etc. While the standard developer’s name often appears in the title, at times it may not (e.g., NEMA developed ANSI C12.7). As such, it is important to examine what exactly ANSI’s role is in the standard development process if it is not to develop standards.
ANSI Oversees the Standard Development Process
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) oversees, approves, and promotes the development of U.S. voluntary standards. By reviewing standards, ANSI helps assure compatibility, safety, and interoperability across industries—such as construction, manufacturing, telecommunications, healthcare, and information technology (IT). As such, ANSI’s role is to assure that standards meet certain requirements and that the development process is fair and transparent.
Who Develops Standards? – It Is NOT ANSI
ANSI itself is not developing standards; rather, standard developing organizations (SDOs) develop standards. For example, International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) developed ANSI/ISEA Z358.1; Electrostatic Discharge Association (ESDA) developed ANSI/ESD S20.20, and the Laser Institute of American (LIA) developed ANSI Z136.1. Essentially, ANSI acts as a coordinating body and approves standards developed by other SDOs.
If you have any technical questions relating to an American National Standard, please direct them to its developer. You can find the contact information for all standard developing organizations (SDOs) here: Who to Contact for Standards Related Questions.
ANSI Accredits SDOs
In overseeing the standard development process, ANSI plays a key role in accrediting SDOs. The rigorous accreditation process assures that SDOs meet ANSI’s Essential Requirements for openness, balance, consensus, and due process. Only standards developers that are accredited by ANSI are eligible to sponsor documents for approval as American National Standards (ANSs), which show that the ANS were developed in compliance with its requirements and represents a consensus among all interested parties.
Where to Find Standards
The ANSI Webstore serves as a central hub where professionals and companies across various industries can easily find and purchase U.S. and international standards and standards subscriptions to access the technical specifications and requirements they need.
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