FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT STANDARDS

"Standards are only guides; an organization must know how to use them if they are to serve any purpose.”

~Carl F. Cargill

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 What is a standard?1

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Guide 2: 2004 defines a standard as a "document, established by consensus and approved by a recognized body, that provides, for common and repeated use, rules, guidelines or characteristics for activities of their results, aimed at the achievement of the optimum degree of order in a given context."  Standards can serve many purposes, including: fitness for purpose, compatibility, interchangeability, variety control, safety, protection of the environment, and product protection against climatic or other adverse conditions.

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2.0 What is a management systems standard (MSS)?3

Both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 are known as generic management system standards.  Management system refers to what the organization does to manage its processes, or activities, so that the products or services that it produces meet the objectives it has set itself, such as the following:\

• satisfying the customer's quality requirements,
• complying with  regulations, or
• meeting environmental objectives.

To learn more about the ISO 9000 family of standards, visit this page: http://www.iso.org/iso/en/iso9000-14000/explore/transition/faqs.html
To learn more about the ISO 14000 family of standards, visit this page: http://www.iso.org/iso/en/prods-services/otherpubs/iso14000/index.html

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3.0 What is ISO?4

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies from more than 145 countries, one from each country.  ISO is a non-governmental organization established in 1947 and based in Geneva, Switzerland.  Its mission is to promote the development of standardization and related activities in the world for the purpose of facilitating the international exchange of goods and services and developing cooperation in the spheres of intellectual, scientific, technological and economic activity.  ISO's work results in international agreements, which are published as International Standards and other types of ISO documents

ANSI is the sole U.S. representative and dues-paying member of ISO.  As a founding member of the ISO, ANSI also plays an active role in its governance.
 
To learn more about ANSI’s role in ISO, visit this page: http://www.ansi.org/standards_activities/iso_programs/overview.aspx?menuid=3

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4.0 What are the IEC and the USNC/IEC?

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is an international standardization organization specializing in the electrical and electronic products field.  The IEC charter embraces all electrotechnologies, including: electronics, magnetics and electromagnetics, electroacoustics, multimedia, telecommunication, and energy production and distribution, as well as associated disciplines, such as terminology and symbols, electromagnetic compatibility, measurement and performance, dependability, design and development, safety and the environment.

 The U.S. National Committee of the International Electrotechnical Commission (USNC/IEC) serves as the focal point for U.S. parties who are interested in the development, promulgation and use of globally-relevant IEC standards in the areas listed above.  The Committee is also engaged in the assessment of conformance to IEC standards -- undertaking work in areas such as testing, certification and accreditation.

The USNC’s goal is to encourage and assist U.S. industry to effectively participate in the development of globally-relevant IEC standards that facilitate international trade in all electrotechnology fields.  The USNC serves as the focal point, conduit and advocate for U.S. interests in international and regional electrotechnical standards, conformity assessment, and other related matters.  The USNC participates in almost the entire technical program of the IEC, and administers many key committees and subgroups.

The USNC/IEC is a totally integrated committee of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).  The Institute provides administrative support to the USNC and its nearly 1,400 U.S. managerial, engineering, scientific and professional participants.

To learn more about ANSI’s and the USNC’s role in IEC, visit this page: http://www.ansi.org/standards_activities/iec_programs/overview.aspx?menuid=3

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5.0 How can I communicate with ISO or IEC?

The usual route to communicate with ISO or IEC is through the relevant ISO or IEC member body, such as ANSI or the USNC/IEC.  Individuals, who wish to communicate with ISO or IEC, may join one or more U.S. Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs).  There is one TAG for each ISO or IEC Technical Committee (TC) in which the ANSI or the USNC serves as a “Participating” (“P”) Member.  TAGs are composed of U. S. nationally interested parties (companies, organizations, government agencies, etc.) that may be directly and materially affected by the work of a specific TC.  The TAG process for developing U.S. positions on ISO and IEC standards and policies provides an opportunity for fair and equitable participation by all interested parties without dominance by any single interest.

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6.0 What are the benefits of ISO Standards?6

ISO standards add value to all types of businesses and business operations.  They contribute to making the development, manufacturing and supply of products and services more efficient, safer and cleaner.  They make trade between countries easier and fairer.  ISO standards also serve to safeguard consumers and users of products and services in general - as well as making their lives simpler. You will find an introduction to ISO in the About ISO section of ISO Online.

For businesses, the widespread adoption of International Standards means that suppliers can base the development of their products and services on reference documents which have broad market relevance.  This, in turn, means that they are increasingly free to compete on many more markets around the world.

For customers, having a product or service created based on an International Standard means that there will be worldwide compatibility which increases the number of choices – effecting competition among suppliers.

Each ISO National Committee has the opportunity to adopt an International Standard.  When the U.S. believes in the usefulness of a standard, the standards goes through the adoption process to make it an American National Standard.  Knowing that an ISO standard has been adopted by the U.S. shows the international community that the U.S. supports the content of the standard.

 To view the standards sold by ASQ, visit the ASQ Store: http://qualitypress.asq.org

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7.0 Why should my organization be involved in standards work?

Organizations don’t often understand the value of participation in standards work in the beginning, but once they become involved, they recognize the benefits and are able to leverage the experience. 

Competitive Intelligence:
As a member of a Technical Advisory Group (TAG), you will see the drafts of standards and other related documents before the general public, and will have access to information about the standards throughout the development lifecycle.  For standards like ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems-Requirements, having advanced knowledge of the direction and details of the yet-to-be-published standard may be business critical information.  During the meetings, experts from the TAG will also give updates about what’s happening internationally.  Participation is an opportunity for various U.S. stakeholders to help shape the international standards that will influence the way they do business globally.

Networking:
Members of the TAG and Z1 subcommittee cross all sectors of the economy and represent large, medium and small organizations.  The TAG and Z1 subcommittees have members from government (e.g. NIST, EPA, NASA, FDA, DOE, US Navy), from large companies (e.g. Cisco, Caterpillar, Bank of America, Baxter, Bose, Motorola, Medtronic, Lockheed Martin), from organizations (ASTM, A2LA, AAMI, UL, AIHA, ASSE, ANAB), many other small and medium enterprises, universities and research institutions.  Working with representatives from these organizations can provide opportunities to make new contacts and understand and learn how different organizations do business and solve problems.

Skills Development:
The people in these groups are welcoming and hard-working.  If you become involved, they will assist you in understanding how things work in standards development.  The TAG and Z1 subcommittee members are constantly perfecting their skills related to completing complex, technical work, with a diverse group of people, in a limited amount of time.  By reviewing standards at every stage, you will understand the fine detail of the technical content of the standards on which you work.  You will also participate in the discussion about the standards, which gives you an opportunity to become savvy about the ways in which organizations interpret and use standards and can help develop your negotiating skills.  During the in-person meetings, people present to small and large groups.  Because members meet in-person fairly infrequently, you will build your skills in writing, communicating, and working in virtual teams.  These experiences add value to both the individual and to their organization.

Prestige:  
Being an insider in the standards development process is an impressive role that will be appreciated by your company, your clients and your competitors.  Having your organization intimately involved with international and national standards development highlights your company’s position in the global economy and showcases the expertise your company brings to the table.

If you are interested in participating or have additional questions, please email the ASQ Standards Team, at standards@asq.org.

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8.0 How is ASQ involved?

As the world's largest association dedicated to the advancement of quality, ASQ is committed to supporting the U.S. TAGs and Z-1 subcommittees responsible for standards development in the fields of Quality Management, Environmental Management, Dependability, Statistics, and Social Responsibility.  We also provide support to standards development activities of our ASQ Divisions through the ASQ Standards Committee.  Through our involvement in international and domestic standards development, ASQ ensures that your organization has access to the quality standards information necessary for building and maintaining a successful enterprise.

Since its creation in 1946, ASQ has recognized the advantages of using generic quality standards to increase performance and decrease the costs of doing business.  More and more segments of the work force, such as healthcare, service, and education, are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of applying quality principles and therefore recognize the importance of quality standards.

To maintain this level of commitment, ASQ must have active participation by quality professionals who can bring their knowledge and expertise to this process.  Individual participation in the development of national and international standards is the cornerstone of the voluntary standards system. Your participation keeps your industry strong and competitive and provides you with a challenge, as well as the recognition of your peers.  Not only is your company or organization regarded as a leader, but you are too.

If you are interested in participating in standards development within the fields of Quality, Environment, Dependability, Statistics, Social Responsibility, or if you are an ASQ Division member interested in representing your Division on the ASQ Standards Committee, please email The ASQ Standards Team, at standards@asq.org.

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9.0 How does the voluntary standards system work?

We develop standards in a system that is considered voluntary.  This means that the decision to use standards is generally determined by the marketplace.  The exception to this is where a government agency has adopted one or more specific voluntary standard within its mandatory regulations.  In those cases, compliance with the referenced standards is also mandatory. 

The voluntary nature of the U.S. system provides certain advantages: it allows the flexibility necessary to respond to changes in technology and market demand and anyone with a vested interest in a proposed standard can participate in its development. However, a system such as this requires oversight.  That is why the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) was formed in 1918 by five professional/technical societies and three federal government agencies, prompted by a desire to eliminate conflict and duplication in the U.S. voluntary standards development process.  One of ANSI‘s goals is to ensure that the consensus process of developing U.S. standards is followed.

Today, ANSI guides the efforts of the more than 200 major standards-developing organizations7.

ANSI carries out its oversight responsibilities with a rigorous system of checks and balances that ensures each and every standard that has been declared an “American National Standard” has undergone of system that includes due process.  ANSI also requires that ANSs undergo review and revision at regular intervals so that the best and newest ideas are incorporated.  ANSI’s requirements provide channels of communication so all parties involved know their views will be addressed.  They also prevent industries from developing standards that would give them an unfair edge over their competition.

ASQ is a member of ANSI and is accredited by them to be a standards-developing organization.  ASQ annually declares to ANSI that we follow and support the consensus process of developing American National Standards.

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10.0 How does the ISO standards development process work?8

ISO standards are developed according to the principles of industry-wide, voluntary consensus.  Consensus means the views of all interests are taken into account: manufacturers, vendors and users, consumer groups, testing laboratories, governments, engineering professions and research organizations.  Industry-wide relates to the global solutions which are created to satisfy industries and customers worldwide.  Voluntary means that international standardization is market-driven and therefore based on voluntary involvement of all interests in the market-place.

There are actually six stages within the ISO standards development process which can be summed up in three main phases: the new work item phase, the consensus-building phase, and the formal approval section.

The need for a standard is usually expressed by an industry sector, which communicates this need to a national member body.  The latter proposes the new work item to ISO as a whole.  Once the need for an International Standard has been recognized and formally agreed, the first phase involves definition of the technical scope of the future standard.  This phase is usually carried out in working groups which comprise technical experts from countries interested in the subject matter.
Once agreement has been reached on which technical aspects are to be covered in the standard, a second phase is entered during which countries negotiate the detailed specifications within the standard.  This is the consensus-building phase.

The final phase comprises the formal approval of the resulting draft International Standard (the acceptance criteria stipulate approval by two-thirds of the ISO members that have participated actively in the standards development process, and approval by 75 % of all members that vote), following which the agreed text is published as an ISO International Standard.


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11.0 How does the standards development process work domestically9

The process to create these voluntary standards is guided by ANSI’s principles of consensus, due process, transparency and openness and depends heavily upon data gathering and compromises among a diverse range of stakeholders.  The Institute ensures that access to the standards process, including an appeals mechanism, is made available to anyone directly or materially affected by a standard that is under development.  Thousands of individuals, companies, government agencies and other organizations such as labor, industrial and consumer groups voluntarily contribute their knowledge, talents and efforts to standards development.

To maintain ANSI accreditation, ASQ is required to consistently adhere to a set of requirements or procedures known as the “ANSI Essential Requirements: Due process requirements for American National Standards,” that govern the consensus development process.  Due process is the key to ensuring that American National Standard’s (ANS’s) are developed in an environment that is equitable, accessible and responsive to the requirements of various stakeholders.  The open and fair ANS process ensures that all interested and affected parties have an opportunity to participate in a standard’s development.  It also serves and protects the public interest since standards developers accredited by ANSI must meet the Institute’s requirements for openness, balance, consensus and other due process safeguards. 

The hallmarks of the ANS process include:

• consensus on a proposed standard by a group or “consensus body” that includes representatives from materially affected and interested parties;
• broad-based public review and comment on draft standards;
• consideration of and response to comments submitted by voting members of the relevant consensus body and by public review commenters;
• incorporation of approved changes into a draft standard; and
• right to appeal by any participant that believes that due process principles were not sufficiently respected during the standards development in accordance with the ANSI-accredited procedures of the standards developer. 

The ANSI process serves all standardization efforts in the United States by providing and promoting a process that withstands scrutiny, while protecting the rights and interests of every participant.  In essence, ANSI standards quicken the market acceptance of products while making clear how to improve the safety of those products for the protection of consumers.

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12.0 How does a TAG relate to standards development?

A Technical Advisory Group (TAG) is a group of experts in a particular field whose primary purpose is to develop and transmit to ISO or IEC, via their member-body (ANSI or ANSI’s USNC/IEC), the U.S. position on activities or draft standards of the ISO or IEC technical committee for which the TAG has been established.  TAGs are actively involved in the creation of international standards.
TAG members attend two standards meetings domestically, while others may, but are not required to attend international meetings as a U.S. Delegate.  At international meetings, documents that members hope will result in international standards are conceived, written, revised, distributed for review, revised again, and eventually submitted for publication.  Participation in a TAG is an opportunity for various U.S. stakeholders to help shape the international standards that will influence the way they do business globally.  Participants have devoted many years to becoming experts in their fields and they have a tremendous responsibility to protect their countries' trade and commercial interests.

TAGs are accredited by ANSI, and must follow ANSI procedures, including the Model Operating Procedures for U.S. Technical Advisory Groups to ANSI for ISO Activities.  ANSI has delegated the administration of five Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs) to ASQ, which include: U.S. TAG to ISO/TC 176 on Quality management, U.S. TAG to ISO/TC 207 on Environmental management, U.S. TAG to IEC/TC 56 on Dependability, U.S. TAG to ISO/TC 69 on Statistical applications, and U.S. TAG to ISO/TMB/WG on Social Responsibility (the latter prefix stands for ISO Technical Management Board to the Working Group on Social Responsibility.  Anyone with a material interest in the work of a particular TAG is welcome to participate. 

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12.1 What does the U.S. TAG to ISO/TC 176 do?

Each country that has membership in ISO or IEC is represented by a national organization called a “member-body.”  Each member-body has a mechanism for identifying issues, developing national consensus regarding the work items of the ISO Technical Committee (TC), and actively involving itself in the creation of international standards.  In the United States, we call this mechanism the ANSI-Accredited U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to ISO/TC 176 (hereafter TAG 176).  TAGs follow ANSI procedures, including the Model Operating Procedures for U.S. Technical Advisory Groups to ANSI for ISO Activities.

For each country, the primary purpose of the TAG (or national committee) is to develop and transmit to ISO, via their country’s national standards organization, their country’s position on activities and ballots of TC 176.  TAG delegates are actively involved in the international negotiation and preparation of international standards.

In the U.S., TAG 176 develops the U.S. positions on international standardization activities of ISO/TC 176 on quality management and quality assurance.  Delegates selected by the TAG actively participate in all activities of ISO/TC 176 including the development of ISO standards in quality terminology, quality systems, and quality technology.  Participation in TAG 176 provides an opportunity for representatives of all affected U.S. constituencies (industry, commerce, education, et al) to influence the development of international quality standards which have become a foundation of international trade.

If you are interested in participating or have additional questions, please email The ASQ Standards Team, at Standards@asq.org.  For more information on ISO TC 176, visit: http://www.tc176.org/

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12.2 What does the U.S. TAG to ISO/TC 207 do?

Each country that has membership in ISO or IEC is represented by a national organization called a “member-body.” Each member-body has a mechanism for identifying issues, developing national consensus regarding the work items of the ISO Technical Committee (TC), and actively involving itself in the creation of international standards.  In the United States, we call this mechanism the ANSI-Accredited U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to ISO/TC 207 (hereafter TAG 207).  TAGs follow ANSI procedures, including the Model Operating Procedures for U.S. Technical Advisory Groups to ANSI for ISO Activities.

For each country, the primary purpose of the TAG (or national committee) is to develop and transmit to ISO, via their country’s national standards organization, their country’s position on activities and ballots of TC 207. TAG delegates are actively involved in the international negotiation and preparation of international standards.

In the U.S., TAG 207 develops the U.S. positions on international standardization activities of ISO/TC 207 on environmental management.  TAG 207 consists of experts and practitioners in the field of environmental management.  Delegates selected by the TAG actively participate in the international activities of ISO/TC 207.  Participation in TAG 207 provides an opportunity for representatives of all affected U.S. constituencies (industry, commerce, non-governmental organization (NGO), education, government, etc.) to influence the development of international environmental standards that have become a foundation of international trade.

If you are interested in participating or have additional questions, please email The ASQ Standards Team, at Standards@asq.org.  For more information on ISO TC 207, visit: http://www.tc207.org/

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12.3 What does the U.S. TAG to ISO/TC 69 do?

Each country that has membership in ISO or IEC is represented by a national organization called a “member-body.” Each member-body has a mechanism for identifying issues, developing national consensus regarding the work items of the ISO Technical Committee (TC), and actively involving itself in the creation of international standards.  In the Unites States, we call this mechanism the ANSI-Accredited U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to ISO/TC 69 (hereafter TAG 69).  TAGs follow ANSI procedures, including the Model Operating Procedures for U.S. Technical Advisory Groups to ANSI for ISO Activities.

For each country, the primary purpose of the TAG (or national committee) is to develop and transmit to ISO, via their country’s national standards organization, their country’s position on activities and ballots of TC 69.  TAG delegates are actively involved in the international negotiation and preparation of international standards.

In the U.S., TAG 69 develops the U.S. positions on international standardization activities of ISO/TC 69 on Applications of Statistical Methods.  Subcommittees under TC 69 work on standards in: Terminology and Symbols; Application of Statistical methods in Standardization; Statistical Process Control; Acceptance Sampling, Measurement methods and results.  The newest subcommittee will devote its time to developing statistical techniques for the Six Sigma community.  Delegates selected by the TAG actively participate in the international activities of ISO/TC 69.  Participation in TAG 69 provides an opportunity for representatives of all affected U.S. constituencies (industry, commerce, non-governmental organization (NGO), education, government, etc.) to influence the development of international environmental standards that have become a foundation of international trade.

If you are interested in participating or have additional questions, please email The ASQ Standards Team, at Standards@asq.org.  Get more information on ISO TC 69.

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12.4 What does the U.S. TAG to IEC/TC 56 do?

The purpose of IEC/TC 56 is to develop international standards in the field of dependability covering reliability, availability, and maintainability covering the life cycle of a product including obsolescence.  The dependability standards cover the management, tools and methods needed to achieve and ensure the dependability of products.  It includes software, electronics, mechanical, and electromechanical devices. 

Some standards of IEC/TC56 cover:  reliability prediction, weibull analysis, fault tree analysis, failure mode and effects analysis, formal design review, product recall guide, statistical design of reliability tests, reliability tests including accelerated life, reliability and maintainability management, maintainability standards, maintenance support, planning, logistics, analysis, determination of spares.

An individual is a member of a National Committee (NC) and each NC represents its nation's electrotechnical interests in IEC standardization work.  In the Unites States, this NC is called the USNC and the national committee is the U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to IEC/Technical Committee (TC) 56.

The U.S. TAG to IEC/TC 56 votes on and helps create the U.S. position on the Dependability topics being developed as standards.  As a member of TC56, an individual will receive copies of the standards being developed and will provide their input on the standard proposal being balloted.  Each members vote will be reviewed and form part of the U.S. position on the standard.

The U.S. TAG to IEC/TC 56 designates individuals to participate as members of Working Groups (WG).  IEC/TC 56 WGs are:  1) Dependability Terminology, 2) Dependability techniques (tools), 3) Dependability management, and 4) System Dependability.  As a member of a WG, an individual becomes involved in the actual standard development and serves as a technical expert.  This involvement requires that the individual be able to attend meetings with other technical experts to develop the standard. 

If you are interested in participating or have additional questions, please email The ASQ Standards Team, at Standards@asq.org.  For more information on IEC TC 56, visit: http://www.iec.ch/cgi-bin/procgi.pl/www/iecwww.p?wwwlang=E&wwwprog=TCboard.p&committee=SC&TC=56

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12.5 What does the U.S. TAG to ISO/TMB/WG on SR do?

The U.S. TAG to ISO/Technical Management Board/Working Group on Social Responsibility (U.S. TAG to ISO/TMB/WG on SR) is the national committee to the WG on SR.  This WG and each member-body is comprised of six stakeholder groups -industry, government, labor, consumers, nongovernmental organizations (NGO), and service/support/research/others.

The U.S. TAG to ISO/TMB/WG on SR is helping to create the first ISO standard on SR.  U.S. stakeholder positions on the one SR standard being developed, ISO 26000.  U.S. Delegates which represent one of the six stakeholder categories, are assigned the task of taking forward their U.S. stakeholder position to their respective international stakeholder community and negotiate or stand up for the U.S. position.  This vetting process is one of the many steps involved in international standards development.

If you are interested in participating or have additional questions, please email The ASQ Standards Team, at Standards@asq.org.  For more information on the US TAG on SR, visit: http://www.asq.org/social-responsibility/

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13.0 What are the ANSI-accredited ASC Z-1 Subcommittees on QEDS?

The scopes of the four ASC Z-1 subcommittees cover generic standards having application in the fields of Quality, Environment, Dependability, or Statistics.  The preparation of product or industry-specific standards are not within the scope of these subcommittees.  ASQ holds the Secretariat for the Accredited Standards ASC Z1 subcommittee on Quality Management (Q), Environmental Management (E), Dependability (D), and Statistics (S) -- the QEDS subcommittees. 

The purpose of each ASC Z1 subcommittee is to coordinate, review, serve as a consensus body and, when required by the absence of a qualified and willing standards writing committee, develop and prepare standards.  Each subcommittee also provides advice to other standards writing bodies within their area of expertise.  In addition, each subcommittee interacts with the corresponding international activities, specifically by adopting those ISO or IEC standards within their field.

Membership in any of the four subcommittees may include:  national organizations, companies, governmental agencies, and individuals interested in contributing to the American National standards development process.  Please visit our website at: http://standardsgroup.asq.org/about/overview.html.

Regular (voting) members requires attendance at two of the last four subcommittee meetings and a return of at least three out of the last four ballots.  Travel expenses are the responsibility of the member.  Observer (non-voting) members are not required to travel or vote).  Cost to join: free.

If you are interested in participating or have additional questions, please email the ASQ Standards Team, at Standards@asq.org.

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14.0 How do ASQ's Divisions assist in the development of quality standards?

ASQ's Divisions have always been actively involved with the development of ASQ's quality standards.  Without their input, neither ASQ nor the committees it administers could develop standards that reflect the most current technology in quality.

ASQ Divisions are one major source of new ideas for quality standards.  Their members serve as the
technical experts of ASQ and are aware of trends and practices that indicate where and when a standard might be needed.  Through their representatives, ASQ Divisions bring their ideas to the attention of ASQ's Standards Committee. 

The ASQ Standards Committee is comprised of a representative from the ASQ Divisions.  The Standards Committee discusses ideas and determines the need for future standards.  It also works with Divisions that develop new standards or reaffirm/revise existing standards.  The ASQ Standards Committee follows the consensus process established by ANSI.

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15.0 How can I get involved?

Becoming involved is a simple and easy process.  Just contact the ASQ Standards Team (standards@asq.org) if you have additional questions or if you wish to request an application to join one or more of the committees. 

16.0 References

The information within this section was obtained from The Magical Demystifying Tour of ISO 9000 and ISO 14000.  Website: http://www.iso.org/iso/en/iso9000-14000/understand/basics/general/basics_2.html

The information was obtained from ISO’s website, under Stages of the development of International Standards:  http://www.iso.org/iso/en/stdsdevelopment/whowhenhow/proc/proc.html

The information within this section was obtained from Generic management systems standards.  Website: http://www.iso.org/iso/en/iso9000-14000/understand/basics/general/basics_3.html

The information within this section was obtained from My ISO job – Guidance for Delegates and Experts (October 20, 2005).  Document number: AIF N32-2005

The information within this section was obtained from ANSI website: http://www.ansi.org/standards_activities/iso_programs/overview.aspx?menuid=3

The information within this section was obtained from Overview of the ISO System.  Website: http://www.iso.org/iso/en/aboutiso/introduction/index.html#five

The information within this section was obtained from ANSI website:  http://www.ansi.org/standards_activities/overview/overview.aspx?menuid=3

The information within this section was obtained from ISO website: http://www.iso.org/iso/en/stdsdevelopment/whowhenhow/how.html

The information within this section was obtained from ANSI’s website, under Standards Activities Overview: http://www.ansi.org/standards_activities/overview/overview.aspx?menuid=3

The information within this section was obtained from ANSI website: http://www.ansi.org/standards_activities/iec_programs/overview.aspx?menuid=3

The information within this section was obtained from IEC website: http://www.iec.ch/cgi-bin/procgi.pl/www/iecwww.p?wwwlang=e&wwwprog=membrs3.p

The information within this section was obtained from IEC website: http://www.iec.ch/cgi-bin/procgi.pl/www/iecwww.p?wwwlang=e&wwwprog=dirlst.p&committee=ALL