[1] “Standards & Certification FAQ.” Available: https://www.asme.org/codes-standards/publications-information/faq. [Accessed: Oct. 22, 2024]
A standard can be defined as a set of technical definitions and guidelines, “how to” instructions for designers, manufacturers, and users. Standards promote safety, reliability, productivity, and efficiency in almost every industry that relies on engineering components or equipment. Standards can run from a few paragraphs to hundreds of pages, and are written by experts with knowledge and expertise in a particular field who sit on many committees. Standards are a vehicle of communication for producers and users. They serve as a common language, defining quality and establishing safety criteria. Costs are lower if procedures are standardized; training is also simplified. Interchangeability is another reason. It is not uncommon for a consumer to buy a nut in California for a bolt purchased in New Jersey. [1]
Organizations and associations that seek to facilitate scientific and technological collaboration and innovation produce standards. They can come from scientific and professional organizations such as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), but also other trade organizations (such as Fire Insurance Organizations) or government bodies.
If the US Government needs to make privately developed technical standards Federally enforceable, it will publish that information publicly. This includes some engineering standards. After they are referenced by the US Federal Code, they can be viewed. You can access these by the SIBR database or check out some of these pages:
