A local skateboard park… wait, this will make sense by the end of this blog. (Photo by Brian Evans, our IT manager and a park patron)

I came across this wonderful turn of phrase while doing some recent research in an American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) standard.  It so precisely explains the what, how, and why of our nation’s non-governmental, consensus standardization process.  

Unfortunately, I’ve found that most people in the workplace who make reference to a consensus standard developed by, say, ASME, ASTM, or ASSE (I’m only naming a few) don’t actually understand the distinctions between these organizations’ documents and ANSI (the federation or “mother ship” of concerned interests).  There is further confusion when we try to delineate clear boundaries between an OSHA standard that has been taken in part, adopted in whole, or referenced to a national consensus standard such as ANSI or NFPA.

A little “consumer education” will help.  We all buy consumer products, many of which show “accredited manufacturer’s” stamps (e.g., ASTM for toy safety).  But, does the general public know what those stamps indicate?  Safety professionals will understand what a manufacturer’s tag means when it says “always wear eye protection that meets ANSI Z87.1 requirements.” But, again, do the majority of professionals understand the distinctions between ANSI and one of its accredited Standards Developing Organizations (SDO) such as ASSE?  (Note: The official numbering for the eye protection standard is ANSI/ASSE Z87.1).

This topic of standardization and consensus development could take up a whole college course – maybe even one that I’ll get an opportunity to teach someday.  Such a course is not improbable since ANSI and its SDO’s are promoting “standards education.”    

So, get off that social networking site and spend some time reading the educational information on the consensus standard websites.  It’s actually all very interesting!  I suggest starting with http://www.ansi.org/about_ansi/introduction/history.aspx?menuid=1.   There is a simpler version at http://www.ansi.org/consumer_affairs/history_standards.aspx?menuid=5.  Then check out the new ASTM F2334 – 09 for Above Ground Public Use Skate Park Facilities… and you will view the above photograph with deeper appreciation.  A standard such as this guides the construction, operation and safety equipment required at a public use skate park and is just one example of a national consensus standard for all “concerned interests.”