Introduction to Standardization cheat sheet

Key terms

Standard

A document, established by consensus and approved by a recognised body, that provides for common and repeated use rules, guidelines or characteristics for activities or their results, aimed at the achievement of the optimum degree of order in a given context. The definition is from ISO/IEC Guide 2, and four elements in it are examinable: consensus, a recognised body, repeated use, and optimum order.

Standardization

The activity of establishing, with regard to actual or potential problems, provisions for common and repeated use, aimed at the achievement of the optimum degree of order in a given context.

Technical regulation

A document which lays down product characteristics or their related processes and production methods, including applicable administrative provisions, with which compliance is mandatory. The distinguishing feature is that it is compulsory and made by government, whereas a standard is voluntary unless a regulation calls it up.

Specification

A document stating requirements for a particular product, process or service, usually written by one party for a particular transaction rather than by consensus for general use.

Code of practice

A document recommending practices or procedures for the design, manufacture, installation, maintenance or use of equipment, structures or products.

Conformity assessment

Any activity concerned with determining directly or indirectly that relevant requirements are fulfilled: testing, inspection, certification, and the accreditation of the bodies doing them.

Harmonization

Making standards on the same subject, approved by different bodies, equivalent so that products, processes and services conforming to one are accepted under the other.

Metrology

The science of measurement and its application, embracing legal, industrial and scientific metrology.

Accreditation

Third-party attestation conveying formal demonstration of the competence of a conformity assessment body to carry out specific tasks. In Kenya this is done by the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS).

Certification

Third-party attestation related to products, processes, systems or persons, confirming that specified requirements are met. Certification is of the organisation or product; accreditation is of the certifier.

Standardisation Mark and Diamond Mark of Quality

KEBS permit marks. The Standardisation Mark is applied to a product manufactured in Kenya that conforms to the relevant Kenya Standard; the Diamond Mark of Quality is a higher, voluntary award for products consistently exceeding the standard, granted on the strength of a certified quality management system.

Fitness for purpose

Ensuring that a product, process or service is fit for the purpose for which it is intended, under the conditions in which it will be used.

Interchangeability

Ensuring that one item can replace another and perform the same function, which is what makes spare parts, repair and competitive supply possible.

Variety reduction

Selecting the optimum number of sizes, grades or types, reducing the cost of production, stockholding and distribution without depriving users of what they need.

Compatibility and interoperability

Ensuring that products, processes or services used together satisfy relevant requirements without causing unacceptable interactions: a plug and a socket, a payment instruction and a settlement system.

Safety

Freedom from unacceptable risk of harm to persons, property or the environment, which is why safety standards are the class most often made compulsory.

Health and protection of the environment

Protecting human health and limiting environmental damage such as emissions, effluent and waste.

Consumer protection

Enabling a purchaser who cannot test a product to rely on a mark or a declaration instead.

Trade facilitation

Reducing technical barriers so that a product accepted in one market is accepted in another, developed in the chapter on standards and trade.

Communication and mutual understanding

Agreed terminology, symbols and test methods so that two parties mean the same thing by the same word, which is the precondition for a contract.

Economy

Reducing total cost to producers and users through all of the above.

Technology transfer

Codifying good practice so that it can be adopted by those who did not develop it, which matters particularly for a developing economy.