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Standards Australia

In Australia, most Standards are published by Standards Australia. Standards Australia is the trading name of Standards Australia International Limited, a company limited by guarantee. We are an independent, non-government organization. However, through a Memorandum of Understanding we are recognized by the Commonwealth Government as the peak non-government Standards body in Australia, and we represent Australia on the two peak International Standards organization, ISO and IEC. Our primary role is to prepare Standards through an open process of consultation and consensus in which all interested parties from a variety of industries are invited to participate.

What is a Standard?

The word ‘standard’ is used frequently in everyday speech, most often in an imprecise descriptive manner: "That's fairly standard for the time of year" or "standard English". But as a published specification, a Standard has to have a very precise meaning. We believe the following definition best describes a contemporary Standard.

A Standard is a published document which sets out specifications and procedures designed to ensure that a material, product, method or service is fit for its purpose and consistently performs the way it was intended to.

So Standards are vehicles of communication for producers and users. They establish a common language, which defines quality and establishes safety criteria. Costs are lower if procedures are standardized; training is also simplified. And consumers accept products more readily when they can be judged on intrinsic merit.

Electrical safety

Electricity can be the most lethal commodity most of us ever handle, and we are constantly using devices powered by mains voltages. Yet fatalities from electrocution are exceptionally rare. Standardization of the inherent safety characteristics of electrical systems and devices ensures a near 100% safety record.

An international aspect - International responsibilities

Standards Australia represents our nation on the two major international standardizing bodies, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)* and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). We coordinate the attendance of Australian experts at international meetings, and participate extensively in the preparation of a wide range of international Standards. We are extremely active within the international standardization movement and a number of our senior management team members hold important voluntary offices on international Standards bodies.

Adopting International Standards

Standards Australia has a policy of adopting International Standards wherever possible. This policy is in line with Australia’s obligations under the World Trade Organization’s Code of Practice, which requires the elimination of technical Standards as barriers to international trade. As a result, approximately 33% of current Australian Standards are fully or substantially aligned with International Standards. (It is important to understand that there some areas of industry where no significant International Standards exist, such as building, construction and occupational health and safety. Around one third of Australian Standards simply have no international equivalent).

Example 1 AS/NZS 4442:1997 : Office desks

 

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Details

Status:   Current   Published:   05 February 1997   Pages:   36   ISBN:   0-7337-0866-8   Committee:   CS-088

 

Scope

This Standard sets out the requirements for the evaluation, design, and selection of office desks. It specifies minimum requirements for the function, strength, durability and stability of office desks, leaving designers and manufacturers the maximum opportunity to develop suitable products. The Standard covers freestanding desks such as single and double pedestal desks and extended desk units both adjustable and fixed height. It also includes tables intended for use as desks. The Standard is applicable to desks used with VDU and associated equipment. It does not specify criteria for VDU equipment.
 

Abstract

Specifies requirements and selection and evaluation criteria for office desks. This Standard was developed under a memorandum of understanding between Standards Australia and the Australasian Furnishing Research and Development Institute Limited (AFRDI).
 

Example 2 AS 1680.2.2-1994 : Interior lighting - Office and screen-based tasks

 

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Details

Status:   Current   Published:   17 January 1994   Pages:   26   ISBN:   0-7262-8731-8   Committee:   LG-001

 

Scope

This Standard sets out recommendations for the lighting of office and similar tasks, including screen-based tasks. While the tasks may be commonly performed in interiors called æofficesÆ, they may also be performed in other interiors; for example, reading, writing and screen-based tasks frequently occur in most types of interior workplace. This Standard should be read in conjunction with the general recommendations of AS 1680.1 and with any applicable specific recommendations in the AS 1680.2 series. NOTES: 1 Separate Standards covering the lighting of specific tasks and interiors will be progressively issued to form the AS 1680.2 series (see Preface). 2 See Appendix E for advice on ergonomic and other factors relating to the lighting and use of screen-based equipment (SBE). This Standard, in general, contains material that adds to or amends the recommendations in AS 1680.1. The use of this Standard without reference to AS 1680.1 is a misapplication of the Standard.
 

Application

The lighting system should comply with the general recommendations of AS 1680.1 and with the applicable recommendations of this Standard and other appropriate Standards in the AS 1680.2 series. If any recommendation in this Standard differs from the general recommendations of AS 1680.1, the recommendation in this Standard should prevail. Attention should be paid to Section 1 of AS 1680.1 with regard to the information that may be needed to correctly apply this Standard.
 

Abstract

Sets out recommendations for the lighting of offices and related work areas, and locations within other workplaces where screen-based tasks are performed. It is intended to be read in conjunction with the general recommendations of AS 1680.1.