Primer on Engineering Standards

Appendix A

Deciding Not to Use a Standard

A.1. Introduction

This book has dealt with the many aspects of standards, including their benefits. If a standard is available for an application, it is generally wise, and it is sometimes required, to use it. A number of benefits of doing so are outlined in Chapter 3. In spite of these benefits, there will be cases in which use of a standard may not be the most effective way to produce a particular product or perform a particular task. Before a decision is made not to use an available standard, however, the need, the consequences, and the mitigations for not complying with the standard should be carefully considered.

If a standard is required by law or regulation (e.g., OSHA, DOT, or FAA regulations) that fact should not be ignored. A decision not to comply with those regulations may well involve legal consequences and the jurisdictional organization should be consulted before moving forward. Even if the decision is technically justifiable, a waiver or other documentation may be needed in order to avoid regulatory consequences.

In Chapter 3, it was noted that use of a standard can provide benefits of improved reliability, interchangeability, reduced costs, confidence in the product, process, or design approach. In the event of a failure it may bolster the argument that the product was manufactured responsibly. These benefits should not be given up lightly.

A.2. Reasons Not to Use a Standard

There are a number reasons why a standard ...