Primer on Engineering Standards

Chapter 10Characteristics of a Good Standard

10.1 Introduction

In Chapter 2, it is pointed out that standards are generally written to achieve safety and reliability, to reduce cost and increase flexibility, to promote business, and to help society function. A well-written standard will accomplish these goals effectively. A poorly written one will accomplish them less well, and may even impede them. This chapter identifies those characteristics that make for an effective standard. These characteristics help in selection when there is a choice of standards, development when a new standard is needed, and effectively supplementing an existing standard with proper text in a specification, statement of work, or other contract documents.

10.2 Clarity and Understanding

In order to achieve its intent, a standard must first be understood. This seems obvious, but since this discussion is related particularly to engineering standards, it may be more difficult to accomplish than it first appears. The nature of many engineering standards is technical, sometimes highly so. While not everyone will be able to understand fully the content of a technical document, a standard should be written, and provided with sufficient definitions so that a technically competent user can understand it. Further, it should be written such that a person not well versed in the field, but taking time to read it carefully, can comprehend the general concepts and requirements, if not the technical details. In ...