International Organisation for Standardisation ISO
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) is an independent organisation responsible for the production of voluntary international standards. ISO have 165 member countries with a Central Secretariat based in Geneva. The name ISO is derived from the Greek ‘isos’ which means equal.
[edit] History
ISO was formed in 1947 with 67 technical expert groups and in 1949 moved into offices in Geneva with 5 members of staff. The first standard was produced in 1951, ISO/R 1:1951 Standard reference temperature for industrial length measurements.
[edit] Members
There are over 165 members of ISO with one member representing each country. Members are the standards organisations within their country, it is not possible for an individual or a company to become a member.
ISO offers three different levels of membership:
- Full members (or member bodies) – have powers to influence the development of standards and can sell ISO standards nationally.
- Correspondent members – observe the development of standards and can sell ISO standards nationally.
- Subscriber members – are kept informed about the development of standards but cannot participate and do not sell standards nationally.
[edit] Documents
The main products produced by ISO are the international standards and over 19,500 standards have been produced covering a wide variety of industries. Technical reports, technical specifications and other guides are also produced by ISO.
The standards are documents that provide requirements, guidance, specifications or characteristics that are used to ensure consistency of materials, products, services and processes.
Examples of the standards that have been produced include:
- ISO 9000 – Quality Management.
- ISO 14000 – Environmental Management.
- ISO 31000 – Risk Management.
- ISO 20121 – Sustainable events.
The standards provide consumers with confidence that they are reliable, safe and of good quality. They can assist governments when formulating policies and regulations, and businesses can be assisted in ensuring they operate in an efficient and productive manner.
[edit] Partners
ISO work alongside the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The three organisations joined to form the World Standards Cooperation to enhance the standards systems of the separate groups.
[edit] Funding
The members of ISO pay a subscription and additional revenue is generated for the organisation through the sale of the standards.
[edit] ISO Strategic plan 2011 – 2015
ISO have produced a strategic plan for 2011 to 2015 and the global vision for the organisation is:
“To be the world’s leading provider of high quality, globally relevant International Standards through its members and stakeholders”.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Accreditation.
- ASTM International.
- British Standards Institution BSI.
- BS 476.
- ISO 50001 Energy Management.
- BS ISO 10845.
- BS ISO 45003 Psychological health and safety at work - managing psychosocial risks.
- ISO 10845.
- ISO 9000.
- ISO 9001.
- ISO 14001.
- ISO 14024.
- ISO 22341:2021.
- ISO 23234 and ISO 21542 security and accessibility standards.
- ISO 30401 Knowledge management systems.
- ISO 30415.
- ISO/PAS 45005 Guidance for working safely during COVID-19.
- ISO/TC 211 Geographic information/Geomatics.
- British Board of Agrément.
- CE mark.
- Kitemark.
- Publicly available specification.
- Structural engineering codes.
- Third party accreditation.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Registered building inspectors
Building types and conflicts of interest updates explaineed.
Engineering services still struggle with labour shortages
According to latest quarterly services survey of the sector.
Infrastructure that connect the physical and digital domains.
Harnessing robotics and AI in challenging environments
The key to nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering.
BSRIA announces Lisa Ashworth as new CEO
Tasked with furthering BSRIA’s impressive growth ambitions.
Public buildings get half a million energy efficiency boost
£557 million to switch to cleaner heating and save on energy.
CIOB launches pre-election manifesto
Outlining potential future policies for the next government.
Grenfell Tower Inquiry announcement
Phase 2 hearings come to a close and the final report due in September.
Progress from Parts L, F and O: A whitepaper, one year on.
A replicated study to understand the opinion of practitioners.
ECA announces new president 2024
Electrical engineer and business leader Stuart Smith.
A distinct type of countryside that should be celebrated.
Should Part O be extended to existing buildings?
EAC brands heatwave adaptation a missed opportunity.
Definition of Statutory in workplace and facilities management
Established by IWFM, BESA, CIBSE and BSRIA.
Tackling the transition from traditional heating systems
59% lack the necessary information and confidence to switch.
The general election and the construction industry
As PM, Rishi Sunak announces July 4 date for an election.
Eco apprenticeships continue help grow green workforce
A year after being recognised at the King's coronation.