Anyone. Standards are developed by any interested individuals through standards organizations with representation from stakeholder groups working towards consensus. The consensus process allows anyone to make recommendations to a standards organization to improve a standard or create a new requirement. [See the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) Essential Requirements for more information about consensus, stakeholder groups, and best practices for standards organizations.]
Proposals are submitted to a standards organization (often a committee or working group) by giving them to the chair or technical manager of the standards organization. Proposals are usually submitted online or by letter/email with a rationale. For a proposed change to be considered, it usually must be in a format specifically identifying new and replaced text. Often, working groups are formed to develop proposed changes. Consumers who have ideas for proposed changes are encouraged to share proposals with the standards organization and/or CPSC because their unique perspective is valued. Proposals are considered by the group and shared for comment. Each standards organization has its own method to solicit comments on proposals.
Each standards organization also has a different method for accepting comments. For instance, ASTM International (ASTM) will have an open discussion during a scheduled meeting. Depending on the agenda, type of meeting, and the number of attendees of the meeting, consumers may get a chance to voice comments on a proposal in person or in writing. Sometimes larger groups ask for comments to be submitted in a template format using an administrative resource, such as a secretary or an electronic tracking system. Some standards organizations combine voting and commenting in the same procedure while others accept comments before voting.
Members of the group vote on the proposal. The group is allowed time to review and consider comments. All comments must be considered. If a comment is not accepted, the commenter should be informed of the reason. Results depend on many factors and the particulars of the standards organization’s processes. Some proposals need a simple majority and others need a minimum percentage like 60%. All standards organizations must be balanced with participants from a variety of stakeholder categories (e.g., industry, government, academia, consumer). Consumers are an important stakeholder group whose participation CPSC would like to expand Some standards organizations have a strict timeline for when you can join, others allow you to join at any time.
The majority decides. Consumers can vote if they meet the standards organization’s requirements and timelines. Standards organizations generally require potential voters to apply for membership to ensure that all relevant information is disclosed, and the committee is balanced among stakeholder groups (as much as possible). Usually, groups follow some formal procedure for making a motion (such as Roberts Rules of Order which require a motion, second, and a vote to accept the motion). Proposals may be amended or revised prior to a ballot, sent to a task group for further work, or deferred until a later time, depending on the will of the majority.
All standards organizations provide members with an appeals process if members believe that comments were not properly handled. Generally, this appeals process does not consider the technical merit of the comment, but only the process followed in deliberations. Each standards organization has its own appeals process.
When you need help, contact:
Your technical contact on the ballot, or
Your standards organization’s staff member assigned to your group.