Standards are published documents that set out specifications, procedures and guidelines designed to ensure products, services and systems are safe, reliable and consistently perform the way they are intended to. They cover everything from construction, business, IT and much more. They are based on sound industrial, scientific and consumer experience and regularly reviewed to ensure they keep pace with new technologies.
There are three kinds of standards:
• International (e.g. International Organisation for Standardisation ISO, International Electrotechnical Commission IEC)
• Regional (e.g. joint Australian Standards/New Zealand Standards AS/NZS)
• National (e.g. Australian Standards AS).
Are Standards mandatory?
On their own standards are voluntary - there is no requirement to comply. However, State and Federal governments often refer to Standards in their legislation. When this happens, these standards can become mandatory. Standards referenced in legislation can be searched for via two search tools available from Standards Australia.
How can I access a Standard?
1. Go to the SAI Global Store or Tech Street websites. Note that prices may differ between websites, so it is best to check both.
2. Search for the relevant Standard by typing in a keyword, title/name and/or code (if known) using the search bar at the top of the webpage.
3. Click on the link to the Standard and ensure it is the required Standard by reviewing the abstract provided and that it is for the correct jurisdiction.
4. If it is the correct Standard, select the format (e.g. hardcopy – English) and quantity, and ‘Add’ to Cart.
The Librarian can purchase Standards on your behalf, staff are required to fill in a purchase requisition form to do so. Otherwise, purchases may be made by department corporate card or purchase order.