When it comes to types of standards, seven is the magic number

Standards are not all the same. Did you know that British Standards (prefixed BS) fall into a number of different categories? Seven, to be precise.

These range between precise instructions on how to carry out a procedure to general guidance on best practice. Let’s look at these seven different categories of BS.

The seven categories of British Standard (BS)

BS standards fall into these categories:

1. Specifications

Provides a set of objectively verifiable, non-negotiable requirements for products, services or systems. This might be used to state the performance criteria of a product, or fundamental elements of a service or management system.

A good example is BS EN ISO 14064-2, which sets out a specification for quantifying, monitoring and reporting greenhouse gas emission reductions. The specification ensures that organisations carrying out greenhouse gas reduction projects can be confident that their reduction figures are accurate.

2. Management Systems Standards

Sets out a model to follow when setting up and operating a management system. It is written in the style of a specification. The structure of international management system standards follows the structure provided by the International Standards Organization (ISO) in Annex SL of the ISO Directives. National management standards also follow this structure where possible.

An example of a Management Systems Standard is BS ISO 4500:20118 which provides an occupational health and safety management system to address risk within the workplace. The standard can be used by organisations of any size, offering a system that can be tailored to meet different needs. The design of the management system is intended to align with other key management system standards, such as ISO 9001 on quality management and ISO 14001 on environmental management.

3. Methods

Standards can be used to set out testing methods or specifying methods. A method of test sets out repeatable and reproducible procedures with consistent outcomes. This can be used to assess materials, products or processes. A method of specifying gives the characteristics of a material, process or system. This enables a customer to select values when entering an agreement with a supplier.

A good example is BS EN 13795-1:2019 which provides requirements and test methods for assessing surgical drapes and gowns. To ensure good protection against the transmission of infectious agents between clinical staff and patients, drapes and gowns need to have certain characteristics. This standard spells out how to evaluate such products and gives the expected performance requirements.

4. Guides

Provides information and guidance, as well as recommendations in some circumstances. These recommendations are not specific enough to support a claim of compliance.

For example, BS 8579:2020, which offers guidance on the design of balconies and terraces. An increase in the development of high-rise buildings means more balconies and terraces are being created, but until this standard was developed there was no consensus on the optimum design. This standard provides guidance on issues such as spatial arrangement and wind effects, inclusive design, safety, drainage and thermal or acoustic considerations.

5. Vocabularies

Lists terms and definitions, ensuring that multiple parties in a given sector, field or discipline can communicate effectively because they have a shared understanding of common terms.

An examples of Vocabularies is PD CEN ISO/TS 80004-6:2021, which provides a vocabulary for characterization of nano-objects. A shared vocabulary helps professionals from different fields to avoid misunderstandings and to facilitate comparability and the reliable exchange of information.

6. Codes of Practice

Sets out recommendations and supporting guidance, explaining current good practice. Following the recommendations of a code of practice enables the user to support a claim of compliance. Older Codes of Practice are prefixed CP rather than BS.

A good example is BS 8477:2014, which offers a code of practice for customer service. The standard provides principles for establishing and maintaining good customer service, helping companies to deliver a consistent and quality service that meets or exceeds the expectations of customers.

7. Classifications

Orders items or provides a grading system for use in a particular sector, field or discipline.

For example, BS EN 17406:2020, which provides a classification of the bicycle usage conditions. This gives retailers and consumers a shared set of terms for classifying the condition of bicycles and their components.

BSI is always looking for people to contribute to the development of new standards by becoming committee members. Find out more about the role here.