Codes and Standards

Codes and standards are sets of rules and guidelines that are developed and maintained by professional organizations, government agencies and other bodies to ensure the safety, quality and effectiveness of products, services and processes. They are used in a wide range of industries, including construction, manufacturing, health care and information technology. Codes are legally enforceable regulations that are established by local, state or federal governments to ensure the safety and welfare of the public. They may cover a wide range of topics, including building construction, electrical systems, plumbing and fire safety. Standards, on the other hand, are voluntary guidelines that are developed by professional organizations, industry groups and other bodies to establish best practices and ensure the quality and performance of products and services. Standards may be developed for a specific industry or technology or they may be more general in nature. Codes and standards are important because they provide a common set of rules and guidelines that can be followed by companies, individuals and other organizations. They help ensure the safety and quality of products and services and they can help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.