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Getting into standards is easier when you realize they all have a similar layout. Knowing what to look out for in a standard helps you quickly grasp the topic and speeds up your information search.
Understanding this structure prevents you from spending valuable time on irrelevant standards.
Which sections are usually available in the preview?
Typically, the first page. It functions as the title page and sets the stage for what follows. Similar to many publications, standards come equipped with a table of contents, the foreword and an introduction, all available in the preview (previews are accessible in the e-shop).
These usually give you an overview of the committee responsible for the publication and they might touch on changes from previous editions, what the document cancels or replaces, and other pertinent details.
It also includes the scope. When diving into a standard for the first time, it is crucial to read the scope section since it covers all the key subjects. You may also come across normative references – these are the documents necessary to apply the standard. If you're still in the process of finding the right standard, checking these references can be helpful.
All of these sections are usually available in the preview of the document, making your search more efficient.
Navigating Key Sections
In many cases, you can also find terms and definitions at the beginning of the document. The main part of the standard typically includes requirements, recommendations, test methods, classifications, and other details based on the type of the standard.
| Normative references | Normative references give a list of the referenced documents cited in the standard that are essential for applying the standard. |
| Terms and definitions | These give you the definitions that are necessary for the understanding of certain terms used in the standard. |
| Symbols and abbreviated terms | A list of the symbols and abbreviated terms necessary for the understanding of the document. |
| Main body of the document | The main part of the standard contains the requirements, statements and recommendations presented in the standard. |
| Annexes | Normative annexes give provisions additional to those in the body of the document, whereas informative annexes give additional information intended to assist the understanding of the document. |
Source: Elements of a standard. A World Built on Standards, 2015.
Towards the end, you might find annexes. Normative annexes offer extra provisions beyond the document's main body, while informative annexes provide additional information without imposing specific requirements.
Updates: Amendment and Corrigendum
At times, standards require amendments (A or Amd). This could be due to technological advancements, user feedback pointing out areas for improvement, or the necessity to align standards across different countries with varying requirements.
| EVS-EN ISO 13485:2016/A11:2021 | EVS-EN ISO 13485:2016+A11:2021 |
| Just an amendment | Main text + amendment |
In a consolidated version, it is usually explicitly mentioned which parts come from the amendment.
Additionally, there are instances where smaller errors or editorial issues surface in a published standard. To address these, a corrigendum (AC or Cor) is published. The purpose is not to introduce significant technical changes but to uphold the standard's accuracy and clarity.
If you want to be notified via email of any updates, you can use our monitoring service.
Redline standards – tracking changes
Certain standards have a useful feature that tracks the changes in the standard and highlights the differences. Changes are highlighted in red and green, making it straightforward to spot modifications. Plus, you will always find a clean standard version at the end of the document.
In the e-shop, such standards are marked with the RL symbol.