Changes to Standardization Documents: What you need to know
Processes, methods and technologies are constantly evolving and improving to become faster, greener and more efficient. That’s why Standards are regularly reviewed to keep in line with what’s currently considered as “state of the art”.
If it’s found that a particular Standard is no longer a reflection of best practice, it is revised by the relevant Committee, and re-published as a new edition. For example, ISO 9001:2015 is a revision of ISO 9001:2008, and was published to reflect the significant changes that took place in technology and best practice.
However, Standards Bodies like NSAI also make use of other methods to add updates and changes to Standards documents in much smaller increments, known as Amendments and Corrigenda.
Amendments
Amendments are the main way in which standardization documents can be changed. Amendments alter or add to the contents already agreed upon within the document. Just like a revision of a standardization document, an amendment is arrived at through a process of achieving consensus by consulting the relevant Technical Committee and, thereafter, the public for comment.
When are Amendments issued?
Amendments are issued when it is found that new material may need to be added to an existing standardization document. They may also include editorial or technical corrections to be applied to the existing document.
Corrigenda
Corrigenda are another way in which standardization documents are edited and updated. They contain correction(s) of one or more errors or ambiguities inadvertently introduced to the document in either drafting or printing. It refers to a type of mistake whereby the original intention is or may be mis-represented. If the original intention is found to be mistaken, then this is instead corrected by an Amendment.
What should I do if I receive a Corrigendum?
If you have a physical copy of a standardization document that does not already include the Corrigendum, it is recommended that you handwrite the corrections included in the Corrigendum into the relevant places in the document.
How will I know if an Amendment or Corrigendum has been issued to a Standard I have purchased?
You are advised to periodically check the NSAI webstore www.standards.ie for the latest version.
Subscribers to the Standards management platform i2i will get alerts on Standards they have purchased or have added to their ‘watch’ list. Contact info@standards.ie for more information.
Standards are living documents that continually undergo changes and updates. By implementing Amendments and Corrigenda into Standards, we can make the products and processes that make our world better, greener and safer.
For more information about changes to Standards, contact: StandardsMailbox@nsai.ie
