BSI , CEN and ISO Theory.
Knowledge and Understanding
British Standards Institute (BSI)
What's the purpose of the British Standards Institution ?
They make
Standards by which products are measured/tested.
Who makes the British Standards ?
The British Standards Institution (BSI) is an organization that brings together
experts from across the designing and manufacturing industries.
British Standards Institution History and Facts ?
 BSI was the first Standards organisation in the world with its history dating
back to 1901.
 It is independent from government and trade and industry associations and is
a non-profit distributing organisation.
 This means that all the profit it makes goes back into the service it provides so
BSI can keep on up-dating their standards to meet the needs of newer
technologies etc.
British Standards - How are they made ?
How are Standards made ?
A Standard is produced when a team of experienced experts discuss, and then decide on,
what would make a particular product safe, reliable and of a high quality.
1
These experts then create a list of rules, ideas and tests that need to be applied
to that product. This is known as a draft Standard.
2
The draft Standard is then
3
released to all those who may design, make, sell or
use that particular product.
They discuss the outcomes of the draft and make any necessary changes. Then
4
the final
Standard is published.
The final Standard is identified with letters and numbers, almost like a code.
If a Standard is used in Britain it will contain BS,
if used in Europe it will contain EN
5
if it is used across the world, it will contain ISO.
British Standards -
Designers and Manufacturers
What's the Standard for ?
A Standard is a guide that companies who design and make things need to
follow.
How can Standards help manufacturers ?
A Standard tells manufacturers how their products and services can be safe and
of a certain quality.
Where could Standards be used ?
The Standards would be used to find out :
The maximum sizes, or thickness of certain parts of an object.
The colours that need to be used for things to be safe and ensure that they are seen at
night
A specific way of making a product well in the factory.
Example of Standards being used ?
Credit cards need to be a certain size to ensure they fit in all cash machines
worldwide. Imagine what it would be like if your card would not fit into a cashmachine while you were abroad on holiday...
British Standards - Users
Why do we need Standards ?
There are currently over 20,000 British Standards. Standards affect our daily
lives in many ways, making our life easier, safer and healthier.
Imagine if bulbs from different companies didn't fit the lamps that you bought, or
that CDs didn't fit all CD players.
Without Standards for people to follow, then all our products would behave slightly
differently, making them hard to operate, to fix or to programme.
What type of products use Standards ?
Standards are created for
all
products and services, including:
 pet food,
 furniture,
 bikes,
 televisions,
 toys
 fabric colours.
British Standards Product Markings
What happens if a products passes all the Standards required ?
If a product passes all of the tests
that make up a Standard,
manufacturers can indicate this by
displaying a certification mark on its
surface.
Products that have not undergone the
standardization process are not
allowed to do so.
This is called
a Kitemark
Why is the Kitemark so important ?
1. It’s globally recognized as a mark of
high quality
and
safety.
When you see this mark on a product, it means the product has met the Standard
associated with that particular type of object.
For example, a Kitemark found on a plug means that the plug's design has been independently
tested against the safety Standard for electric plugs. This means that users can be sure
this particular plug is safe and of a high quality.
Products that do not have the Kitemark simply do not have the same safety guarantees.
Committee of European Standardisation - CEN
Markings
What's the purpose of the CE marking ?
When companies meet all European
standards they can mark their products
with a CE mark.
CE marking is a declaration by the
manufacturer that the product meets
all the appropriate standards under
European law.
Why is the CE mark so important ?
CE marking gives companies easier access
sell their
products without having to change or
into the European market to
adapt the product.
For example, if you import a car from
Japan, some changes may need to be
made before it is legal to drive in Europe.
This is called a CE mark
Committee of European Standardisation (CEN)
What's the purpose of the Committee of European Standardisation (CEN) ?
CEN is a non-profit organisation set up under Belgian law, their aim :
 Through its services, it provides a platform for the
Standards (ENs).
development of European
 This is done with the aim of helping to build the European internal market in goods and
services, removing barriers to trade and strengthening Europe's position in the global
economy.
What's the advantages of having the CEN ?
CEN plays a big part in adding strength to the European market, therefore making it a
more powerful dealer on the World market.
By giving the purchaser
certification
confidence that a product or service meets the requirements,
encourages trade both within countries and between countries.
International Standards Organisation (ISO)
What's the purpose of the International Standards Organisation (ISO)?
ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) is the world's largest
developer and publisher of International Standards.
ISO enables agreements to be reached on solutions that meet both the
requirements of business and the broader needs of society.
When products, systems, machinery and devices work well and safely, it is often
because they meet standards. And the organisation responsible for many
thousands of the standards which benefit the world is ISO.
What's the advantages of having the ISO ?
Makes the development, manufacturing and supply of products and services more
efficient, safer and cleaner.
Facilitates trade between countries and make it fairer.
Share technological advances and good management practice.
Makes life simpler by providing solutions to common problems