How do you choose facility codes and standards?

1 Know your objectives

Before you start looking for codes and standards, you need to define your facility's objectives and scope. What are the functions and goals of your facility? What are the design, construction, operation, and maintenance requirements? What are the risks and challenges involved? By answering these questions, you can narrow down your search and focus on the codes and standards that are relevant and applicable to your facility.

2 Understand the differences

Codes and standards are not the same thing, although they are often used interchangeably. Codes are mandatory rules that are enforced by law or authority. They specify the minimum requirements for safety, health, and welfare of the public and the environment. Standards are voluntary guidelines that are developed by consensus among experts and stakeholders. They establish best practices and recommendations for quality, performance, and reliability of products and services. You need to understand the differences between codes and standards, and how they relate to each other, to avoid confusion and conflicts.

3 Research the sources

Researching sources of codes and standards is essential for any facility. Government agencies such as OSHA, EPA, and DOE, professional associations like ASHRAE, ASCE, and NFPA, and standards organizations like ISO, ANSI, and IEC are all common sources of codes and standards. It is important to check the credibility, authority, and validity of the sources you use. Additionally, you should stay informed of the latest updates and revisions as codes and standards are continually evolving.

4 Compare the options

Once you have identified the sources of codes and standards, you need to compare the options and choose the ones that best suit your facility's needs and objectives. You must take into account compatibility, compliance, cost, and consistency when evaluating the codes and standards. Compatibility looks at how well the codes and standards align with your facility's design, construction, operation, and maintenance specifications. Compliance refers to how easy or difficult it is to comply with the codes and standards, as well as any consequences of non-compliance. Cost looks at how much it costs to implement and maintain the codes and standards, as well as any benefits or savings that may come from doing so. Lastly, consistency examines how consistent the codes and standards are with each other, as well as with your facility's policies and procedures. By comparing these factors, you can select the optimal and feasible codes and standards for your facility.

5 Implement and monitor

After selecting the codes and standards, you need to implement and monitor them throughout your facility's lifecycle. This includes communicating to staff, contractors, and stakeholders about their roles and responsibilities, recording and documenting compliance and performance with the codes and standards, conducting regular audits and inspections to verify compliance, analyzing and evaluating performance, and implementing corrective and preventive actions to improve them. Doing so helps guarantee the safety, quality, and performance of your facility.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?