ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the international and U.S.-based standards and guidelines in human factors and ergonomics (HFE). In general, standardization is the means by which society gathers and disseminates technical information (Spivak & Brenner, 2001). Standards provide quality control and support legislation and regulations to ensure equal opportunity and fairly operating international markets. One of the main purposes of standardization is to assure uniformity and interchangeability in a given area of application. For example, standards may limit the diversity of sizes, shapes, or component designs, and prevent generation of unneeded variation of products, which do not provide unique service. Harmonization of international standards reduces trade barriers; promotes safety; allows interoperability of products, systems, and services; and promotes common technical understanding (Wettig, 2002).
