ISO - International Organization for Standardization

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Review questions – Section 3

1) Indicate which of the following statements are true.
	a. Consumer representatives never have any effect on a standard.
	b. There is no need for consumer input into standards development until a draft is available.
	c. Consumer input is normally restricted to consideration of instructions.
	d. Consumers have an important role to play in developing the scope of a standard.
	e. Providing information on how products are used in practice and common types of misuse is best left to the manufacturer to decide.
	f. Consumer representatives often have a useful role in checking that the test methods envisaged accurately reflect the hazard as it occurs in practice.
Question: 1/4

Results

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All your correct answers are in blue. Any wrong answer is in red.

1) Indicate which of the following statements are true.
True
	d. Consumers have an important role to play in developing the scope of a standard.
	f. Consumer representatives often have a useful role in checking that the test methods envisaged accurately reflect the hazard as it occurs in practice.
False
	a. Consumer representatives never have any effect on a standard.
	b. There is no need for consumer input into standards development until a draft is available.
	c. Consumer input is normally restricted to consideration of instructions.
	e. Providing information how products are used in practice and common types of misuse is best left to the manufacturer to decide.

2) Consumer contributions to a standard mainly address which of the following 7 aspects?
correct list
	a. Scope of the standard
	c. Instructions for Use
	d. Ensuring safety issues are properly addressed
	e. Providing information about how the product or service is actually used and common misuse
	f. Performance criteria
not included
	b. The details of a test method
	g. Details of materials used

3) Which 4 standards in the following list could directly improve consumer protection?
correct list
	a. The ISO member body (NSB) in your country
	c. A national member of Consumers International (CI)
	d. International and regional consumer associations
	g. The ISO Committee on Consumer Policy (ISO/COPOLCO)
not included
	b. A local consumer organization
	e. Government departments
	f. Trade associations

Issues for Consideration
	What are the difficulties that consumer representatives, in particular, may have in representing their stakeholder group? Which of these difficulties are more relevant in your country? How might you start to address them?

	Section 3.3 of this module considers some of the difficulties frequently encountered. Below are some of the ways that a consumer organization can start to become involved in standards development. Encouraging regular consultation between the NSB and consumers on policy matters. Aiming for Consumer representative on the management board of the NSB or the group which considers strategy and priorities. Aiming for Consumer representation on a couple of committees producing national standards of priority interest to consumers, and working towards consumer representation on these. Aiming for Consumer representation on one or two national "mirror" committees for international standardization work of priority interest to consumers Participation in one international technical committee as part of the national delegation Ensuring your NSB is a member of ISO/COPOLCO and forwards relevant information and consultations to you Aiming for Consumer representation internationally: as members of national delegations, or as representatives of Consumers International.
	Which would be relevant to you in your situation? What might the appropriate strategy be in your country?

4. What are consumers’ interests and how does ISO address them?