International Nondestructive Testing Standards

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and its objectives are described. ISO Technical Committee (TC) 135 on Nondestructive Testing is the committee responsible for developing nondestructive testing (NDT) standards. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is the United States member body of ISO. Its activities and organization are explained. The scope and structure of ISO/TC 135 is reviewed, as well as its liaison with a number of other TCs and international organizations having an interest in NDT standards. The United States participates in ISO/TC 135 through the activities of its Technical Advisory Group (TAG) for ISO/TC 135 which also is ASTM Subcommittee E07.91, USA Committee for ISO TC/135, of ASTM Committee E-7 on Nondestructive Testing. Its representation, organization, operating procedures, and activities are reviewed. The steps for developing an ISO standard from the draft document in the working group through its approval by ISO Council is covered. The present status of ISO international standards, draft ISO standards, and draft proposals in the NDT area are provided. The importance of international standards and their effect on trade and related activities is covered briefly.