1. SCOPE

1.1 This standard covers the practices which consensus standard committees should follow when defining terms.

2. REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

2.1 Current unabridged dictionary of the American language i.e. "New World Dictionary of the American Language", Webster

2.2 "Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms", McGraw Hill 4th edition or most recent.

2.3 "Compilation of ASTM Standard Definitions", 8th edition or most recent. (ASTM E 2 on Terminology)

3. TERMINOLOGY

3.1 Terms contained in either 2.1 or 2.2 should not be listed in any consensus standard committee's terminology standard unless the term requires greater clarification.

3.2 This standard should be referenced in all consensus standards (ANSI, ASTM, etc.) which list key words.

3.3 All terms, which define materials properties that affect public safety, have a single uniform definition in 2.3. These terms should be reviewed by both the ASTM committee affected and representatives of the public (government agencies, safety, organization, etc.) in order to obtain a single consensus definition of the terms.

4. SIGNIFICANCE & USE

4.1 This standard will prevent many of the problems that exist in ASTM terminology Standards where terms, which are adequately defined in either a standard or scientific dictionary, are redefined in a Terminology Standard. Terms in ASTM committees having Terminology Standards are automatically listed in 2.3.

4.2 Conflicting definitions of materials properties, which affect safety, are not in the public's interest. Uniform definitions, based on the consensus of the affected parties, will eliminate this problem.

5. KEYWORDS

5.1 Safety, public Safety, Uniform Definitions, Standard terms (2.1 & 2.2), ASTM Standard Definitions

Ref: Meserlian, Donald C. "Letter to Editor", ASTM Standardization News, October 1997 (International Acceptance of ASTM Standards)

For comments contact the author: D.C. Meserlian, P.E.
Ph. 973/228-2258, Fax 973/228-0276