Standards
Some companies develop their own standards to cover dimensions and other specifications of products.
They may even have their own product quality standards and call them by trademarked names.
This type of standard is called an 'enterprise standard', because it only applies to the enterprise that developed it.
Other standards are developed by recognised bodies that consult with industry people, end users and government authorities. The two organisations most prominent in Australia are:
- Standards Australia, which produces the Australian Standards (prefixed with 'AS')
- International Organization for Standardization, which produces International Standards (prefixed with 'ISO').
This document sets out the technical requirements for all areas of building, from design through to construction.
It is produced by the Australian Building Codes Board, and has many cross references to particular Australian Standards.
This means that if your contract with a client says that you will comply with AS/NZS (Australian Standard / New Zealand Standard) 4386.1: Domestic kitchen assemblies, then you are required by law to meet the specifications contained in that standard.
Some common industry standards
Sometimes people use the term 'standard' to simply refer to common ways of doing things. These sorts of standards are not formal requirements, but just 'good practice' accepted by the industry. They only become legally binding when you state the actual measurements into your specification document.
Kickboard height: 150 mm + 50 mm
Bench top height: 900 + 20 mm
Floor unit height: 720 + 1 mm - 4 mm (not including kickboard)
Floor unit depth: 580 (door handles excluded)
Wall unit height: 720 + 1 mm - 4 mm
Wall unit depth: up to 350mm (door handles excluded)
Splashback height above sink: 450 mm minimum, or 600 mm if there is a wall unit above
Splashback height above electric cook top: 600mm minimum.
Learning activity
Audio 8 (mp3 |6|KB)What types of 'enterprise standards' does your company have in place? For instance, do you have set heights and dimensions for particular designs of units? Are there specifications for hinge placements and other fittings?
Make a list of some of the more common enterprise standards that you follow in your day-to-day work. Share your answers with your trainer and other learners in your group.