While ISO standards are widely recognised for ensuring quality and compliance, the large number of standards includes some that might seem unusual at first glance. From tea preparation to wine-tasting glasses, these standards highlight the depth and specificity of ISO’s work across industries.
The role of International Standards
ISO standards play an indispensable role in international trade, ensuring consistency and quality across products and services. They serve as benchmarks in heavily regulated industries like healthcare, energy, aerospace, transportation, insurance, and banking. By aligning products and services to international standards, organisations can improve customer experiences and build trust.
For many industries, ISO certification is a prerequisite for working with contractors and manufacturers. This ensures that all products meet the same high standards, protecting reputations and maintaining quality across the supply chain.
Widely used ISO Standards
Some ISO standards are well-known and widely adopted, including:
- ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management Systems
- ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental Management Systems
- ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
- ISO 50001:2018 – Energy Management Systems
- ISO/IEC 27001:2022 – Information Security Management Systems
These standards provide structured frameworks to help organisations deliver high-quality products and services consistently.
Unusual ISO Standards you might not expect
While most ISO standards focus on serious and high-level processes, a few stand out for their unique and unexpected applications:
- ISO 3103:2019 – Tea Preparation for Sensory Tests
This standard outlines a precise method for brewing loose-leaf tea, including details like cup and teapot sizes, water quantities, and optimal brewing temperatures. While it may seem quirky, this standard ensures consistent flavor and strength, which is critical for tea manufacturers aiming to maintain quality.
- ISO 2846-1:2017 – Graphic Technology: Colour and Transparency
Focused on the transparency of printing inks, this standard is highly specialised and often overlooked outside the design and printing industries. It ensures best practices in color reproduction, helping organisations maintain consistency in their printed materials.
- ISO 7250-1:2017 – Basic Human Body Measurements for Technological Design
This standard provides a set of body measurements used in designing products that need to fit people precisely. It’s applied in areas like ergonomic furniture, personal protective equipment (PPE), and clothing design, ensuring products are both functional and comfortable.
- ISO 10218-2:2011 – Safety Requirements for Industrial Robots
While it might sound like science fiction, this standard addresses the safety of industrial robots. It outlines specific requirements for designing and integrating robots into manufacturing processes, ensuring they operate safely alongside human workers.
Every standard has a purpose
While some ISO standards may appear unusual, each serves a specific purpose and is backed by expert committees. These standards reflect the wide needs of industries and the importance of consistency in even the most niche areas.
Does your team require training on a specific or unusual standard? Our expert course developers can create custom training programmes customised to your needs.