This document comprises and compiles the operating procedures for the B11 Standards Development Committee (SDC) and is designed to comply with the updated ANSI Essential Requirements: Due process requirements for American National Standards, and the ANSI Procedures for the Registration of Technical Reports, as well as implement suggestions included in the 2019 ANSI audit of the B11 standards development program. These operating procedures are periodically updated, procedurally processed and approved by the ANSI Executive Standards Council to reflect the changes made to the constantly evolving ANSI Essential Requirements.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this document is twofold: 1) provide the B11 Standards Development Committee (SDC) and B11 Subcommittee Members with a concise overview of the role and function of the B11 SDC and its Subcommittees as they operate within the ANSI voluntary consensus standards development system; and 2) provide them with a procedural resource on the process of introducing an American National Standard and the rules that must be followed to maintain their accreditation. As an aid to understanding how the B11 SDC operates as an accredited committee within the ANSI system, the following overview is provided.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private non-profit federation of the nation's leading trade, technical and professional organizations, corporations, government agencies, organized labor and consumer groups engaged in or concerned with developing and promulgating national standards. There are many thousands of consensus standards approved by ANSI that provide requirements or guidance on subjects from crayons to surgical instruments to machines.

ANSI is not a government agency, nor does it write or publish national consensus standards. Rather, it coordinates and harmonizes the development and writing of consensus standards by those outside constituent organizations with ANSI approval and accreditation to do so. Coordination of the voluntary development of consensus standards is accomplished by:

· assisting participants in the voluntary system to reach agreements on standards needs and priorities;

· arranging for competent organizations to undertake standards development work;

· providing fair and effective procedures for standards development;

· ensuring procedures, rules and processes are followed by standards developers;

· resolving conflicts and preventing duplication of effort.

ANSI remains the autonomous umbrella standards body that provides consensus procedures and the formal process by which groups like the B11 SDC, and B11 Standards, Inc. as the ANSI Accredited Standards Developing Organization (ASD or SDO), respectively, may develop, write and process standards for ANSI approval as American National Standards. In attempting to coordinate and harmonize voluntary standards, B11 Standards, Inc. administers the principles of consensus, openness, balance, due process and a means for appeal, as detailed under clause 2 of the ANSI Essential Requirements.

Before a B11 draft standard can be submitted to ANSI for approval, it must be reviewed within two arenas. The draft is first subjected to an official review and letter ballot of the B11 SDC (the recognized consensus body) and then it must be made available for Public Review for a period of forty-five days. These two reviews can be solicited and conducted concurrently. This decision rests with the respective B11 Subcommittee Chairperson, with input from the Secretariat.

It is only after the B11 draft has undergone review within these two arenas that B11 Standards, Inc. (as the ASD) can establish a case before the ANSI Board of Standards Review (BSR) that all possible means of due process have been faithfully carried out in achieving the best possible consensus between the B11 SDC and the public at large.

THE B11 STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE – HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

The project on Safety Standard for Power Presses, B11, was initiated under the procedures of the American Engineering Standards Committee (founded in 1918, which then became the American Standards Association in 1928, and in 1969 the American National Standards Institute - ANSI), with the National Safety Council as sponsor. The first standard, bearing the title Safety Code for Power Presses and Foot and Hand Presses, was developed by Sectional Committee B11 and was approved on November 13, 1922. Only two purposes of that “code” were listed. The first and primary use was for state industrial commissions in developing their workplace codes. The second use was as an operating guide for users operating press production systems. Revisions of the first B11 standard were issued in 1926, 1937, 1948, 1960, 1971, 1982, 1988, 2001 and 2009. The scope and title of the B11.1 Standard changed several times between 1922 and 2009.

After the reorganization and formation of ANSI, when very few organizations wished to take on this responsibility, ANSI formed a number of standards committees under its structure to address a need for standards in particular industries. In the 1980’s these committees were spun out from under ANSI’s organizational structure and required to have a sponsoring organization (the Secretariat) and to become separately accredited entities. AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology - assumed this activity from the National Safety Council and became the ANSI-accredited Standards Developing Organization (SDO) for the B11 series of safety standards for machines and the Secretariat for the B11 Accredited Standards Committee (ASC B11). This ASC was formed and accredited by ANSI in the early 1970’s. AMT was also accredited by ANSI as the United States Technical Advisory Group (TAG) Administrator to two International Standards Organization (ISO) Technical Committees (TC): ISO/TC199 on Machinery Safety in 1991 and ISO/TC39 /SC10 on Machine Tool Safety in 2003. In 2010, AMT relinquished its role as an ANSI-accredited SDO and TAG Administrator and transitioned these same roles and responsibilities to B11 Standards, Inc., which applied for and received ANSI-accreditation as the new Accredited Standards Developer (ASD) for the ASC B11 and the B11 series of machine safety documents. Note that this transition changed the status from ASC B11 to the B11 Standards Development Committee (formally acknowledged in 2019) – the ANSI-accreditation now lies solely with B11 Standards, Inc.

The B11 series of machine safety standards traditionally has maintained recognition as a resource of standards language for such U.S. government agencies as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Department of Defense (DoD). Many B11 Standards already serve as guidelines for present OSHA rules, and it is anticipated they will continue to serve as the focal point for future rulemaking. Presently, the DoD has adopted published B11 safety standards as their benchmark for machine safety, which implies that any new B11 safety standards or revisions to existing B11 standards will be well received.

The primary objective of each B11 safety standard is to help eliminate injuries to personnel associated with the machine by establishing requirements for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the machine. To accomplish this objective, the B11 Standards Development Committee (B11 SDC) first identifies the need for, then establishes a standard (or technical report) writing Subcommittee. The task of a B11 Subcommittee is to develop a draft standard that reflects the state of the art for a specific machine, groups of machines or a machine safety concept, using an emphasis on goal-oriented or performance-type language with a minimum of specifications. With the passage of Public Law 91-596 (The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970) and the creation of the Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA), that Agency was allowed to adopt the then existing voluntary consensus standards as regulatory requirements. The 1971 version of B11.1 was one such standard that became the basis for 29 CFR 1910.212. Subsequent to that, the B11 SDC has created over thirty standards and technical reports within their general scope of safety of machines. The B11 SDC is comprised of a diverse variety of organizations representing different interest groups having a substantial interest with, and competence in, the overall B11 scope. It is recognized by ANSI as the body that evaluates final draft standards (or technical reports) developed by B11 Subcommittees, determines whether a consensus exists for these documents, and recommends them to the ANSI Board of Standards Review as American National Standards (or Technical Reports).

The B11 SDC has attempted to harmonize its standards internally across the series by adopting a common format and dealing with recurring topics consistently (e.g., responsibilities and risk assessment). This can prove challenging when individual writing subcommittees meet to begin revisions and attempt to continuously improve on the work of those before them; as one can easily imagine, it does not take long for inconsistencies to develop. For that reason (and many others, such as more efficient administration and most importantly, ease of the actual use of these safety standards), the B11 SDC has developed a systematized approach to its series of safety standards (similar to the ISO and CEN approach of producing Type-A, Type-B and Type-C standards). The B11 SDC has adopted ISO 12100:2010 as an American National Standard in 2012. ISO 12100 was an editorial-only combination of ISO 12100-1:2003, ISO 12100-2:2003 and ISO 14121:2007. It is important to note that while this standard shows a 2010 date, it has been changed very little since its inception as EN 1050 and EN 292 parts 1 and 2, respectively, so in effect, this 2010 international standard is practically, some 25 years old. More importantly, the B11 SDC constituted a new Subcommittee that has developed its own “type-A” standard which was initially approved in 2008 as a new American National Standard, using the ISO work as a starting point. ANSI B11.GSR-2008 – General Safety Requirements Common to B11 Machines took a great deal of the common language and ‘boilerplate’ elements out of the existing two dozen so-called “type-C” B11 standards. In addition, it combined task-based hazard identification with risk assessment and risk reduction, providing invaluable tools that designers and users of machinery must utilize in order to manage hazards and reduce risks to an acceptable level. Going forward then, the intent was for all future revisions of the individual B11 standards to only address the specific and unique features and safety considerations germane to that particular machine. This seminal type-A standard was revised in 2010 and re-designated ANSI B11.0 – Safety of Machinery – General Requirements and Risk Assessment, and not only incorporated ANSI B11.TR3-2000 (risk assessment and risk reduction) but also, some of ANSI B15.1-2000 (R08) – Mechanical Power Transmission Apparatus standard. This standard was revised again in 2015 and retitled: ANSI B11.0 – Safety of Machinery. ANSI B11.0 was revised once more into the current 2020 edition.

The B11 SDC ‘expectation’ is for the standard user to use the ANSI B11.0 standard, along with the “type-B” B11 safeguarding standard (ANSI B11.19, now titled Performance Requirements for Risk Reduction Measures) and whatever individual “type-C” machine safety standard that is appropriate for a particular application. The series of ANSI B11 Technical Reports also provide substantial added value and will remain intact under this reorganization plan. The entire B11 series of Technical Reports are all considered “type-B” documents and are valuable additions to the B11 series of American National Standards.

OPERATING PROCEDURES of the B11 STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Approved: 18 October 2019

1 GENERAL

These procedures meet the requirements for due process, openness, balance and development of consensus for approval of American National Standards as described in the document: ANSI Essential Requirements: Due process requirements for American National Standards (latest version; henceforward, simply ANSI Essential Requirements). Consensus means substantial agreement has been reached by directly and materially affected interests. This signifies the concurrence of more than a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity. Consensus requires that all views and objections be considered, and that an effort be made toward their resolution. A means to appeal must exist for unresolved objections.

On questions of parliamentary procedure not covered in these procedures, Robert's Rules of Order (latest edition) may be used to expedite due process.

Note: Where reference to a section (§) number is found, it will be to a particular section within these operating procedures unless specifically referencing the reader to the ANSI Essential Requirements.

1.1 Purpose

The purpose of the B11 Standards Development Committee (B11 SDC) is to develop and administer American National Standards and Technical Reports for approval or registration, respectively, by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Board of Standards Review.

American National Standards and Technical Reports in the B11 series elaborate, or otherwise provide guidelines on, the safety requirements for a specified (set of) machine(s) or specified aspect of machinery safety that reflects the state of the art for a specific machine or aspect of machine safety.

1.2 Scope

The scope of the B11 SDC is “Standardization of concepts, general principles and requirements for safety of machinery incorporating terminology, methodology, and risk reduction measures for new, existing, modified or rebuilt power driven industrial and commercial machinery, not portable by hand while working. This includes associated equipment that may be used in the production system.”

2 THE B11 STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (B11 SDC)

2.1 Organization

The B11 SDC will consist of its members and Secretariat. It will have a title, scope, and an interest category system for its members. The membership will be sufficiently diverse to ensure reasonable balance.

2.1.1 Officers

a) There will be a Chairperson and a Vice-Chairperson appointed by the Secretariat and affirmed by the B11 SDC;

b) Officers automatically become B11 SDC Members if they are not already;

c) The Vice-Chairperson will carry out the Chairperson's duties if the Chairperson is unable to do so;

d) Officers unable to continue their term will be replaced by the Secretariat and serve the remainder of their predecessor’s term;

e) An Officer may be removed from office by either the Secretariat or by a two-thirds percent vote of the B11 SDC;

f) The length of term for each Officer shall be four years; appointed Officers may be reaffirmed indefinitely.

g) The Officer’s term will begin the meeting that follows the appointment.

2.1.2 Executive Committee

The B11 Executive Committee will consist of the B11 SDC Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Secretariat.

2.1.3 Secretariat

The Secretariat of the B11 SDC is B11 Standards Inc.

2.1.4 Steering Committee

A B11 Steering Committee will be established at the discretion of the Secretariat. The Steering Committee serves as an advisory committee to the Secretariat and the B11 SDC Chairperson. Its membership will consist of the B11 SDC Chairperson, Vice–Chairperson, a representative of the Secretariat and other such B11 SDC Members or others as agreed upon by the B11 Executive Committee Members, but not to exceed a total of thirteen persons.

The B11 Steering Committee will meet at the request of the Executive Committee or Secretariat, or by petition of three or more of its members. They will review and provide comments for consideration by the Secretariat and the B11 SDC Chairperson on subjects that are determined by the Executive Committee or Secretariat, and may entertain other topics that other members of the Steering Committee or the B11 SDC would like reviewed.

The B11 SDC Chairperson will serve as the Chairperson of the Steering Committee.

2.1.5 Task Groups

B11 SDC Ad Hoc Task Groups may be formed by approval of the B11 Steering or Executive Committees. Such Task Groups should have a defined scope and an approximate timetable for completion of their assigned task, after which the ad hoc Task Group will automatically dissolve.

2.2 Responsibilities

2.2.1 Standards Development Committee

The B11 SDC Members will be responsible for:

a) managing the development of proposed B11 standards and technical reports within its scope and assigned to the B11 Subcommittees. This includes the revision, reaffirmation or withdrawal (upon consultation from the Secretariat) of American National Standards;

b) voting on approval of proposed (candidate) B11 standards developed by its Subcommittees;

c) maintaining the B11 standards and technical reports developed by its Subcommittees in accordance with §4.7 of the ANSI Essential Requirements;

d) approval of reaffirmations or authorization of revisions or new work items for development;

e) considering/adopting pertinent ISO standards as American National Standards;

f) addition / termination of B11 SDC Members;

g) prompt payment of annual membership dues;

h) complying with B11 SDC operating procedures and revisions thereof;

i) considering and acting on proposals for termination of the B11 SDC (§2.6);

j) observing ethical conduct or principled standards of behavior or action;

k) strictly observing rules regarding antitrust (§5.4);

l) other matters requiring B11 SDC action as provided in these procedures.

2.2.2 Officers

The Chairperson (or the Vice-Chairperson in his/her absence) is responsible for:

a) providing direction and leadership needed to make the work of the B11 SDC and its Subcommittee(s) successful; and

b) chairing all B11 SDC and B11 Steering Committee meetings.

2.2.3 Executive Committee

The B11 Executive Committee’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

a) work with the Secretariat as needed to direct or control the activities of each B11 Subcommittee;

b) work with the Secretariat to designate a Subcommittee Chairperson;

c) assure fair and equitable consideration of all viewpoints at B11 SDC meetings;

d) decide Subcommittee appeals of a scope change denial by the B11 Steering Committee;

e) resolution of instances of B11 SDC Voting Group imbalance;

f) approval of additional Subcommittee Members (once the membership has been capped - §3.3);

g) Select an appeals panel (§7.1.4);

h) decide disposition of B11 SDC Members found in habitual default of their obligations;

i) resolve any other disputes, issues or problems as outlined or implied in these procedures.

2.2.4 Steering Committee

The B11 Steering Committee’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

a) recommendation of short and long-term goals and priorities for the B11 SDC;

b) recommendation or approval of B11 SDC ad hoc Task Groups;

c) review and approval or disapproval of standard or technical report scope changes;

d) approval of revisions to the B11 SDC operating procedures;

e) other tasks as may be assigned by the B11 Executive Committee.

2.3 Membership

Members of the B11 SDC will consist of organizations (preferably national in scope), companies, government agencies, unions, associations, insurance industry/groups, technical societies, machinery and equipment manufacturers, and machinery users or other entities having a direct and material interest in the activities of the B11 SDC.

B11 Standards, Inc. is not a membership organization and so there are no requirements (or possibility) for B11 SDC Members (or any of the individual members of its Subcommittees) to become members of B11 Standards, Inc.

The addition of B11 SDC Members will be subject to approval by vote of the B11 SDC after their application has been processed in accordance with §2.3.1, or the membership reviewed in accordance with §2.3.7.

2.3.1 Application

A request for membership in the B11 SDC will be addressed to the Secretariat, will indicate the applicant's direct and material interest in the B11 SDC’s work, and qualifications and willingness to participate actively. If the applicant is an organization, company, or government agency, it will identify a Delegate, an Alternate (mandatory), and a contact person (optional) within the organization as representatives of the applicant. The contact person can be the Delegate or Alternate.

The Secretariat will send a Voting Group Interest Survey form (see §2.4.1) for completion by the applicant designating which B11 standards activities the applicant has a direct and material interest in.

The Voting Group Interest Survey form and ‘application’ will be returned to the Secretariat within 30 days and will be included as part of the application for membership.

2.3.2 Recommendation

In recommending appropriate action to the B11 SDC on applications for membership, the Secretariat will primarily consider the:

a) need for active participation by an interest category in each standard activity;

b) potential for lack of balance in each standard or Voting Group;

c) extent of interest expressed by the applicant and the applicant's willingness to participate actively;

d) qualifications of representatives identified by the applicant organization, company, or government agency.

The Secretariat may consider reasonable limits on the size of the B11 SDC.

2.3.3 Diverse Interests

If distinct divisions of a single organization can demonstrate independent interests and authority to make independent decisions in the area of the activity of the B11 SDC, each may apply for membership.

2.3.4 Combined Interests

The same individual may only ‘permanently’ represent one Member organization on the B11 SDC as either its Delegate or its Alternate (see also §6.3). When appropriate, the Secretariat may recommend that the applicant consider seeking representation through an organization that is already a member of the B11 SDC and represents the same or similar interest(s).

2.3.5 Observers and Individual Experts

Individuals and organizations who have an interest in the work of the B11 SDC may request listing as observers. The B11 SDC may also select individual experts to assist it. Observers and individual experts will be advised of the B11 SDC activities, may attend meetings, and may submit comments for consideration, but will have no vote in B11 SDC matters.

2.3.6 Membership Roster

The Secretariat will maintain a current and accurate B11 SDC roster and will distribute an updated roster to the members on request. The membership roster will include the following:

a) Title of the B11 SDC and its designation;

b) Scope of the B11 SDC;

c) Secretariat - name of organization, name of the technical and administrative representatives, and contact information;

d) Officers - Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson;

e) Members - name of organization or agency, its Delegate, Alternate, and contact person (as applicable), address, phone, fax, email numbers, and business affiliations; or name, address, and business affiliation of individual member(s); and

f) Interest Category of each member.

2.3.7 Review of Membership

The Secretariat will review the B11 SDC membership list annually with respect to the criteria of §2.2.1. Members are expected to fulfill obligations of active participation and conduct. Where a member is found in habitual default of these obligations, the Secretariat will so notify the member. Should that default continue beyond two subsequent actions requiring the attention of the B11 SDC Members, the Secretariat will provide notification advising the Member of their habitual default and allow a 30 day period to either respond or remedy the default otherwise the Membership of the organization will be terminated.

2.4 Interest Categories

All appropriate interests that might be directly and materially affected by the standards activity of the B11 SDC will have the opportunity for fair and equitable participation without dominance by any single interest category, individual or organization. The interest categories may be revised upon recommendation by the B11 Secretariat and subsequent vote of the B11 SDC.

Each B11 SDC Member will indicate an interest category as appropriate and in accordance with the B11 SDC’s established categories as specified below (see also §2.3 of the ANSI Essential Requirements):

Manufacturer

Government Agency

User

Professional Society

Association

Insurance

Industrial / Commercial

Labor

Distributor / Retailer

Testing Laboratory

Integrator

Other

The B11 SDC does not define the interest categories listed above any differently than that found in any common dictionary, however, for convenience, they are as follows:

Manufacturer: one that manufactures; especially an employer of workers in manufacturing, or one who represents the manufacturing interests.

User: one that uses; in the context of machine safety, an individual, corporation, partnership other legal entity or form of business that utilizes a machine, machine production system or related equipment.

Association: an organization founded and funded by businesses that operate in a specific industry. An industry association participates in public relations activities such as advertising, education, political donations, lobbying and publishing, but its main focus is collaboration between companies, or standardization or advocacy on behalf of its member organizations. Associations may offer other services, such as producing conferences, networking or charitable events or offering classes or educational materials. Many associations are non-profit organizations governed by bylaws and directed by Officers who are also Members.

Industrial/Commercial: a company that is engaged in industrial production or service, or one which is occupied with or engaged in commerce or work intended for commerce.

Distributor/Retailer: one that distributes or markets a commodity at either wholesale and/or retail prices.

Government Agency: a permanent or semi-permanent organization in the machinery of government that is responsible for the oversight and administration of specific functions.

Professional Society: a typically non-profit organization seeking to further a particular profession, and the interests of individuals engaged in that profession, and the public interest.

Insurance: a company, organization or industry that provides coverage by contract whereby one party undertakes to indemnify or guarantee another against loss by a specified contingency or peril.

Labor: an organization of workers who have banded together to achieve common goals such as better working conditions. Labor, through its leadership, bargains with the employer on behalf of union members and negotiates labor contracts (collective bargaining) with employers. This may include the negotiation of wages, work rules, complaint procedures, rules governing hiring, firing and promotion of workers, benefits, workplace safety and policies. The agreements negotiated by the union leaders are binding on the rank and file members and the employer, and in some cases, on other non-member workers.

Testing Laboratory: a testing facility recognized by OSHA as a primarily private sector organization that provides product safety testing and certification services to manufacturers. The testing and certification is done, for purposes of the Program, to U.S. consensus-based product safety test standards. These test standards are not developed or issued by OSHA, but are issued by U.S. standards organizations, such as ANSI. The range of products covered by the Program is limited to those items for which OSHA safety standards require "certification" by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL).

Integrator: An entity that designs, provides, manufactures or assembles a machine, its associated machines or equipment, the safeguarding, control interfaces, interconnections or the control system into a machinery system.

Other: An entity not adequately covered by any of the above interest categories.

2.5 Voting Groups

The purpose of a Voting Group is to approve, disapprove, reaffirm, or withdraw new, revised, or current B11 standards. A Voting Group consists of B11 SDC Members who have an interest in a particular standard. The results of the Voting Group Survey will define the Voting Groups for B11 standards, provided that the Voting Group is sufficiently diverse and meets the ANSI definition of balance in §2.5.1.

2.5.1 Voting Group Balance

Historically the criteria for balance are that a) no single interest category constitutes more than one‑third of the membership of a consensus body dealing with safety-related standards or b) no single interest category constitutes a majority of the membership of a consensus body dealing with other than safety-related standards. Since the B11 SDC is concerned with safety standards, definition (a) applies.

2.5.2 Voting Group Survey

The Secretariat will review Voting Groups on an annual basis so as to ascertain the diversity and balance of these Voting Groups by distributing to its membership an annual Voting Group Survey for the purpose of establishing Voting Groups from its full membership roster. Since not all B11 SDC Members are equally interested in all B11 standards, the results of the survey will indicate which members have an interest in voting on which B11 standards. Subsequently, official ballots are sent to only those organizations that have registered an interest in voting on a particular B11 standard. This convention is NOT intended as exclusionary, it is simply to avoid confusion and overly burdensome paperwork to B11 SDC Members (who can request to be added or deleted to any individual Subcommittee at any point in time). B11 SDC Voting issues not related to particular B11 standards will be distributed to the entire B11 SDC.

2.6 Termination of the B11 SDC

A proposal to terminate the B11 SDC may be made by a directly and materially affected interest. The proposal will be submitted in writing to the B11 Secretariat and will include at least the following:

a) reason(s) why the B11 SDC should be terminated;

b) the name(s) of the organization(s) that will assume responsibility for maintenance of any existing American National Standard(s) and Technical Report(s) that are the responsibility of the B11 SDC.

If it appears, after discussion among the proponent of the action and the Secretariat that the desired objective(s) can best be reached by termination, the proposal and supporting documentation will be submitted to the B11 SDC with a letter ballot to terminate the B11 SDC and transfer responsibility, as appropriate, for the affected standard(s) and technical report(s). Concurrently, the proposal will be announced in Standards Action for public review.

3 B11 SUBCOMMITTEES CREATED BY THE B11 SDC

The purpose of a B11 Subcommittee is to:

a) develop a draft American National Standard covering a specified (set of) machine(s) or specified aspect of machine safety that reflects the state of the art for a specific machine or aspect of machine safety; or

b) develop informative guidance in the form of a draft technical report covering a specified (set of) machine(s) or specified aspect of machine safety that reflects the state of the art for a specific machine or aspect of machine safety; or

c) review / vote / participate in the revision of CEN-developed machine tool safety standards revised under ISO lead through ISO/TC 39, Subcommittee 10; or

d) recommend ISO standards (from ISO/TC 199) for adoption as American National Standards (through the B11.TC 199 Subcommittee).

The objective of a standard should be to set goal-oriented or performance-type language with a minimal emphasis on specifications. The objective of a technical report should be to provide expert guidance or guidelines in an area or aspect of machinery safety.

Each B11 Subcommittee formed by the B11 SDC is an autonomous body under the direction and control of the B11 SDC. Subcommittees are otherwise free to establish meeting agendas and goals, timetables, and ad hoc working groups to expedite the work of the Subcommittee, as long as these are in overall conformance to the Subcommittee’s scope of work.

3.1 Formation and Organization

After identification of the need for a B11 standard or technical report, any member of the B11 SDC may petition the Secretariat in writing for its formation, outlining the scope of the anticipated standard or technical report and justifying the perceived need. The Secretariat will then coordinate a vote by the B11 SDC on the subject. Formation of a B11 Subcommittee requires approval by a vote of B11 SDC Members (the Secretariat will abstain from voting). Any substantive changes to a standard scope will be incorporated by the Secretariat and the vote will be re-cast; approval is again subject to a vote of the B11 SDC.

Subsequent to the B11 SDC approval process, a Project Initiation Notification System (PINS) form will be filed with ANSI by the Secretariat for publication in Standards Action. Actual Subcommittee formation will require timely resolution of any negative public comments by an ad hoc committee composed of the B11 Executive Committee, the original petitioner and the Subcommittee Chairperson (if the Secretariat has already designated one at this stage).

The Secretariat shall comply with the requirements related to the PINS process and contained in §2.5 of the ANSI Essential Requirements.

Once a B11 Subcommittee’s formation has been approved, the Secretariat will coordinate a meeting to organize the writing members, appoint a Chairperson in consultation with the B11 Executive Committee (if not already done), and a Subcommittee secretary (which can be the Secretariat). At this initial meeting, Subcommittee participants will review and concur with the scope previously developed. Any substantive changes to the scope of the standard requested by the Subcommittee will be submitted to the B11 Steering Committee to be approved (or disallowed) by a majority vote. Any appeals will be decided by the B11 Executive Committee.

Substantive changes to a standard scope are not exclusive to the Subcommittee formative stage but can also be made at any time during the document development cycle, provided the procedure outlined above is followed and opportunity for public comment is afforded.

3.2 Responsibilities

3.2.1 Responsibilities of the Subcommittee Chairperson

The responsibility of each B11 Subcommittee Chairperson includes, but is not limited to, the following:

a) encourage dialog, input and participation in document development at Subcommittee meetings;

b) conduct B11 Subcommittee meetings in an orderly and productive manner;

c) afford the different interests on the Subcommittee the opportunity for fair and equitable participation;

d) Remain within the scope of the drafting project and conform to direction from the B11 SDC regarding structure, format or other integration initiatives, or petition the B11 SDC for variance(s);

e) determine when that dialog becomes non-productive, and re-focus the energies of the Subcommittee participants;

f) help determine whether a change, in response to comments received on a draft standard constitutes a substantive change;

g) work with the Secretariat to mutually determine an appropriate meeting/work schedule in order to meet ANSI and/or B11 SDC deadlines; and

h) derive the list of Subcommittee Member names for inclusion in the published standard or technical report.

3.2.2 Responsibilities of the Subcommittee

The responsibility of each B11 Subcommittee (the Chairperson being accountable) will be to:

a) develop the definitive / technical content of an assigned standard or technical report;

b) respond or comply with direction from the Subcommittee Chairperson, the Secretariat or the B11 Executive Committee; and

c) consider and respond to issues, views, and objections resulting from letter ballots, requests for interpretation, Standards Action activity, and any other “official” request for consideration.

3.2.3 Responsibilities of Subcommittee Members

The responsibility of each B11 Subcommittee Member will be to:

a) attend as many meetings as possible, and prepare for the meeting (review relevant documents, complete action item assignments, etc.) ahead of time;

b) be ready and willing to accept homework (action item) assignments;

c) assume an approach of compromise as opposed to confrontation;

d) support a policy of openness and encourage face-to-face, or otherwise direct handling of dissenting points of view;

e) become knowledgeable about the ANSI procedural steps that are going to impact on the Subcommittee draft;

f) advocate principles or requirements that will enhance the safety of persons or advance the responsibility of organizations to achieve that goal, and NOT to promote or inhibit the use of any one product, service or company;

g) apprise the Secretariat of any changes in personal contact information (address, phone, fax, email, etc.); and

h) strictly observe rules regarding antitrust (§5.4).

3.3 Membership

Subcommittee membership will be open to anyone with a direct and material interest in the subject of a standard or technical report.

Since the minimal voting that may periodically occur on occasion at the Subcommittee level is informal, the Secretariat makes no distinction between the category of “members” versus “observers.”

In general (and historically), there has been no need to limit the size of a writing Subcommittee. There are, however, realistic limits before work within a given group becomes unwieldy or impractical. The Subcommittee Chairperson and B11 Executive Committee together have the authority to cap Subcommittee membership at a reasonable size by notifying the Secretariat (see also §5.2). Persons expressing interest after Subcommittee membership has been capped must petition the Secretariat including justification for their addition to a “full” Subcommittee. Approval of membership status is then subject to a vote of the B11 Executive Committee. The degree of the petitioner’s direct and material interest, as well as the issue of dominance, shall figure prominently in their consideration.

Draft standards or technical reports, meeting notices and meeting reports of the previous meeting will be distributed by the Secretariat to all listed Subcommittee Members. Any listed person not attending at least one meeting of an active Subcommittee per year may be dropped from the list by the Secretariat (after notification and opportunity for response). Reinstatement as a member in good standing of that particular Subcommittee will require approval by the B11 Steering Committee.

The Chairperson and members of a B11 Subcommittee need not be members of the B11 SDC.

A Subcommittee Member may be barred from participation at any time, for cause, by the B11 Executive Committee, subject to approval by the B11 SDC.

3.4 Diversity

In essence, the B11 Subcommittee represents a technical writing arm of the B11 SDC. To the greatest extent practicable, each Subcommittee should represent a balance of manufacturer and user experts as well as other general interest groups for a particular machine or aspect of machine safety.

Because B11 Subcommittee participation is voluntary and depends on a broad number of diverse variables, there is no requirement for balance, however, it is incumbent upon the Secretariat, either by itself or through the B11 Executive Committee, to be vigilant for and preempt dominance or inappropriate pursuit of a commercial advantage if it does surface at the Subcommittee level.

3.5 Procedures for Developing a Standard or Technical Report

3.5.1 Submittal of Draft Standards

Upon completing the development of a draft standard, the Subcommittee Chairperson will authorize submission of the final draft to the Secretariat for editorial review and submission to the B11 SDC Voting Group for a formal review via official letter ballot. The editorial review will consist only of minor grammatical edits or conformance to the B11 SDC style elements. Changes made beyond those above must go back to the Subcommittee for concurrence before conducting an official B11 SDC Voting Group letter ballot.

The Secretariat will generally submit the final draft to the B11 SDC and solicit public review or comment through ANSI’s Standards Action concurrently.

See also §6.8 for the procedures of recommendation of a final draft as an American National Standard.

3.5.2 Submittal of Draft Technical Reports

Upon completing the development of a draft technical report, the Subcommittee Chairperson will authorize submission of the final draft to the Secretariat for editorial review and consideration of recommendation to ANSI for registration as an ANSI Technical Report. The Secretariat has discretionary authority to submit the draft for comment from the B11 SDC and public review. The resolution of any comments received will be less formal than that required to resolve comments on a draft standard. The editorial review of a draft technical report will consist only of minor grammatical edits or conformance to the B11 SDC style elements. Changes made beyond those mentioned above must go back to the Subcommittee for concurrence before final recommendation to ANSI. See also §6.10 and the ANSI Procedures for the Registration of ANSI Technical Reports.

3.5.3 Informal Review

Prior to formal review and at the Subcommittee Chairperson’s discretion, he/she may submit a draft for an informal public review outside of the writing Subcommittee. This will generally consist of a list of individuals knowledgeable in the provisions and use of the standard, and which may include other B11 Subcommittees or the B11 SDC itself. Upon receipt and consideration of this input, the Subcommittee will finalize the draft standard for formal review.

Informal public review is used to garner informal input on the draft for a variety of reasons and is a process outside of “typical” ANSI (or B11 SDC) due process procedures. The Subcommittee is therefore under no obligation to incorporate, or formally respond to comments received in this process, provided this notification is clearly communicated to recipients upon provision of the draft and solicitation of their comments. The process of informal public review may be conducted more than once.

3.6 Termination

Any B11 Subcommittee may be terminated by a vote of the B11 SDC. Such termination will be due to determination that a need for the standard or technical report no longer exists, or due to lack of adequate participation on the writing Subcommittee.

4 B11 Standards, Inc. as the B11 Secretariat

4.1 Organization

The Secretariat for ANSI B11 SDC activities is B11 Standards, Inc. B11 Standards, Inc. will designate a representative as a member to the overall B11 SDC, the B11 Executive and Steering Committees, and to each B11 Subcommittee. This can be the same individual, or different staff members. B11 Standards, Inc. may also assign an administrative assistant accountable for the administrative responsibilities and duties thereto.

The term “Secretariat” as used throughout these procedures means the combination of B11 Standards, Inc. staff members who are designated by B11 Standards, Inc. with these B11 responsibilities either in whole or in part.

4.2 Responsibilities

The responsibility of the Secretariat includes, but is not limited to, the following:

a) maintain Accredited Standards Developer (ASD) organizational ANSI-accreditation in accordance with the relevant requirements contained in the ANSI Essential Requirements, including submittal to periodic audit of overall procedural conformance by ANSI auditors and payment of annual ANSI dues/membership fees;

b) provide oversight for the B11 SDC and B11 Subcommittee’s compliance with these and ANSI Essential Requirements;

c) organize and management or provide administrative oversight of the B11 Subcommittees;

d) assure fair and equitable consideration of all viewpoints and review both the B11 SDC Voting Groups and B11 Subcommittees at least annually for imbalance or evidence of dominance;

e) maintain a current and accurate roster of the B11 SDC and its Subcommittees, and a list of standards and technical reports for which the B11 SDC is responsible;

f) provide a technical representative and/or administrative assistant to perform oversight activities and the administrative responsibilities and duties, including but not limited to distribution / circulation of:

· meeting notices and arrangements;

· processing of membership requests;

· preparation / distribution of meeting agendas;

· meeting reports;

· ballots;

· draft standards;

· annual Interest Category surveys;

· maintenance of adequate records.

g) review of B11 SDC and Subcommittees for adherence to responsibilities;

h) perform or arrange editorial review of final draft standards and technical reports;

i) initiate new project(s) to develop or revise an American National Standard by submitting to ANSI, a PINS form for registration of same;

j) initiate formal withdrawal of an approved or registered B11 document;

k) conduct B11 SDC informal and formal review and voting of candidate draft standards, as well as coordinate with ANSI (BSR8 form) for the public review and comment period (usually concurrent with the B11 SDC review);

l) submit candidate standards approved by the B11 SDC along with supporting documentation (ANSI BSR9 form), for ANSI BSR review and approval as American National Standards;

m) recommend candidate technical reports approved by the specific B11 SDC writing Subcommittee, along with supporting documentation, for ANSI to register as an ANSI Technical Report;

n) publish ANSI approved or registered B11 standards or technical reports, revisions and addenda (see §4.5 of the ANSI Essential Requirements, as well as the ANSI Procedures for the Registration of ANSI Technical Reports);

o) coordinate and respond to requests for interpretations of the standard(s) or technical report(s) developed by the B11 SDC (§7.2);

p) cause an appointment of either the B11 SDC Chairperson and/or Vice-Chairperson to be conducted, either at a B11 SDC meeting or by letter ballot (§2.1.1);

q) appointment of a B11 writing Subcommittee Chairperson and/or Vice-Chairperson with or without consultation by the B11 Executive Committee;

r) develop revisions to these B11 Operating Procedures as needed or required, and coordinate their subsequent approval by the B11 SDC, and by ANSI;

s) enforce antitrust regulations at B11 meetings or other related functions (§5.4); and

t) perform any other feasible administrative or oversight functions as required by these procedures, by ANSI, or as deemed necessary to accomplish the overall objectives of the B11 SDC.

4.3 Relationship between the B11 SDC and Secretariat

This section covers some matters relevant to the efficient operation of the B11 SDC which are not explicitly covered elsewhere in these procedures.

4.3.1 Copyright Exploitation / Assignment Rights and Dues

B11 Standards, Inc., as the B11 Secretariat and ANSI-accredited Standards Developing Organization, holds the copyrights to all B11 standards and technical reports and claims exploitation rights and entitlement to any / all royalties from the sale of published B11 standards and technical reports, or licensing arrangements with third parties for the publication /distribution of B11 standards and technical reports in either print or electronic media.

In the course of volunteer work performed for B11 Standards, Inc. during development of documents for sale or other distribution, policies, positions etc. (collectively, “Works”), B11 Standards volunteers acknowledge and agree that such Works, in draft and final form, become the property of B11 Standards, Inc. In consideration of being a member of the B11 SDC or any of its Subcommittees or AdHoc Task Groups, each volunteer assigns to B11 Standards, Inc., all rights of ownership of copyright it may have in such Works, whether published or unpublished, and including specifically all rights to the Works in digital and any other format.

The B11 SDC organizational Members pay annual fees to the Secretariat; these revenues, which are determined by the Secretariat and may be revised from time to time, are used to help defray the ANSI administrative costs incurred by the Secretariat in conjunction with the performance of its responsibilities and duties to the B11 community and to ANSI during the development, processing, publication and distribution of B11 standards and technical reports. The B11 SDC organizational “observer” and individual expert members (if any) will be assessed annual fees at 25% of the Corporate Member fees.

4.3.2 Separation

The B11 SDC may vote to terminate itself (see §2.6) in which case the role of Secretariat would automatically be terminated, or it may vote to terminate the current Secretariat organization in favor of an Alternate Secretariat. In such an instance, the status of B11 as an ANSI-accredited Standards Development Committee would cease until such time as a new Secretariat (if not already accredited) could obtain ANSI Accredited Standards Developer (and B11 SDC) status. In the event the accredited SDO wishes to discontinue its involvement and direct support of standards development, immediate notification will be made to both ANSI and the B11 SDC, and reasonable attempts shall be made by the SDO to identify a potential successor organization and to cooperate with necessary transition activity.

5 MEETINGS

5.1 B11 SDC Meetings

B11 SDC meetings will be held, as decided upon by the B11 SDC, the B11 SDC Chairperson, the B11 Secretariat, or by petition of five or more members. Meetings will be organized for the purpose of conducting business including via voting (provided a quorum as described in §5.1.2 is present). The conduct of such business includes but is not limited to making assignments, receiving reports of work, considering the need for draft standards or technical reports, resolving differences among Subcommittees, and considering views and objections from any source.

Voting at a B11 SDC meeting that fulfills quorum requirements is authorized on all business before the B11 SDC with the exception of approving draft candidate American National Standards. That activity can only be done by letter ballot amongst the affected interest group (the consensus body). Reaffirmation of standards or technical reports can be voted on at a B11 SDC meeting but any consensus body members to that particular document and not present at the B11 SDC meeting will be afforded the opportunity to register a vote via letter ballot.

The B11 Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson must be present at all meetings. The B11 SDC will meet on at least an annual basis.

5.1.1 Open Meetings

Meetings of the B11 SDC will be open to all members and others who have a direct and material interest, including members of the general public. At least four weeks' notice of regularly scheduled meetings will be given to ANSI by the Secretariat for publication in Standards Action and in other media designed to reach directly and materially affected interests, as deemed appropriate by the Secretariat. The notice will describe the purpose of the meeting and will identify a readily available source for further information. An agenda will be available and will be distributed in advance of the meeting to members and to others expressing interest. Meeting reports will be generated and distributed by the Secretariat. The Secretariat may at its option, maintain a permanent mailing list of other interests.

5.1.2 Quorum

A quorum is the number of Officers or Members of a body that when duly assembled, is validly competent and can proceed to transact the business of that body. One third of the B11 SDC Members present at a meeting will constitute a quorum for conducting business at a meeting. If a quorum is not present, actions may be taken subject to confirmation via subsequent letter ballot.

5.2 Subcommittee Meetings

Meetings of a B11 standard or technical report Subcommittee may be held as decided upon by the Subcommittee Members or Chairperson of the Subcommittee, or by the Secretariat for the purpose of conducting its business – development of a draft standard or technical report, or consideration of matters pertaining to international standards. Subsequent meetings are generally scheduled at the conclusion of each meeting, as needed. If the B11 Subcommittee Secretary is other than the Secretariat, that individual is responsible for timely communication of that information to the Secretariat.

The Chairperson of the Subcommittee (or Co/Vice-Chairperson if appointed) and the Secretariat (or Secretary) will be present at all meetings.

5.2.1 Open Meetings

Subcommittee meetings will be open to anyone who has a direct and material interest in a standard or technical report, including the public at large. At least four weeks' notice of regularly scheduled meetings will be given to ANSI by the Secretariat for publication in Standards Action and in other media designed to reach directly and materially affected interests, as deemed appropriate by the Secretariat. The notice will describe the purpose of the meeting and will identify a readily available source for further information. Meeting reports will be generated and distributed by the Secretariat.

B11 Subcommittee meetings are procedurally less formal than B11 SDC meetings, and no distinction is made between “Members” (those individuals listed in the Secretariat’s database for that Subcommittee), and “Observers.”

Attendance will be subject to approval by the Chairperson of the Subcommittee and the Secretariat. Generally, no attempt will be made to bar or otherwise discourage attendance at Subcommittee meetings, however, the Secretariat will be under no obligation to incur additional costs for larger meeting space or additional banquet amenities in order to accommodate unusual meeting participation by non-members.

Meetings can also be conducted though means other than in-person. Communications media such as teleconference, videoconference, facsimile or other electronic modalities (i.e., internet-based, email, etc.) may also be used, provided measures are implemented to ensure there is no exclusion of interested participation on the Subcommittee’s development process of a draft standard or technical report.

5.2.2 Quorum

A quorum is not essential for the purpose of developing a draft standard or technical report, since all Subcommittee Members will receive the revised draft and have opportunity to provide input prior to (or directly at) the next meeting. Written comments or input provided by a Subcommittee Member must be considered by the Subcommittee at their next scheduled meeting unless deferred (for cause) by the Subcommittee Chairperson. The disposition of that submission will be reflected in the Meeting Report.

5.3 B11 Steering Committee Meetings

B11 Steering Committee meetings will be scheduled at the request of the B11 Executive Committee or Secretariat, or by petition of three or more Steering Committee Members.

5.3.1 Open Meetings

B11 Steering Committee meetings are open only to persons who directly participate in the work of the B11 SDC (B11 SDC or B11 Subcommittee Members). Attendees who are not members of the Steering Committee will not participate in any of the meeting deliberations unless specifically invited to do so by the B11 SDC Chairperson. An agenda (or purpose statement) will be developed and distributed to the entire Steering Committee prior to any meeting.

5.3.2 Quorum

Greater than fifty percent of the B11 Steering Committee Members will constitute a quorum for conducting business at a meeting. If a quorum is not present, actions may be taken but are subject to confirmation via letter ballot to the absent Steering Committee Members. The B11 SDC Chairperson will chair all B11 Steering Committee meetings.

5.4 Antitrust

B11 Standards, Inc., as the B11 Secretariat, is a registered corporation with its principal place of business in the United States. B11 Standards, Inc. conducts its meetings under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Justice antitrust regulations (Sherman Antitrust Act). So too, any B11-related meeting is subject to these same regulations, and they will be strictly observed. In brief, the following discussions are prohibited either inside of, or in conjunction with Secretariat sponsored meetings:

a) discussion which could be interpreted as collusion or other attempt to agree or bring about an understanding regarding price, conditions of sale including warranties, and customers;

b) discussion regarding cost data of any manufacturer or seller;

c) discussion on pricing or pricing methods;

d) discussion on marketing plans or plans for introduction of innovative technology;

e) discussion which could be interpreted as an attempt to exclude from manufacture or sale by means of standardization requirements greater than needed to effect a legitimate end use; or

f) discussion which could be interpreted as an agreement or understanding to develop a standard, recommended practice, technical practice or interpretation, the purpose of which would be to affect the competitive position of any person or business entity.

Although everyone in the entire “B11 community” is responsible for observing antitrust regulations, the Secretariat is ultimately accountable for their application and will adhere to the ANSI antitrust policy contained in §3.3 of the ANSI Essential Requirements.

6 VOTING

6.1 Voting on Standards

Voting on individual standards will be conducted according to the Voting Groups, which constitute the “consensus body” for that particular standard, as defined in §2.5. The Secretariat will conduct an official letter ballot on the final draft standard only to those B11 SDC Member Delegates and Alternates who have indicated a voting interest on a B11 standard.

Voting on all other administrative or non-administrative matters discussed in these procedures will be as outlined throughout this section.

6.1.1 Authorization of Letter Ballots

A Letter Ballot may be authorized by any of the following:

a) majority vote of those present at a B11 SDC meeting;

b) the B11 SDC Chairperson;

c) the B11 Steering Committee;

d) the Secretariat;

e) written petition of five or more members of the B11 SDC.

6.1.2 Letter Ballot Voting Period

The voting period for letter ballots on final draft standards will end 45 days (or 60 days if unable to provide electronically) from the date of issue or as soon as all ballots are returned, whichever comes earlier. An extension beyond the 45 (or 60) day voting period may be granted at the B11 SDC Chairperson's or Secretariat’s option, if either believes the measure is warranted.

The voting period for letter ballots on all other B11 related administrative or procedural matters will end 21 days from the date of issue or as soon as all ballots are returned, whichever comes earlier.

A follow-up communication requesting immediate return of a letter ballot shall be sent, as appropriate, to B11 SDC Members (Delegates and Alternates) whose votes have not been received within 10 working days before the ballot closes.

6.2 Voting (Choices)

Each B11 SDC Member (Delegate and/or Alternate) will vote (choose) one of the following positions:

a) Approve;

b) Approve, with comment(s);

c) Abstain, for ballots requiring full B11 SDC vote

d) Disapprove, with reasons (the reasons for a negative vote will be given and if possible, should include specific wording or actions that would resolve the objection). If a negative vote unaccompanied by comments related to the proposal is received notwithstanding, the vote may be counted as a “negative without comment” for the purposes of establishing a quorum and reporting to ANSI. Such votes (i.e., negative vote without comment or negative vote accompanied by comments not related to the proposal) shall be factored into the numerical requirements for consensus. The Secretariat is not required to solicit any comments from the disapproving voter.

6.2.1 Vote of Alternate

An Alternate's vote is counted only if the principal representative (Delegate) fails to vote by the deadline date of a letter ballot.

If votes are cast concurrently and in opposition, the Delegate’s vote will supersede, however, the Secretariat will make timely notice to the Delegate of the inherent conflict.

6.2.2 Single Vote

A B11 SDC Member will have only one vote. Generally, this means that no individual representative will have more than one vote. However, if two or more organizations appoint the same individual to represent each of them, that individual may cast a separate vote for each organization represented.

6.3 Proxy Voting

In the event neither the B11 SDC Member Organization’s Delegate nor Alternate are able to attend a meeting of the ANSI B11 Standards Development Committee, that B11 SDC Member Delegate may nominate a proxy to represent their interest(s) on all voting matters before the B11 SDC by notifying the Secretariat prior to the start of the meeting. That designee will then have two votes

Existing B11 SDC Members shall be limited to hold one proxy (in addition to their own vote); non-members shall be limited to hold only one proxy vote.

6.4 The Vote

To be considered a valid vote within any of the B11 voting bodies (SDC, Executive Committee, Steering Committee and SDC Voting Groups), there must be a majority of the listed members actually vote (or return an official ballot, including abstentions).

In cases that do not meet the above criterion, the Secretariat must either recast the entire vote, or letter ballot the balance of non-voters until such time as a numerically valid majority has cast a vote.

6.4.1 B11 SDC and the B11 SDC Voting Groups

On all voting issues, a consensus of at least two-thirds (rounded to the nearest whole number) approval of those returned ballots from a valid vote will result in the vote passing. The following list of voting issues includes but is not limited to:

A) B11 SDC Voting Issues (entire consensus body):

a) confirmation (or removal) of B11 SDC Officers appointed by the Secretariat (§2.1.1);

b) addition of new B11 SDC Members or termination of their membership (§2.3);

c) representation by an individual on the B11 SDC for more than one organization (§2.3.4);

d) revision of B11 SDC interest categories (§2.4);

e) termination of the B11 SDC (§2.5);

f) formation of a Subcommittee, including its scope and duties, or changes in scope (§3.1);

g) termination of Subcommittee participation privileges (§3.3);

h) termination of a Subcommittee (§3.6);

i) creation of a new standard or technical report;

j) revision of a new standard or technical report;

k) approval of a change of the B11 SDC scope

l) withdrawal of an existing standard or technical report (optional, see 2.2.1);

m) adoption of the B11 SDC committee procedures, interest categories, or revisions thereof;

n) adoption of relevant and appropriate ISO or IEC standards as American National Standards;

o) matters pertaining to the business of ISO/TC 39 /SC10;

p) other matters, as deemed necessary by the Secretariat or B11 Executive Committee.

B) B11 SDC Voting Group Voting Issues (a voting group is established for each B11 document):

a) approval of the draft of a new or revised standard, via Letter Ballot only;

b) reaffirmation of an existing B11 document;

c) approval of a revision or addendum to part or all of a standard; and

d) approval of a change of a B11 Subcommittee (document) scope.

6.4.1.1 Example of a B11 SDC Vote (6.4.1 A)

a) 33-member committee

2 abstained

9 did not return a ballot

24 returned a ballot

A majority (over 17) voted therefore the action will carry if approval by 2/3rds of 24, which is 16 or more.

b) 33-member committee

1 abstained

17 did not return a ballot

16 returned a ballot

Action will have to be re-balloted; a majority did not vote.

6.4.1.2 Example of a B11 SDC Voting Group Vote (6.4.1 B)

a) 20-members

2 did not return a ballot

18 returned a ballot

Action will carry if approval by 2/3rds of 18, which is 12 or more.

b) 20-members

10 did not return a ballot

10 returned a ballot

Action will have to be re-balloted; a majority did not vote.

6.4.2 B11 Steering Committee (& Subcommittees)

On all voting issues, a majority approval will result in the vote passing. The following potential voting issues include but are not limited to:

a) approval of ad hoc Task Group formation;

b) approval of a change of a Subcommittee scope;

c) reinstatement of Subcommittee Members dropped by lack of participation;

d) revision or reaffirmation of B11 documents.

6.4.2.1 Example of a Steering Committee Vote

A) 11-members

4 not returned

7 actually voted

Action will carry if approval by a majority, which is 4 or more.

6.4.3 B11 Executive Committee

On all voting issues, a two-thirds approval will result in the vote passing.

6.5 Concurrent (B11 SDC and Public) Review

After completion of the draft standard development procedures outlined in §3.5, the Secretariat (at the request of the Subcommittee or B11 Chairperson) will submit the final draft standard for formal review to both the B11 SDC Voting Group and ANSI (BSR8 Form) for public review. (Note: public review can also be conducted separately from the B11 SDC ballot). The Secretariat will transmit a copy of the proposed new, revised, or reaffirmed standard to the administrator(s) of the appropriate U.S. Technical Advisory Group(s) at the same time as the draft is submitted to ANSI for public review.

6.6 Disposition of Views and Objections

When the balloting has been closed, the Secretariat will compile all comments received and resolve those comments deemed editorial or grammatical. The Secretariat will then forward the ballot tally, along with the compilation of comments and their disposition to the Subcommittee Chairperson(s) who will determine whether the expressed views and objections will be considered by correspondence or through a Subcommittee meeting (in-person, teleconference or other electronic means).

Prompt consideration will be given to the expressed views and objections of all participants, including those commenting on the listing in Standards Action. An effort to resolve all expressed objections will be made, and each objector will be advised in writing of the disposition of the objection and the reasons therefore, and of their right to appeal such decisions.

6.6.1 Substantive Change to a Draft

Any/all substantive changes made to a draft document (as for example, those resulting from the resolution of comments) will require an additional 30-day ballot for both B11 SDC Voting Group and public review, in order to afford all members of the B11 SDC Voting Group the opportunity to respond, reaffirm or change their votes. If consensus has been determined to advance the candidate American National Standard and a standing objection from the consensus body remains despite all reasonable attempts to resolve it, the consensus body will be notified of this fact and the objector will be provided with the B11 appeals policy in clause 7, which includes their right to appeal the decision to process a standard. Appeals must include the fee detailed in 7.1.1. Only the substantive changes, not the entire draft, are subject to this follow-up requirement. The Secretariat, usually in consultation and consensus with the Subcommittee Chairperson and/or Subcommittee, is responsible for determining a substantive change. A conservative approach will be applied to the determination of whether a change is substantive or editorial, erring on the side of substantive.

Editorial changes are not subject to the requirement of an additional 30-day ballot (as above). All changes in the right-hand explanatory (“E Side”) column of a standard are considered to be editorial. An example of an editorial change is a correction in grammar or clarification that does not change the intent of the language. Examples of substantive changes would be changes in numerical values or language (i.e., changing an advisory requirement by changing the word “should” to “shall,” or vice-versa, or adding or removing a normative reference (see also, §§ 2.4, 2.5 and Annex A of the ANSI Essential Requirements).

6.7 Report of Final Voting Result

The final result of the voting will be recorded, tabulated and reported, as appropriate, by the Secretariat.

6.8 Submittal of Standard

Upon completion of balloting, resolution of comments, objections, re-balloting and dealing with any appeals, as needed and according to procedures, the Secretariat will submit to the ANSI Board of Standards Review, a BSR9 Form, along with any other required or requested documentation.

Upon receipt of approval as an American National Standard from the ANSI BSR, the Secretariat will complete the process of publishing the B11 standard, which must be done within six months of ANSI approval.

6.9 Discontinuance of a Standards Project

The Secretariat may abandon the processing of a proposed new or revised American National Standard or portion thereof if it has followed its accredited procedures. A written justification for such an action shall be made available upon receipt of any written request received by the Secretariat within 60 days of the date of the final action. The Secretariat shall notify ANSI upon the decision made to discontinue a project.

Appeals of such actions shall be made to the Executive Standards Council based on procedural noncompliance.

6.10 Recommendation and Registration of a Technical Report

The ANSI Procedures for the Registration of Technical Reports with ANSI place the decision to publish a Technical Report with the Accredited Standards Developer, in conformance with its own operating procedures. When the Secretariat receives a formal request from a Technical Report writing Subcommittee Chairperson that the draft document is “final” and ready for registration by ANSI, the Secretariat accepts the responsibility and will be accountable to exercise due diligence in ensuring that due process during the development of the Technical Report as well as consensus has been achieved within the subcommittee or the B11 community as a whole. The Secretariat reserves the right to conduct additional review at its discretion (e.g., B11 SDC ballot or additional public review), or to deny recommendation to ANSI for registration as a Technical Report. See also, the ANSI Procedures for the Registration of Technical Reports with ANSI, and §7.1.8 on appeals.

6.11 Miscellaneous

The Secretariat is not required to consider negative votes accompanied by comments not related to the proposal under consideration, or “disapproval” (negative) votes without comments. The Secretariat shall indicate conspicuously on the letter ballot that negative votes must be accompanied by comments related to the proposal and that votes unaccompanied by such comments will be recorded as “negative without comments” without further notice to the voter. If comments not related to the proposal are submitted with a negative vote, the comments shall be documented and considered in the same manner as submittal of a new proposal. If clear instruction is provided on the ballot and a negative vote unaccompanied by comments related to the proposal is received notwithstanding, the vote may be counted as a “negative without comment” for the purposes of establishing a quorum and reporting to ANSI. However, such votes (i.e., negative vote without comment or negative vote accompanied by comments not related to the proposal) shall not be factored into the numerical requirements for consensus, unless the Secretariat’s procedures state otherwise. The Secretariat is not required to solicit any comments from the negative voter. The Secretariat is not required to conduct a recirculation ballot of the negative vote. The Secretariat is required to report the “no” vote as a “negative without comment” when making their final submittal to the ANSI Board of Standards Review.

7 B11 SDC POLICIES

7.1 Appeals Policy

Persons who have directly and materially affected interests and who have been, or who presume they will be adversely affected by a B11 standard within the B11 SDC’s jurisdiction, will have the right to appeal procedural actions (or inactions) of the B11 SDC, a Voting Group, or the Secretariat.

7.1.1 Complaint

The appellant must file a written complaint with the Secretariat within twenty-one days after the date of action or appeals of inaction may be made at any time. For the complaint to be considered, the appellant shall include a non-refundable $500 filing fee or alternatively, may file a fee waiver or fee reduction request based on cause. If a decision on the fee waiver is rendered within forty-eight hours of the request, the twenty-one day period for filing the complaint above will remain in effect unless an extension for cause is requested. If a decision on the fee waiver/reduction is not rendered within the specified time, the twenty-one days will begin upon transmission of the decision regarding the fee waiver. The complaint will state the nature of the objection(s) including any adverse effects, the clause(s) of these (or ANSI) procedures or the standard(s) that is at issue, actions or in-actions that are at issue, and the specific remedial action(s) that would satisfy the appellant's concerns. Previous efforts to resolve the objection(s) and the outcome of each will be noted.

7.1.2 Response

Within fourteen days after receipt of a complaint, the respondent (B11 Chairperson or Secretariat representative) will respond in writing to the appellant, specifically addressing each allegation of fact in the complaint to the extent of the respondent's knowledge.

7.1.3 Hearing

If the appellant and the respondent are unable to resolve the written complaint informally in a manner consistent with these procedures, the Secretariat will schedule a hearing with an appeals panel on a date agreeable to all participants.

7.1.4 Appeals Panel

The appeals panel will consist of three individuals who have not been directly involved in the matter in dispute, and who will not be materially or directly affected by any decision made or to be made in the dispute.

The B11 appeals panel will be selected by the B11 Executive Committee, using the B11 SDC Members or Subcommittee Chairpersons as a primary source of potential panelists. The Executive Committee will reserve the right to provide other potential candidates outside of the B11 community if deemed necessary (as in perhaps, the case of direct conflict of interest with B11 Executive Committee Members).

At least two members will be acceptable to the appellant and at least two will be acceptable to the respondent.

7.1.5 Conduct of the Hearing

The appellant has the burden of demonstrating adverse effects, improper actions or inactions, and the efficacy of the requested remedial action. The respondent has the burden of demonstrating that the B11 SDC Voting Group and the Secretariat took all actions in compliance with these procedures and that the requested remedial action would be unnecessary, ineffective or detrimental. Each party may adduce other pertinent arguments, and members of the appeals panel may address questions to individuals. For the hearing, Robert's Rules of Order (latest edition) will apply to questions of parliamentary procedure not otherwise covered herein.

7.1.6 Decision

The appeals panel will render its decision to the appellant in writing within thirty days, stating findings of fact and conclusions, with reasons therefore, based on a preponderance of the evidence. Consideration may be given to the following positions, among others, in formulating the decision:

a) Finding for the appellant, remanding the action to the B11 SDC Voting Group or the Secretariat with a specific statement of the issues and facts in regard to which fair and equitable action was not taken;

b) Finding for the respondent, with a specific statement of the facts that demonstrate fair and equitable treatment of the appellant and the appellant's objections;

c) Finding that new, substantive evidence has been introduced, and remanding the entire action to the B11 SDC, B11 Voting Group, or the Secretariat for appropriate reconsideration.

7.1.7 Appeals to Recommend a Technical Report

Materially affected interests who wish to appeal the Secretariat’s recommendation of a technical report to ANSI for registration, or refusal to make such recommendation, may avail themselves of the preceding appeals policy described above.

7.2 Interpretations Policy

The B11 SDC does not formally or informally provide interpretations of its standards or technical reports, but regards such requests as a view or objection to be considered in the revision process (cycle) of a standard or technical report.

Any such requests for interpretation will be filed by the Secretariat and submitted to the appropriate B11 Subcommittee for consideration of incorporation or clarification at the Subcommittee’s next meeting (if the Subcommittee is active during a revision) or when the Subcommittee is reconvened for the next revision cycle.

Inquiries requesting an interpretation of a B11 SDC approved B11 standard or technical report must be in writing, and will be responded to by the Secretariat with a copy of the B11 SDC Interpretations Policy and an invitation to participate in that particular standard or technical report writing Subcommittee during its current or next revision cycle.

7.3 Record Retention Policy

Each Subcommittee will submit to the B11 Secretariat a copy of all meeting notices, agendas, minutes, and draft documents. The Secretariat will retain all records related to a standards development project, in addition to other records concerning new, revised or reaffirmed American National Standards (e.g., letter ballots, comments, disposition of comments, notices of appeal, membership records, etc.) in either electronic or paper media for one (1) complete standard’s cycle or until the standard or technical report is revised. Upon completion of its next published revision, all previously retained records specific to the standard or technical report may be discarded or destroyed. The actual approved American National Standard or registered Technical Report will be retained for a period of at least thirty (30) years.

Records for withdrawn standards will be retained from date of withdrawal for a minimum of five (5) years.

7.4 Metric Policy

Dimensions and other units of measure will be given in metric (SI) units followed by Imperial units (e.g., inches, pounds, gallons) in parentheses (conversion of units should include enough significant digits to convey the appropriate measurement accuracy for the intended application). Exceptions to this policy (e.g., due to space limitations, electronic/software limitations, or other potential problems) will be allowed and will be at the sole discretion of the Secretariat.

7.5 Patent Policy

There is no objection in principle to drafting an American National Standard (ANS) in terms that include the use of an essential patent claim (one whose use would be required for compliance with that standard) if it is considered that technical reasons justify this approach.

If the Secretariat receives a notice that a proposed, revised or approved B11 safety standard may require the use of a patent claim that is not already covered by an existing assurance, the procedures in §§ 3.1 through 3.1.4 of the ANSI Essential Requirements, will be followed.

7.6 Commercial Terms and Conditions Policy

B11 standards shall comply with §3.2, Commercial Terms and Conditions of the ANSI Essential Requirements.

Provisions involving business relations between buyer and seller such as guarantees, warranties, and other commercial terms and conditions shall not be included in an American National Standard. The appearance that a standard endorses any particular products, services or companies must be avoided. Therefore, it generally is not acceptable to include manufacturer lists, service provider lists, or similar material in the text of a standard or in an annex (or the equivalent). Where a sole source exists for essential equipment, materials or services necessary to comply with or to determine compliance with the standard, it is permissible to supply the name and address of the source in a footnote or informative annex as long as the words “or the equivalent” are added to the reference. In connection with standards that relate to the determination of whether products or services conform to one or more standards, the process or criteria for determining conformity can be standardized as long as the description of the process or criteria is limited to technical and engineering concerns and does not include what would otherwise be a commercial term or proper name.

B11 Standards, Inc. reserves the right to proscribe language and/or stay the issuance of any of its American National Standards or Technical Reports (“projects”) where the Secretariat/B11 Standards Inc. determines that said language, either by itself or in combination with other activities, may violate any Applicable Law (such Applicable Law includes, but is not limited to: antitrust, competition and fair trade laws; employment laws; antidiscrimination laws; and intellectual property laws), or expose B11 Standards, Inc. to a material risk of litigation based on a claim that a Project violates any Applicable Law. Any such determination, i.e., to stay the issuance, made by the Secretariat/B11 Standards, Inc. under this right, shall be subject to the appeals process outlined in § 7.1 and the Secretariat’s right to discontinue a project pursuant to § 6.9.

American National Standards shall be developed in accordance with applicable antitrust and competition laws and meetings amongst competitors to develop American National Standards are to be conducted in accordance with these laws. See § 5.4 for additional detail.

7.7 Communications Policy

All formal or official B11 SDC correspondence should be conveyed on "B11 Standards Development Committee" letterhead.

7.7.1 Formal Internal Communication

If correspondence between Subcommittees involves issues or decisions (i.e., non-routine matters) affecting other Subcommittees, copies will be sent to all affected B11 Subcommittee Chairpersons, the Secretariat, and the B11 SDC Officers.