"A standard is a document that provides requirements, specifications, guidelines or characteristics that can be used consistently to ensure that materials, products, processes and services are fit for their purpose." - ISO
Standards are created by a wide variety of organizations. The most common are:
Here are websites from national and international standards organizations:
Standards Developing Organizations (linked from ANSI website)
ISO Members arranged by country
ASTM Latest print edition--Library Book Stacks TA401 .A653.
IBC (International Building Code), Reference Room TH223 .P3.
Identify standards you need using these free databases:
International/Federal:
Regional/Local:
Standard/Specification -- Standard Test Method for Determination of Acid-Insoluble Residue in Biomass, ASTM E1721-01, 2009. Available at: My ASTM http://enterprise.astm.org/SUBSCRIPTION/filtrexx40.cgi?REDLINE_PAGES/E1721.htm. Accessed: 12/09/2016.
Code -- 40 CFR 53.23. 2013. Available: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2013-title40-vol6/pdf/CFR-2013-title40-vol6-sec53-23.pdf. Accessed: 12/09/2016