What is the difference between a standard and a regulation?

Regulation

• A Rule that we must follow
• Rules that the Government makes under an Act
• Rules are made “real” and “enforceable” by the power that the Government gives itself under an Act
• e.g. Health & Safety Act Regulation for Hearing Protection

Standards

• Not written by Government
• Are written by organizations such as CSA, ANSI, CGSB, etc.
• Typically refer to product performance or how to do a job
• Have no authority on their own, but may be adopted into regulations making them legal requirements
• May be referred to specifically in a regulation or through a “General Duty Clause”
• Regulatory bodies may adopt all or a part of an existing standard

In the area of high visibility safety apparel there are also Work Wear Standards and Work Wear Regulations. Click on the links below to find out more about the standards and regulations that affect you.