The ASTM International organization develops and publishes technical standards across a wide range of industries. Access to these standards, participation in their development, and membership within ASTM committees are governed by specific procedures and requirements. This article details these processes, based on available documentation, covering account access, standard acquisition, membership details, and technical committee involvement.
Accessing the COMPASS Platform
ASTM standards are increasingly available through the COMPASS platform, accessible online. Several authentication methods are employed to control access. Users may require an administrator within their organization to grant access, particularly for Single Sign On (SSO) configurations. Alternatively, organizations may utilize a Username and Password system, requiring an invitation from an administrator to register with a work email address and create a unique password. Password resets are available via a Help page, and users should check their spam folders for reset links.
IP authentication is another method, restricting access to users originating from pre-approved IP addresses registered with ASTM. If an error message includes an IP address, contacting the organization’s administrator is recommended. A further access method involves an ASTM Applet, a configuration allowing navigation from a link on an intranet page, bypassing IP authentication. Users encountering issues with the Applet or locating the link should contact their administrator. Direct access to the platform is available at https://compass.astm.org, offering registration for new users and sign-in for existing ones.
Obtaining ASTM Standards
ASTM standards can be purchased individually. To locate a standard, users should enter the standard designation number (without spaces, dashes, or the year) into the search box. Clicking the title on the search results page leads to the standard’s webpage, where it can be added to the cart and purchased. Upon successful payment authorization, a “Go To My PDF Download” link appears, enabling users to save the standard to their computer.
ASTM also offers subscription-based platforms, online volumes, and enterprise solutions for accessing standards. ASTM Compass® combines over 13,000 standards with books, articles, and workflow tools, providing a comprehensive technical information library. For historical standards not available on the main website (www.astm.org), the Linda Hall Library offers a lending program and scan services (www.lindahall.org).
Membership Information
ASTM offers various membership levels, including participating, informational, and organizational memberships. The membership fee for participating and informational members is $115, while the organizational membership fee is $400. Memberships are calendar-year based, running from January 1 to December 31, and are not prorated; applications received after October 1 are valid through the following December 31.
ASTM members receive a 10% discount on all publications, provided they log in to the ASTM website during the purchase process. If a member does not log in, the full list price applies. Discounts cannot be combined, and the higher discount is applied when overlaps occur. For example, ordering ten copies of a publication triggers a 25% discount.
Technical Committee Participation
ASTM standards are developed within nearly 150 technical committees. The process typically begins with an informal task group drafting a document, which then enters the balloting process. A document must successfully navigate ASTM’s rigorous consensus requirements to be published as an official standard. Balloting proceeds from subcommittee to main committee/society/public review, allowing all members to vote. If consensus is achieved at all levels, the document is reviewed by the Committee on Standards (COS) to ensure procedural compliance.
Anyone with an interest in a committee’s scope is eligible to become a member. Participation can occur through attendance at face-to-face meetings or online ballot review and voting. A “voting interest” is defined as an organization, subsidiary, or individual member with a distinct interest regarding the committee’s scope, while a “voting member” has the official vote on ballots and motions.
Consensus and Governing Procedures
Open participation and the consensus process are core values of ASTM International. Successful standards development relies on collaboration and collegiality among members. Each member is expected to participate in good faith in the standardization activities of their committee(s). ASTM’s governing body is its board of directors, elected by the entire membership. The board and its committees have established procedures to ensure consensus-based standards development, due process for dissenting parties, and adherence to style and format requirements.
Invoice and Payment Information
Invoices are generally generated within 24 hours of a purchase and are accessible through a payment portal. An email with a link to the portal is sent to the designated “billing contact” on the order, and can be forwarded to other contacts. The billing contact can be updated by contacting ASTM Inside Sales and Support. Invoices are stored on the portal for 24 months.
Safety and Applicability Considerations
ASTM standards are not intended to replace professional judgment, education, or experience. They offer instructions for specific operations but may not be applicable in all circumstances. Furthermore, ASTM standards do not address all potential safety concerns, and users are responsible for establishing appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and considering regulatory limitations before use. The inclusion of the word “Standard” in a document title signifies only that it has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.
ASTM’s Role in Industry Advancement
ASTM International actively promotes collaboration and partnerships to drive industry innovation. The organization provides resources for developing and implementing standards for emerging technologies. Additionally, ASTM offers accredited proficiency testing programs, certified reference materials, and software solutions for laboratories. They also provide training courses, both live and on-demand, to ensure teams understand and properly execute relevant standards. ASTM’s work contributes to public health and safety, consumer confidence, and overall quality of life, with over 9,400 citations in over 100 nations.
Conclusion
ASTM International plays a critical role in establishing and maintaining technical standards across numerous industries. Access to these standards is facilitated through the COMPASS platform and various purchase options. Membership provides discounts and opportunities for participation in the standards development process. Technical committees operate on a consensus-based model, ensuring broad industry input and rigorous review. Understanding these processes is essential for organizations and individuals seeking to utilize and contribute to ASTM’s valuable body of work.