Setting Industry Standards in ISO Committees

ISO TC 35 - Paints and varnishes establishes standardized test methods for paints, varnishes, and their subsequent coatings. This technical committee develops rigorous protocols to evaluate the quality and performance of these materials, focusing on analytical testing for general applications. The important subcommittees within this for Q-Lab are SC 9 (General test methods for paints and varnishes) and SC 14 (Protective paint systems for steel structures).

SC 14 publishes the 12944 series on corrosion protection, including 12944-6 and 12944-9 for UV and corrosion testing.

SC 9 has a wide range of key standards for weathering and corrosion, including ISO 1514, 2810, 4632-1 and -2, 4628 series, 6270-1 and 6270-2, 11997-1, 11997-2, 11997-3, 15110, 16053-2, and the important weathering testing series ISO 16474-1, ISO 16474-2, and ISO 16474-3.

ISO TC 38 - Textiles oversees the global standardization of the textile industry, covering everything from raw materials like fibers and yarns to complex fabricated products such as ropes, cords, and cloth. The committee establishes the essential terminology, test methods, and product specifications that ensure quality and consistency across the manufacturing process. 

Q-Lab's team of technical experts play an active role in subcommittee SC 01, Tests for coloured textiles and colorants. We provide input in the important 105-B series, Tests for colour fastness, which includes ISO 105-B02, 105-B04, and -B06.

ISO TC 42 - Photography establishes the global standards for still picture imaging, encompassing both traditional chemical-based photography and modern electronic imaging systems. Q-Lab's technical experts are active on this committee, helping write key test standards in the ISO 18937 series on Imaging materials — Methods for measuring indoor light stability of photographic prints.

ISO TC 61 - Plastics is the committee responsible for all aspects of polymer testing. Of note for weathering testing is Subcommittee (SC) 6, which focuses on the Environmental and chemical resistance of plastics. Its primary role is to develop standardized testing methods to determine how plastics age and degrade when exposed to external factors like UV radiation, extreme temperatures, and various chemicals. This subcommittee is responsible for key outdoor test methods ISO 877-1, 877-2, 877-3 and accelerated testing in ISO 4892-1, 4892-2, 4892-3. ISO TC 61 SC 6 also manages important laboratory test protocols like ISO 291, 4582, 5733, 9370, 19022, 19721, 21475, 23741, 24110, and 29664.

• ISO TC 61 SC 6
  • Andy Francis - USA Head of Delegation
  • James Regan - UK Head of Delegation

ISO TC 156 - Corrosion of metals and alloys - is responsible for several widely-used cyclic corrosion tests including ISO 9227, 16701, and 14993. Within this group, ISO/TC 156 WG 1 Terminology specializes in the standardization of terminology for the corrosion of metals and alloys. This working group has established six essential standards that provide a universal "technical language" for the industry. This foundation supports more than 188 broader ISO standards by ensuring clarity in how corrosion testing and prevention are documented and executed. 

• ISO TC 156 WG 1 (Terminology)
  • Sean Fowler - Convernor