RVIA was recently re-accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), an accreditation maintained by RVIA since 1983.
RVIA stated it completes an audit every five years, during which ANSI reviews all standards development procedures to ensure they meet accreditation criteria and follow practices of current ANSI Essential Requirements.
The standards institute also conducts an in-depth review of at least five of the association’s standards during each audit to verify evidence of consensus for the approval, balance the representation of stakeholders and to ensure all submitted proposals and comments are addressed.
The canvass process requires a balance committee, RVIA stated, with no category of members representing more than one-third of the committee roster. Representation categories includes manufacturers, suppliers, users, government officials, independent experts, insurance, distributors, testing/listing agencies and general interest.
RVIA stated it particularly focuses on safety-related standards, which ANSI has confirmed follow the official recommendations. The ANSI accreditation permits the association to efficiently process safety standards and to address any safety concerns that arise. The accreditation also allows the association to maintain its own self-regulation, establishing additional safety standards where necessary.
