How Does BHMA Create New Standards?

Let’s break down the steps BHMA takes when developing new standards.

Idea is Presented
The process of creating new standards starts off with an idea or suggestion made by either an individual, members of the association or other parties. New standards also stem from considerations made to incorporate a new innovation or to address an industry change. The idea is presented for discussion with an active subcommittee overseeing similar content. If there is no active subcommittee or Section Chair, then the idea is offered directly to the Standard Steering Committee (SSC).

Review of Information
The SSC reviews all the relevant data including the original idea proposed, background information and subcommittee comments. The SSC and members who may have similar products work together with the requesting party/individual to determine whether this idea or suggestion:

• Fits within an existing standard
• Can be added to an existing standard
• Needs to be developed into a completely new standard
• Requires further investigation and information

BHMA Standards Development staff manages the process and schedules all meetings required to further discuss the development of the idea.

Requesting Change to a Standard
In order to propose new language or content for an existing standard, a proposal form is used to submit these requested changes. The proposal form must include the standard, date, name and company of the individual submitting the form and the new content provided along with the original content. Any accompanying pictures, charts or diagrams are sent separately from this form.

BHMA Standards are updated at least every five years; the project initiation and public review period are announced in ANSI Standards Action as required by the ANSI Essential Requirements.

Standards Updates as of March 2023
ANSI/BHMA A156.25-2023 Standard for Electrified Locking Devices recently completed its revision cycle and is now published. 

Standards in the ANSI Canvass and Public Review Process:
A156.16-2018 for Auxiliary Hardware
A156.28-2018 for Master Keying
A156.32-2014 for Integrated Door Opening Assemblies
A156.43 (NEW) Sliding Integrated Door and Hardware Assemblies

Standards Open for Revision include:
A156.4-2019 for Door Control-Closers
A156.11-2019 for Cabinet Locks
A156.14-2019 for Sliding and Folding Doors
A156.31-2019 for Electric Strikes and Frame Mounted Actuators
A156.33-2019 for Internally Powered Architectural Hardware Devices
A156.42 (NEW) Acoustic Project
A156.45 (NEW) Energy Consumption Project
A156.46 (NEW) Environmental Test Methods for Architectural Devices

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