Consensus is established when, in the judgment of the ANSI Board of Standards
Review, substantial agreement has been reached by directly and materially affected
interests. Substantial agreement means much more than a simple majority, but not
necessarily unanimity. Consensus requires that all views and objections be
considered, and that a concerted effort be made toward their resolution.
The use of American National Standards is completely voluntary; their existence
does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether he has approved the standards or
not, from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing or using products, processes or
procedures not conforming to the standards.
The American National Standards Institute does not develop standards and will in no
circumstances give an interpretation of any American National Standard. Moreover,
no person shall have the right or authority to issue an interpretation of an American
National Standard in the name of the American National Standards Institute.
Requests for interpretation of this standard should be addressed to the American
Gear Manufacturers Association.