How is a guide different from a standard?

A guide is a document designed to provide informative, non-mandatory provisions, which means it offers recommendations or best practices that individuals or organizations can follow to enhance their understanding or improve their processes related to a subject. This characteristic helps users comprehend concepts and methodologies applicable to specific scenarios, such as fire investigations. Since the provisions in a guide are not enforced as requirements, they allow for flexibility in interpretation and application.

In contrast, a standard typically comprises established requirements and benchmarks that must be adhered to, thereby establishing a baseline for safety, quality, or compliance. Standards are often legally binding in many professional contexts, ensuring that entities meet specific criteria.

This distinction highlights the purpose of guides as tools for education and guidance rather than enforceable mandates, underscoring the non-mandatory nature of guidelines compared to the obligatory nature of standards.