A Standard can be defined as a set of technical definitions and guidelines, “how-to” instructions for designers, manufacturers, and users. Standards promote safety, reliability, productivity, and efficiency in almost every industry that relies on engineering components or equipment. Standards can run from a few paragraphs to hundreds of pages and are written by experts with knowledge and expertise in a particular field who sit on many committees.
Source: https://www.asme.org/codes-standards/publications-information/faq