On November 6, the American National Standards Institute approved the OPEI-proposed U.S. national adoption of the international mower standards ISO 5395, Parts 1 (terminology and common tests), 2 (pedestrian-controlled), and 3 (ride-on). The proposals were developed over several years by OPEI member standard development committees, focused on a first-time national adoption of the international standards intended to replace the existing ANSI B71.1 and B71.4 standards.

These new standards make significant progress towards harmonizing North American and global requirements for combustion-engine-powered mowers, while at the same time including important modifications to respect the needs of the U.S. market and the effective requirements long central to the existing ANSI standards. OPEI standard committees include member experts on product requirements, safety, and standards development. These same member professionals are also involved in the international standards work of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

OPEI standard committee proposals are reviewed and approved by public stakeholders through a process approved by ANSI. The new standards are now in the formatting process for publication by ANSI, expected to take several months. Once published the voluntary standards become effective but allow for a period of two years for compliance, during which time the existing ANSI standards will also remain effective.

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