Billy-Ray Muraille: the voice of consumers in standards development

Representing consumer organizations, Billy-Ray Muraille (BV-OECO) is committed to safer and more inclusive standards every day. His message is clear: You don't have to be an engineer to have an impact - everyone can contribute to better products, services and a more responsible society.

From technology to people

When it comes to standards development, many think of a technical world of engineers and specialists. Yet standards affect us all. Billy-Ray Muraille, expert at BV-OECO (Belgian Association for Research and Expertise of Consumer Organizations), proves that every voice counts. As a member of the Supreme Council for Standardization and Belgian representative to ANEC, the European consumer organization for standardization, he defends users' interests on a daily basis: safety, accessibility and clarity.

"Standards may seem abstract, but they are about people," he says. "They touch on our safety, our health and the way we use products in everyday life."

Support and coordinate consumer organizations

BV-OECO unites a wide range of Belgian consumer organizations: Test Aankoop, trade unions, mutual societies and various specialized associations. "We are not in direct contact with the general public," Billy-Ray explains. "Our mission is to support and coordinate the organizations that do, through studies, recommendations and representation in official bodies."

He serves on several federal advisory boards and participates within the Supreme Council for Standardization in the working group on inclusiveness. That group works to improve the participation of underrepresented actors, such as SMEs, NGOs, trade unions and consumer organizations.

"Industry is well represented, but social organizations often have fewer resources to participate," he notes. "Nevertheless, their contribution is essential: standards determine our safety, our comfort and the sustainability of our environment."

Making consumers' voices heard

At the European level, Billy-Ray represents Belgian consumers in various standardization committees at CEN and ISO, through ANEC. "The topics are very diverse: children's products, mediation, health...," he says. "We bring in the concrete experience of the user."

One example is the standard for slings (baby slings). "We noticed that most incidents of choking occur in newborns," he says. "We suggested clearly stating that some models are not suitable for babies younger than three months. The manufacturers took a different approach: they strengthened testing procedures so that all products were safer. That's progress, too."

Another example is about cribs with built-in speakers. Thanks to the discussions, a new test was added to ensure the maximum sound level to protect babies' hearing. "Everyone shares the same goal: to prevent an unsafe product from entering the market," he said.

Towards more inclusive standards development

Inclusiveness is at the heart of Billy-Ray's work. "Participation in standards development takes time and resources," he acknowledges. "But if we want norms to serve all of society, all voices must be heard."

Recently, participation in Belgian commissions has been fully reimbursed for consumer, trade union and environmental organizations - an important step forward. "That lowers the threshold for organizations," he says. "The next step is to demonstrate that their expertise is really valuable."

For him, the diversity of perspectives adds value. "An engineer designs, a consumer uses. Combining those insights creates the best standards."

Learning, sharing and influencing

Working on committees also provides valuable knowledge. "The conversations often inspire new studies," Billy-Ray says. "For example, I wanted to study how consumers read manuals. Many texts are too long or too technical. By understanding that better, we can make more concrete recommendations."

Collaboration with industry and government also enriches all parties. "That exchange helps to understand each other's points of view and find balanced solutions together."

And although the processes are sometimes slow, the impact remains tangible: "A change in a standard can make thousands of products safer. That gives meaning to our work."

A call to engagement

For Billy-Ray Muraille, standards development is first and foremost a collective effort. "Everyone can contribute: engineers, researchers, associations, engaged citizens," he says. He especially encourages young experts to take the plunge. "Even without technical experience, you can bring a valuable perspective. What counts is the will to defend the common good and contribute to security and inclusiveness."

"Norms affect us all," he concludes. "By participating in them, you help build a safer and more inclusive society."

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