Step on the gas (and into the wall)
Last updated:
February 2, 2026
Last month, it was time for the NBN's outdoor team building event. The atmosphere was great, the adrenaline was flowing freely, and the competitive spirit was... present. As employees of NBN, responsible for distributing and developing standards in Belgium, we know everything there is to know about rules and safety, but as soon as those helmets went on, those principles seemed to fade into the background. At least, for me.
While Yens shot around the track like a bullet and set the fastest lap of the day, it was Martin who took home the ultimate victory and the trophy by driving the most consistent and smart race. Me? I had a slightly less subtle strategy. At the very first corner, I thought I had found the ideal line, but I ended up straight into the barrier.
Not long after, I found a new target: Elke. Ignoring the laws of physics, I thought I could pass her at a much too sharp angle. The result? A heavy collision into her side. Despite using her as my personal bumper, she remained the epitome of sportsmanship. A model of patience, for which I thank you, Elke!
The invisible passenger: Standards. As I pulled my kart out of the pile of tires, I realized something. Why was I able to get out unharmed? The answer lies in our daily work: standards. Even in karting, standards organizations ISO, IEC, CEN, and NBN are the invisible referees that ensure that fun doesn't end up in the hospital.
The karts we drove in were designed in accordance with European standard EN 16230-1. This CEN standard sets strict requirements for the design of recreational karts, such as protection around the wheels and the strength of the chassis. That's why Elke and I were able to have a drink together after the race instead of filling out accident reports.
Our karts were fully electric, which bridges the gap between advanced technology and sustainability:
Battery safety: The lithium-ion batteries in these karts must comply with standards such as IEC 62619. This specifies the safety requirements for large battery systems to prevent overheating or fire.
Charging infrastructure: Safe and efficient charging of the fleet is carried out in accordance with the IEC 61851 series, which ensures standardized communication between charger and vehicle.
Sustainability: This goes beyond just being "green." By following these international standards, parts last longer and are easier to recycle or replace. The result? More efficient use of raw materials and a lower ecological footprint for the kart track.
My rough encounter with the wall could have ended differently without the right equipment. The helmet I was wearing is not just a simple piece of plastic, but a technical masterpiece that must comply with EN 16230-2. This specific European standard tests helmets for shock absorption and the strength of the chin strap, specifically for the environment of a leisure kart.
Karting is a playful example, but the impact of standards on businesses is very real. Why should your organisation in standardization?
Risk management: Just as the barrier absorbed my crash, standards absorb business risks. They help you comply with legislation and prevent costly mistakes or accidents.
Market Access and Interoperability: Standards (such as those for our chargers) ensure that systems are compatible with each other. This makes it easier to scale products or services internationally; you don't have to reinvent the wheel (or the battery).
Efficiency and cost savings: By standardizing processes (for example, according to the well-known ISO 9001 standard for quality management), you reduce waste and optimize your workflow. It creates an "ideal line" in your business operations, just like Yens found on the racetrack.
Trust and reputation: Compliance with recognized standards is a mark of quality. It shows customers and partners that your organisation takes safety, quality, and sustainability organisation .
Whether you are an ambitious entrepreneur or an established organisation, standards help you grow faster, safer, and more sustainably.
Want to know how standards can help your business reach pole position?
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