Much is said and written about patient safety. In Canada, a small group of dedicated physicians, nurses and engineers participates in the Canadian Standards Association and Standards Council of Canada Advisory Committees writing basic safety and essential performance requirements for a large range of anesthesia, respiratory care and critical care equipment. Over the past several years, in recognition of the globalization of trade and the international nature of medical device design and manufacturing, Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society members Dr Steven Dain, Dr Karen Brown, Dr Matt Kurrek, Dr Ken LeDez, and Dr Jeremy Sloan have primarily participated in Organization for International Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee 121 and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Committee 62.