A rule for measuring or a model to be followed is known as a:

A standard is a rule for measuring or a model that is prescribed to ensure consistency and safety within a particular field or industry. Standards are established through consensus and can be enforced by various organizations or regulatory bodies, serving as a benchmark for quality and safety measures.

Standards help to ensure that practices are reliable and meet certain required criteria, which is essential in fields like firefighting where adherence to specific performance and safety metrics is critical. This structured approach allows organizations to maintain a common level of operation and safety that can be universally recognized and followed.

In contrast, regulations are typically legal requirements imposed by governing bodies, guidelines offer recommendations that are not mandatory, and protocols are specific procedures to follow, often in response to particular situations. While all these terms relate to systems of rules or procedures, the definition of a standard most closely aligns with a model used to establish precise criteria that organizations must meet. This makes adherence to standards crucial for the effective and safe operation of fire service organizations.