However, questions may arise concerning the language used in the standard, the intention or result meant by a particular action, etc. When a question of meaning like this arises, an individual can write to the Secretary of the IEEE Standards Board asking for interpretation of the passage in question. This request is then forwarded to the working group chair and sponsor for action. Completed interpretations are published with standards, either bound in on the next printing or rolled into a collection of standards. In some cases, the volume of interpretations being generated by a committee may be great enough to merit publication of a separate interpretations volume.
Interpretations are a unique form of commentary on the standard.
They are not explanations of what the standard should have done or meant to say. Interpretations cannot change the meaning of a standard as it currently stands. Even if the request points out an error in the standard, the interpretation cannot fix that error. However, an interpretation has no authority to do any of this. It can only discuss, address, and clarify what the standard currently says.