What is the proper wall outlet orientation and is there a industry standard?

If you mean ground up or down, then whichever way you want it! There is reasons some do it, but no code specific mandate that I know of.

Washington is correct. The code doesn't mandate outlet orientation and there is no industry standard-industry follows the code. THe reasons for orienting a certain way are wives tales passed down through the years, or just a matter of preference.

My vote is for level.

Here is a previous answer for this question:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/electrical-lighting/180-degree-misalignment-wall-receptical-74029.html?highlight=operating+room

I stand somewhat corrected as this apparently was code years past for medical facilities. Even then, the electricians I knew oriented the residential outlets as they preferred-guess they didn't wire up med facilities. Today, I still hear numerous reasons an outlet should be installed a certain way...

If this is an issue, then buy the receptacle that turns 360 degrees... :) This will stop all the talk!

But I like them on my workbench, long side up. I guess I can only mount wiremold outlets vertical?