CROSS Safety Report
Cost of access to codes and standards
Overview
A reporter is concerned that the latest codes may not always be being used because of price, and they believe that there should be free library access to British Standards to members of professional institutions.
Key Learning Outcomes
For civil and structural design engineers:
- Be aware that there is a legal/insurance requirement to use current codes, and the cost of these as a reason for not using them would not be accepted by a court in the event of a problem
Full Report
Find out more about the Full Report
Our secure and confidential safety reporting system gives professionals the opportunity to share their experiences to help others. If you would like to know more, please visit the reporting to CROSS-AUS page.
A correspondent is always intrigued by the reports and comments which highlight the latest codes and standards which should have been used in preference to an outdated reference (albeit that was not in itself at fault). It is clear that continuing professional development is always going to be required if engineers are to minimise risks.
There are several instances cited in CROSS reports where works are to be specified within current codes but it is mostly in hindsight that CROSS points out that procedure wasn't followed. In the opinion of the correspondent the latest codes may not be being used because of price and they believe that there should be free library access to British Standards to members of professional institutions.
Submit a report
Your report will make a difference. It will help to create positive change and improve safety.
Our secure and confidential safety reporting system gives professionals the opportunity to share their experiences to help others.
Feedback
No feedback has yet been published for this page.
Expert Panel Comments
An Expert Panel comment on the reports we receive. They use their experience to help you understand what can be learned from the reports. If you would like to know more, please visit the CROSS-AUS Expert Panel page.
CROSS recommends the use of up to date codes to help prevent future similar occurrences that may have been due to the use of outdated codes. There is a legal/insurance requirement to use current codes, and the cost of these as a reason for not using them would not be accepted by a court in the event of a problem.