BSI - backwards and a total rippoff

Mr Fizzion · 2005-08-10T10:27:14+00:00

It's seems difficult and expensive to get British Standards. I know Ican view them in my local library but if I want a copy for home I haveto pay big money.For example the latest version of BS 5440 parts 1 and 2 together wouldcost me over GBP 200 for a hard copy.You cannot actually purchase an electronic copy of a single standard.You have to subscribe to a whole "module" - for example "Energy andHeat Engineering" which then allows you to view or download all thestandards within that module. Subscriptions costs for this servicestart "at a 4 figure sum" (according to the guy who answered the phonewhen I called them).This is quite infuriating. It seems BSI are trying to hide informationand not disseminate it. Compare this with ANSI where any americanstandard can be downloaded for a few dollars with a few clicks and acredit card number.I don't see the reason for keeping British Standards secret!Mr F.P.S. If someone would like to email me BS5440 "illegally" - I'd beinterested :-)

Aug 10, 2005 23 Replies

Rate this thread:

Andy Hall 20 years ago

Life's a bitch, I suppose.

Perhaps there's a clue in who pays to prepare the intellectual property in the first place.

Vote

Badger 20 years ago

Class 1 when enclosed then, no safety issue at all!

I have an issue with the police, they want BS PAS 24 doors and frames fitted to my home. Now this standard is a product of the ACPO and the police scientific service from what I gather, they through the soldsecure (ltd) scheme get income for the ACPO (a private limited company)....Who pushes this requirement, the local CRO (crime reduction officer), something stinks here IMHO. BS PAS 24 is limited to a very specific type of door/frame type, so as they don't do doors to that standard that will fit I then get hit with another ACPO "requirement"...

BS, standard operational B S if you ask me!

Vote

John Armstrong 20 years ago

But then the approved document for part B (fire safety) largely refers to BSs for guidance which I suspect aren't cheap. Don't know if any other sections are similar.

Vote

Frank Erskine 20 years ago

I thought ACPO was a trade union for chief constables and the like.

Vote

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required