It’s a nightmare scenario for any business: an old client says your work did not meet the relevant standard and wants to bring a claim against you. Looking up the standard, there’s content that seems unfamiliar. What should you do?

Well, firstly you need to remember that standards evolve over time, through a regular review process that ensures they are up to date and reflect current best practice. But withdrawn standards are still valuable sources of information though - particularly in a scenario like the one above.

Why are standards withdrawn?

There are a number of reasons why a standard might be withdrawn: 

1. A regular review has resulted in changes to update the standard

2. Regulatory change means a standard needs to be withdrawn to avoid a conflict

3. A single standard is developed into a suite of standards

4. A British Standard is replaced by an international standard

Withdrawn standards no longer have the status of a standard, but they are available as reference material.

When would you need a withdrawn standard?

Withdrawn standards can be very helpful in scenarios like the one above, where the withdrawn standard that applied at the time can be used to demonstrate that you complied with relevant standards, even if they have since been withdrawn.

Researchers often use withdrawn standards to understand historical technical information to assist their work. Workers who are maintaining old machinery also use withdrawn standards as a reference tool. In some cases, a withdrawn standard may also still be referenced as a designated standard. 

Can you be sued for non-compliance with a standard?

British Standards are published for voluntary use and do not have any regulatory status in their own right. However, compliance with a standard is sometimes mandated by national or international legislation. Compliance with a standard is also sometimes incorporated into contractual terms, meaning there may be legal repercussions for non-compliance.

Following the requirements of a standard, whether through certification or an internal process, can also prove useful in demonstrating professionalism and commitment to quality should a claim be made against your business.

Standards are developed through a collaborative process in which key stakeholders, such as companies of different sizes, consumers, government and academia, and relevant non-profit organizations, come together to agree on best practice. The weight of this combined knowledge means that standards are respected by courts.

Is there a time limit on obtaining withdrawn standards?

BSI keeps a library of historical documents and catalogues that goes back to 1903, when the world of standards was in its infancy. In fact, BSI was the world’s first National Standards Body. 

A team of dedicated researchers take care of the documents to ensure they are preserved.

BSI also maintains a BS online library through which withdrawn BSs can be obtained or requested. All withdrawn BSs are maintained in a hardcopy archive and added to the online library as need becomes apparent.

Always ensure you are using the current standard

It is important to always use the current edition of a standard to ensure you are following the latest guidance. Using withdrawn standards could leave you open to accusations of professional negligence or non-compliance with contractual terms.

All of which means it’s good to know that BSI Knowledge will always have the most up-to-date standards.

Any further questions on standards?

By knowing how to navigate the bibliographic information of a standard on BSI Knowledge successfully, you can unlock even more value for money from BSI standards.

If you have further standards questions, there is help at hand for BSI Members as part of their subscription. Members can call on the skills and resources of the professional researchers of the BSI Member Enquiry Service. Just email knowledgecentre@bsigroup.com.

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