Security and its importance is very well known in the current climate, be it at airports or sporting events etc. Yet how many engineers realise that the work they are currently doing is either exposing themselves or their organisations/ clients to future security related events. How Consultants, Contractors, Clients, Project managers, in fact the whole construction team operates is now very much open to security issues, and with the advent of BIM, the power to divulge critical information to the ‘wrong person’ is even greater.
Two reasons to take note:
- It is now part of the Professional Review
Whilst not many engineers get excited about UK Spec or changes to the document, it is worth taking note this time as it has incorporated a rather innocuous requirement – that of ‘taking into account security’. If you expect a question on BIM, expect a question on security.
UK Spec 3rd Ed. (issued Jan 2014, came into effect Feb 2016)
B2 Conduct appropriate research, and undertake design and development of engineering solutions.
This could include an ability to: • Identify and agree appropriate research methodologies • Allocate and manage resources • Develop the necessary tests • Collect, analyse and evaluate the relevant data • Undertake engineering design • Prepare, present and agree design recommendations, with appropriate analysis of risk, and taking account of cost, quality, safety, reliability, appearance, fitness for purpose, security, intellectual property (IP) constraints and opportunities, and environmental impact.
- How engineers can develop awareness of this area?
A good starting point would be the Centre for the protection of National Infrastructure* (https://www.cpni.gov.uk/ ) and hopefully your own organisation now has policies and procedures that take account of security issues in the various construction phases.
Note: If the CPNI offers a CPD regional event I very strongly suggest attendance. In fact, if they are not on the calendar I suggest giving them a call asap.
*CPNI is the government authority for protective security advice to the UK national infrastructure. Our role is to protect national security by helping to reduce the vulnerability of the national infrastructure to terrorism and other threats.
Be a SmartEngineer and make sure you develop awareness of this critical area.
