Sometimes construction projects’ technical specifications include a long list of reference standards. The reference standards are not necessarily up to date, nor even referenced at all in the document. It is also common to find standards from different standards associations for the very same process. Project technical specifications presenting a high level of standards redundancy should trigger a higher degree of care when assessing the tendering package. Also, a higher effort during the construction phase to clarify all the contradictions should be expected.

Reference standards should only be included in technical specifications if they are specifically referenced in the content of the specification. Also, the writer should choose only one standard for each process, and ideally the latest edition. If the writer wants to add requirements of other standards, then these requirements can be written down in the applicable clauses.     

A proper reference standards section will allow the readers to easily assess the materials, workmanship, and quality requirements of the project. It will also prevent confusion between teams due to different requirements interpretations and save hundreds of paperwork hours. Keep it short and accurate, and all the project stakeholders will benefit from it.