British Standards online
Quick Guide
What are the British Standards online?
This is a database produced by the British Standards institution (BSI), an organisation that is responsible for maintaining standards across the manufacturing, engineering and construction industries. The BSI publishes technical standards/specifications which are designed to maintain standards and provide guidance for producers and suppliers. The database is fully indexed and any revisions or withdrawal of standards are noted clearly on the records. The Standards are mostly downloadable through the subscription in a PDF format, which can then be printed or saved for your own convenience. It is however important to note that any standards downloaded from this subscription are for your own personal use. The British standards have a copyright that forbids distribution of its standards.
How to Access British Standards Online on campus
· Log on to the network in the normal way, then click on the Internet Explorer icon from the desktop, or from the menu bar at the bottom of the screen.
· Open the Library and Learning Services website at http://www.uel.ac.uk/lls
· Select Databases and E-journals
· Select B from the Database A-Z List
Select British Standards online
Currently the British Standards Online is only available on campus. You need to be logged onto a UEL networked PC.
Searching the British Standards online:
Search by Standard number:
If you know the number of the British Standard that you are looking for then simply type this into the search box.
Standard numbers will usually be in the format: BS 1234.
Although sometimes you will find ones: BS EN 1234 or BS EN ISO 1234 these will be where the Euro code and the international standard have been adopted.
Search by keyword(s):
Here you can enter keywords to describe the type of Standard you are looking for. This is useful if you do not know the specific details such as the Standard number.
Advanced search:
In the advanced search you have the option of adding additional details to your search. As well as the Standard number or keyword(s) you can also specify:
Date published
Update type
By reference: Here you can specify if you are searching for a new standard that has been replaced another one, or historic versions.
Help:
There is a comprehensive help function on the British Standards Online, which is available to you if you click on the help tab. This will give you access to a series of frequently asked questions, demos and user guides.
Library and Learning Services Updated February 2010