During the launch of new guidance on security at the House of Commons last month senior construction industry professionals were advised that protection of infrastructure against threats must become the responsibility of all engineers and technicians. This guidance is prepared by the Engineering Council who stated that security is to be taken as seriously as health and safety.

A Representative of the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI), which contributed to the guidance, noted that professionals needed to be mindful of security in all aspects of their work and be aware of possible threats.

The new guidance was welcomed by Security Minister John Hayes (former Transport Minister).  He stated, “We are dealing with malicious intent and face terrorists who are unprecedented in terms of their determination, adaptability and pervasive nature”.  Adding, “Government is conscious of its responsibility to counter this but can only do so much and cannot deliver on its own.  Engineers need to take a leadership role.”

Terry Morgan, Crossrail, advised that the project had taken into account threats and vulnerabilities to security but warned that innovations like BIM should be treated with care and that how information is protected “is critically important”.

For ‘guidance of security for engineers and technicians’ visit : www.engc.org.uk/security

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