Engineering is one of the most exact and conspicuously exact sciences known to man. While many kinds of sciences can fall back on the notion of process over product, engineers have no such softness in their regulations. While all of the sciences demand rigorous attention to detail, there are few with as much practical emphasis on protecting the safety and health of human beings as engineering has. As such, code requirements are reinforced to the letter. Because of this stringent level of enforcement and its purpose, following code is crucial.

What is Code?

Code is the general term that refers to building and engineering codes in a particular area, generally in reference to safety regulations. When safety is an issue, Code becomes a crucial element of successful design and its execution in a finished product. As well, Code also refers to the maintenance of structures and other objects that may affect the safety of human beings. Without Code and its enforcement, many builders and factories would build to the lowest standard to which they could personally be held liable. Many lives are lost unnecessarily in areas where there either is no Code to speak of or its enforcement is lax.

Where Does Code Apply?

Building and design Code is in place in every municipality in most modern societies. Because large numbers of people tend to congregate in such places, having codes in place keep safety standards reasonable and ensure no injuries or deaths are caused by poor design quality. Code applies anywhere there is the potential for people to be endangered by poor design practices.

What Does Code Generally Imply?

Code typically stipulates a standard amount of time that a structure or an object is to be used and a standard level of usage. Every object has a level of stress it can tolerate before it fails, and Code typically stipulates a certain mandatory degree of stress and usage tolerances. Through operating and engineering according to Code requirements, more effective designs are commonplace in the modern world.

How Often Does Code Change?

Code as a rule changes all of the time. As the engineering world's knowledge of how the physical world and various materials work continues to expand over time, Code is a constantly evolving force. With this change in the industry's knowledge comes the need to alter Code to suit this new knowledge. Every fact learned about how materials break down or malfunction informs Code because its ultimate goal is to promote safety and long-term functionality.