As we report in this issue, there is debate over a proposed European Standard which, some claim, may lead to a lowering of safety standards in some countries for radio remote control systems. There is a view that the critics are being too pedantic, that no standard can hope to cover every eventuality, and that we have to put a little faith in manufacturers to supply products that can do the job.
The problem with this view is that it fails to recognise the whole point of having standards. There are two philosophical approaches to safety: one is to have a general law that everything sold should be fit for purpose and then let the courts sort out claims and counter-claims after an event; the other is to have standards set down beforehand, which must be observed. Possibly wisely, Europe is increasingly clinging to the latter approach. The standards, therefore, should be watertight, no matter how tortuous the drafting procedure.
After two years of publishing quarterly, HOIST will now appear bi-monthly. This is only our eighth issue but already we have established ourselves with our readers. We are grateful for the support that we have received from all quarters and hope that you will continue to supply us with your news and views.
