ST. MARY’S COLLEGE OF TAGUM, INC.

CIVIL ENGINEERING PROGRAM

National Highway, Magugpo East, Tagum City, Philippines
ta
Email Address: bsceprogram@smctagum.edu.ph
Quality Transformative Ignacian Marian Education

TBES 1
(ENGINEERING ORIENTATION)

PROJECT I:
ENGINEERING STANDARDS
AND CODES

PREPARED BY:

JOHN VINCENT R. BALDEMOR

(0708)

November 24, 2023

Engineering Standards and Codes
Codes and standards are sets of rules and guidelines that are developed and
maintained by professional organizations, government agencies, and other bodies to
ensure the safety, quality, and effectiveness of products, services, and processes.
Engineering codes and standards are sets of guidelines and rules that are used to
ensure the safety, reliability, and performance of engineered systems, such as fire
and life safety, electrical systems, and mechanical systems. They are developed by
industry organizations, government agencies, and professional societies and are
adopted by local, state, and federal governments as mandatory regulations.
Engineering standards often consist of technical specifications and performance
criteria for materials, components, equipment, systems, and processes. They cover
various disciplines such as civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and environmental
engineering. These standards help engineers and designers make informed decisions
about design parameters, materials selection, manufacturing processes, and safety
procedures.
On the other hand, engineering codes are legal or regulatory documents that define
the minimum requirements and mandatory guidelines for engineering projects. They
are enforceable by-laws or governing bodies to ensure compliance and meet public
safety standards. Examples of engineering codes include building codes, electrical
codes, fire codes, and occupational health and safety codes.
Engineering standards and codes are periodically updated and revised to incorporate
technological advancements, industry practices, and lessons learned from past
incidents or failures. They are developed by professional engineering organizations,
government agencies, and regulatory bodies to promote uniformity, reliability, and
best practices in engineering design and implementation.
Types of Codes and Regulations:
Building: These codes set minimum standards for the design, construction, and
maintenance of buildings, including requirements for fire and life safety, electrical
system design, and accessibility.
Electrical: These codes set standards for the design, installation, and maintenance
of electrical systems, including requirements for wiring, grounding, and overcurrent
protection.
Mechanical: These codes set standards for the design, installation, and
maintenance of mechanical systems, including requirements for HVAC, plumbing,
and fuel-gas systems.
Seismic: These codes set standards for the design and construction of buildings and
other structures to withstand seismic loads and ensure safety during earthquakes.
Fire and Life Safety: These codes set standards for the design and construction of
buildings and other structures to protect against and prevent fire or life safety events.
Energy: These codes set standards for energy efficiency in buildings, including
requirements for insulation, lighting, and HVAC systems.
Examples of Standards and Codes Organization in the United States
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International):
ASTM develops and publishes voluntary technical standards for various industries,
including construction, materials science, and manufacturing. These standards
ensure product quality, safety, and performance.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO):
While not part of the United States alone, ISO develops and publishes international
standards that are adopted and implemented in the United States as well. These
standards cover various sectors, including quality management, environmental
management, information security, and energy management.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME):
ASME develops and maintains codes and standards for mechanical engineering
disciplines. Examples include regulations related to pressure vessels, piping systems,
elevators, and nuclear power plants. American Society of Mechanical Engineers
(ASME): ASME develops and maintains codes and standards for mechanical
engineering disciplines. Examples include regulations related to pressure vessels,
piping systems, elevators, and nuclear power plants.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):
OSHA is a federal agency responsible for setting and enforcing workplace safety and
health standards. It ensures that employers follow regulations related to safe working
conditions, hazard communication, machine guarding, and respiratory protection.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI):
ANSI is a private, non-profit organization that oversees the development and
implementation of voluntary consensus standards in various industries. Examples of
ANSI standards include guidelines for product safety, environmental management,
and data interchange.
National Electrical Code (NEC):
The NEC is a widely adopted standard that sets regulations for safe electrical
installations. It covers topics like conductor sizing, grounding, circuit protection, and
wiring methods to prevent electrical hazards in buildings.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):
NFPA develops and publishes more than 300 codes and standards to minimize the
risk and effects of fire. It covers areas such as electrical safety, building construction,
fire protection systems, and hazardous materials.
SAE International:
SAE International, formerly named the Society of Automotive Engineers, is a United
States-based, globally active professional association and standards-developing
organization for engineering professionals in various industries
Examples of Standards and Codes Organization in the Philippines
Philippine National Standards (PNS)
developed and implemented by the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS), these are
the country’s national standards covering various sectors such as agriculture
construction, consumer products, and services.
Philippine Building Code
a set of regulations on the design, construction, and occupancy of buildings and
structures in the Philippines. It is implemented by the Department of Public Works
and Highways (DPWH) and ensures the safety and integrity of structures.
Philippine Electrical Code
formulated by the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines
(IIEE), this code provides guidelines for electrical installation, wiring, and
equipment to ensure electrical safety in buildings.
Philippine Mechanical Engineering Code
established by the Board of Mechanical Engineering, this code covers standards and
guidelines for mechanical systems and equipment, including heating, ventilation, air-
conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
Philippine Occupational Safety and Health Standards
issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), these standards
provide guidelines for workplace safety, health, and welfare. They cover various
aspects such as hazard prevention, emergency preparedness, and occupational health
monitoring.
Philippine Quality Award
administered by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), this award recognizes
organizations that have achieved a high level of performance excellence. It is based
on the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award criteria and promotes adopting
quality management practices.
Philippine Environmental Code
implemented by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and various local
government units, this code sets standards for environmental protection and
sustainable development. It covers areas such as pollution control, waste
management, and natural resource conservation.
Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS)
The BPS is the national standards body of the Philippines. It develops and
promulgates national standards to ensure the quality and safety of products and
services.
Code on Sanitation of the Philippines
The Department of Health (DOH) is responsible for this code, which establishes
standards and regulations for sanitation and hygiene to protect public health.
ST. MARY’S COLLEGE OF TAGUM, INC. SMCTI
CIVIL ENGINEERING PROGRAM
National Highway, Magugpo East, Tagum City, Philippines
ta
QTIME
Email Address: bsceprogram@smctagum.edu.ph
Faith • Excellence • Service
Quality Transformative Ignacian Marian Education

TBES 1
(ENGINEERING ORIENTATION)

PROJECT II:
Standards in the United States

PREPARED BY:

JOHN VINCENT R. BALDEMOR

(0708)

November 24, 2023

Drinking Water Standards in the United States

The drinking water standards in the United States are set and regulated by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA's standards, known as the Safe
Drinking Water Act (SDWA), set maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for various
substances that could be present in drinking water.
The MCLs are legally enforceable standards that specify the maximum allowable
level of a particular contaminant in drinking water. These standards are regularly
reviewed and updated based on the latest scientific research on potential health risks
associated with various contaminants.
Some key standards and contaminants regulated by the EPA include:
1. Microorganisms: The EPA has set standards to control the levels of bacteria,
viruses, and other pathogens in drinking water to ensure it is free from harmful
microorganisms.
2. Disinfectants: The EPA regulates the levels of disinfectants such as chlorine
used to treat drinking water to strike a balance between effective disinfection and
minimizing potential health risks.
3. Disinfection byproducts: The EPA has established MCLs for disinfection
byproducts, which are chemicals that can form when disinfectants react with organic
matter in water. Examples include trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids.
4. Inorganic chemicals: The SDWA lists MCLs for various inorganic chemicals
such as arsenic, lead, mercury, copper, and fluoride, among others.
5. Organic chemicals: The EPA sets MCLs for various organic chemicals including
pesticides, herbicides, industrial chemicals, and other contaminants that may enter
the drinking water supply.
6. Radionuclides: The SDWA establishes MCLs for several radioactive substances
that may find their way into drinking water, such as radium, uranium, and radon.
The SDWA requires public water systems to regularly monitor and report the
presence of these and other contaminants in their water. If a contaminant exceeds
the MCL, the water system must take corrective action to ensure public health and
safety. The EPA also requires water systems to provide annual Consumer Confidence
Reports to inform consumers about the quality of their drinking water. Public water
systems are required to regularly test their water supply for compliance with these
standards and report any violations to the relevant authorities. They are also
required to inform consumers about the quality of their drinking water through
annual Consumer Confidence Reports.
It is important to note that while the EPA sets national standards, individual states
can develop their own drinking water regulations, as long as they are at least as
stringent as the federal standards. This means that some states may have additional
regulations or standards in place to further protect public health.
Outdoor Air Quality Standards in the United States

The outdoor air quality standards in the United States are set and regulated by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The primary standard that the EPA uses to
assess and control air pollution is the National Ambient Air Quality Standards
(NAAQS). The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets outdoor
air quality standards. Key pollutants include ozone, particulate matter, sulfur
dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and lead. These standards aim to
protect public health by limiting concentrations of these pollutants in the air.
The NAAQS sets limits for six criteria pollutants, which have known adverse effects
on human health and the environment. These pollutants include:
1. Ground-level ozone: The standard for ground-level ozone, also known as smog, is
set at 0.070 parts per million (ppm) averaged over 8 hours. Ozone can cause
respiratory problems and worsen asthma.
2. Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10): PM2.5 refers to fine particles with a
diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller, while PM10 refers to particles with a
diameter of 10 micrometers or smaller. The standard for PM2.5 is set at an annual
average of 12 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) and a daily average of 35 µg/m³
over 24 hours. The standard for PM10 is set at 150 µg/m³ averaged over 24 hours.
Inhalation of particulate matter can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
3. Carbon monoxide (CO): The standard for carbon monoxide is set at 9 parts per
million (ppm) averaged over 8 hours. High levels of carbon monoxide can be fatal
and can affect the cardiovascular system.
4. Sulfur dioxide (SO2): The standard for sulfur dioxide is set at 0.03 parts per
million (ppm) averaged over 1 hour. SO2 can cause respiratory issues and contribute
to the formation of acid rain.
5. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2): The standard for nitrogen dioxide is set at 0.053 parts per
million (ppm) averaged over 1 hour. NO2 can cause respiratory problems and
contribute to the formation of smog.
6. Lead (Pb): The standard for lead is set at 0.15 micrograms per cubic meter
(µg/m³) averaged over 3 months. Lead exposure can lead to neurological,
developmental, and other health issues, especially in children.

In addition to these criteria pollutants, the EPA also sets standards for hazardous air
pollutants (HAPs), which are known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious
health effects. The EPA uses the Clean Air Act as the legal basis for these standards
and works with state and local governments to enforce them. These standards
regulate key pollutants like ozone, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen
dioxide, carbon monoxide, and lead. By setting limits on these pollutants, the EPA
aims to ensure that the air Americans breathe meets specified health criteria,
reducing the risks associated with air pollution and promoting overall well-being.
Stringent monitoring and enforcement mechanisms are in place to uphold these
standards and protect the environment and public health.
Indoor Air Quality Standards in the United States
Indoor air quality standards in the United States are not regulated by a single federal
agency with comprehensive standards. Instead, various organizations and agencies
provide guidelines. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers
recommendations for indoor air quality, addressing issues like ventilation, moisture
control, and specific pollutants.
Common indoor pollutants include radon, secondhand smoke, volatile organic
compounds (VOCs), and mold. Ensuring proper ventilation, using air purifiers, and
addressing potential sources of pollutants are crucial for maintaining good indoor air
quality. Specific standards may vary across states and local jurisdictions, but the EPA
provides a valuable resource for general guidance on improving indoor air quality.
Some key indoor air quality standards in the United States include:
1. OSHA General Duty Clause: Under this clause, employers are required to
provide a workplace that is free from recognized hazards, including poor indoor air
quality. This includes maintaining proper ventilation systems, controlling airborne
contaminants, and addressing any other potential sources of indoor air pollution.
2. EPA Indoor Air Quality Standards: The EPA provides guidelines and
recommendations for indoor air quality to help individuals and businesses maintain
a healthy indoor environment. These guidelines cover a wide range of indoor air
pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), radon, formaldehyde, carbon
monoxide, and particulate matter.
3. OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard: This standard establishes criteria
for the use of respirators in workplaces where employees may be exposed to harmful
airborne contaminants. It includes requirements for selecting, using, and
maintaining respirators to ensure adequate protection.
4. ASHRAE Standard 62.1: The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and
Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) sets standards for ventilation rates and
indoor air quality in commercial and institutional buildings. Standard 62.1 provides
guidelines for determining minimum ventilation rates based on occupancy, floor
area, and the type of activity taking place in the building.
5. LEED Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Credits: The Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program includes IEQ
credits that promote the design and operation of buildings with healthy indoor
environments. These credits cover areas such as ventilation, air filtration, thermal
comfort, and the use of low-emitting materials.

It is important for building owners and occupants to adhere to these indoor air
quality standards to ensure the well-being and productivity of individuals in indoor
environments. Maintaining good indoor air quality involves addressing these factors
through proper ventilation, air purification, and mitigating potential sources of
population. Local and state regulations may vary, making the EPA a key resource for
general guidance on enhancing indoor air quality in the United States.