John:

You make a good point and I guess my comment needs a little more explanation. Some are suggesting we look at the Standard of Care as a document, where I suggest we look at the Standard of Care as the concept the document represents. This concept is the methodology outlined in the document as the scientific method. I believe everything else in the document is in support of, but not exactly part of that methodology. I believe to achieve the standard of care as outlined in the methodology one must base an opinion on supportable data. This data can come from information contained in the document or from other sources, such as there is insufficient information in 921 to conduct an evaluation of the installation of a sprinkler system. Yes, in the past the data being used by experts was way out in left field without any supportable information. With the data contained in 921 and other papers there is ample supportable data available to the investigator. To me the use of the methodology that leads to the use of the supportable data is the standard of care for conducting an investigation. When it comes to technical issues involving the investigation of fires this information can be obtained by the investigator from many different sources. When I say if the procedure used by that investigator is supported by a responsible body of similar professionals I am speaking about the steps listed in the scientific method as being the procedure.

Does this better explain my thoughts?

Jim