This is from a fellow poster on the ICC Bulletin Board:
"I recall once having written a set of specifications (many, many seasons ago) and the typo that resulted in many phone calls. The spec noted that the builder could take possession of the site only after execution of the contract. . . .
. . . but what it actually said was the builder could take possession of the site after execution of the contractor. Talk about penalty clauses!"
Just found on the internet in a Section titled, Section 142100 - Electric Traction Elevators:
A. This Section includes electric traction passenger and service elevators consisting of the following type:
Some firms really need to use a CCS.
Because of the hyphen? I see the term used both ways, with a hyphen and without. It is a term used among elevator manufacturers, as goofy as it sounds and looks.
I suspect the comment is because traction and hydraulic are rather different types of elevators, more than whether to hyphenate.
Once I was developing a section for vinyl windows before there was one available in the guide specifications our firm was using. The logical starting point was to take the most similar section, and rewrite it to use vinyl. In the careful process of researching differences in performance standards and available products, as well as some careful proofreading, I discovered that the search & replace of all things aluminum to become vinyl now meant that I had specified vinyl as an option for fastener materials!
Another “search-and-replace” winner: I received a set of Division 16 (MF '95) specifications from an electrical consultant in which every single instance of the word “contactor” had been replaced with “contractor”.
The mental images resulting from the error are very similar to Looney Tunes or Road Runner cartoons…
Due to time restraints we recently hired an outside firm to help us with a set of specs. In every new section they wrote, wherever a “Note To Specifier” appeared they wrote “Note To Specifer”.
Did you do a search for ARCHIETECT?
I think they just missed part of a word; common oversight.
Should have been
Hole-less Hydraulic-less Elevators
Another “search-and-replace” winner: In the process of adapting front-end documents from one state agency to another, references to the design professional of record were changed from “Associate” to “Architect.” The language on one of the closeout forms became “…acknowledgment of receipt of warranty, operating manual, etc. Architectd with acceptance of Equipment or Material.”
Several years later, someone noticed the apparent typo and changed the form to read “…acknowledgment of receipt of warranty, operating manual, etc. Architect with acceptance of Equipment or Material.”
Here’s a new one: “Security on their rounds each shift will provide inspections also.” (from an Owner’s work restrictions referring to hot work)
You know, I just reread this page and most of it still makes me laugh until my eyes water.
I just found this in a manufacturer’s spec for a bridge crane:
“Supervise pre-startup adjustments and installation checks and all field testes.”
That has got to leave a mark
Anne, I agree completely. And such deep laughter is good for you! Thanks everyone, for making us all healthier.
From the Clemson University Pesticide Information Program website:
“CCA treated or Womanized wood is used to make decks, fences and playground equipment.”
Sheldon, is that what happens to the wood after the field testes (see above post) are removed?
Some guys might opt for the playground part of it.
Ron…that would take a lot of balls!!
Sheldon…perhaps that is the type of wood you get from REALLY lonely, REALLY drunk carpenters with REALLY big knotholes? Thank God they spelled “decks” right!!
Steve & Lynn…get your minds outta the gutter…mine is suddenly feeling claustrophobic!! 
Or do they also make barrels out of that kind of treated wood?