Always A Black Biro

Had a couple of days off following nights so I’ve had time to avoid thinking. The question did pop into my head why do we all have to document things in black Biro ink ? A quick search showed that it was not just me, though it was not always done this way further afield.

Just an idle thought.

I have heard various combinations of the following;

1. Black ink photocopies better than other colours, including blue

Yes, of course it does.

2. It won’t run if there is a flood and the notes get wet

Really ? But having all the pages stuck together is fine.

3. No, really. A medical records department got flooded and the ink ran !

If you say so. Did the black ink run less ?

4. It looks tidier

Possibly.

5. It is a legal requirement.

Where does it say so and why ?

6. It is an RCN or UKCC guideline.

Fair enough. But why ?

If anyone has a definitive answer I would love to know. I’ve often seen it stated as a rule, just never with a reasonable justification.