Important BSI Updates & Implications for the Drilling Industry

June 24, 2025

The British Drilling Association (BDA) would like to draw members’ attention to two important British Standards Institution (BSI) consultations, and which may have implications across multiple areas of site safety, ground investigation, and equipment specification.

These updates, which are being reviewed by the BDA’s Technical & Standards Sub-committee, reflect BSI’s ongoing commitment to improving inclusivity, safety, and technical rigour across the construction and geotechnical sectors.

Early indicators suggest these developments may lead to:

• New guidance to ensure that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is inclusive and fit for purpose for all workers, regardless of body shape, gender, or physical ability.
• Revised methodologies for in-situ soil testing under BS 1377-9, potentially affecting how drilling contractors conduct and report field tests.

BS 30417 – Provision of Inclusive PPE

BSI has drafted a new national standard [BS 30417: Provision of Inclusive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)], designed to address long-standing issues of inequality in workplace safety equipment. The Standard aims to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of individuals with diverse needs by promoting accessibility and inclusivity in PPE provision.

The draft consultation closed on 28^th April 2025, but the Standard has been flagged by BSI as a priority project due to its potential to drive positive cultural and operational change across all sectors.

BS 1377-9 – In-Situ Soil Testing

BSI has also released a Draft for Public Comment (DPC) of BS 1377-9: Methods of Test for Civil Engineering Purposes – Part 9: In-Situ Tests. This widely referenced Standard outlines various in-situ soil testing techniques relevant to ground investigation and construction.

Tests included in the current draft revision cover:

• In-situ density determination (seven methods)
• Penetration resistance (static and dynamic cone penetration, standard penetration tests)
• Vertical deformation and strength (e.g. plate load, vane shear, CBR)
• Soil corrosivity assessment

The comment period is open until 6 August 2025, and feedback can be submitted via the BSI Standards Development Portal. Visit the portal here: https://standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com/

With both of these Standards potentially having significant implications for how the industry operates, by improving fairness and fit in safety gear and the other by refining essential geotechnical practices. It’s important that the drilling community participates in the consultation process to ensure these standards reflect the practical realities on site.

A formal summary and BDA commentary will follow in due course once the Committee has concluded its review.

Keep an eye on the BDA News section and LinkedIn page for further updates.