BDA Technical & Standards Sub-Committee – Precis of June 2026 Meeting

The BDA Technical & Standards Sub-Committee met 2^nd June, to discuss a range of technical and standards matters including audit questionnaire development, SPT hammer and rod requirements, British Standards updates, CDM responsibilities, trial pitting guidance, and emerging industry topics including the National Underground Asset Register.

Key Highlights:

• Committee Updates – Lee Healey welcomed members to the meeting and introduced Scott Pincher as a new member of the committee.
• Core Box Palletisation and Stacking – A query had been received regarding the palletisation and stacking of Rhino core boxes. A pallet plan was provided in response, helping to clarify suitable arrangements for safe and practical handling.
• BDA Audit Quality Dashboard – The committee discussed the latest audit quality dashboard, following the Audit Steering Group meeting held on 6^th May. Members were asked to consider fresh questions for inclusion in the audit questionnaire, with the current questionnaire to be shared to help prompt additional technical input and knowledge.
• Audit Trends and Technical Focus Areas – Key minor audit findings included issues relating to trip hammers, including correct roll pins, rubber dampeners and designated locking pins, as well as the straightness of SPT rods. Major findings included the use of dip-meters or dipping tapes to accurately measure water depth, and the need for a valid energy efficiency certificate for the SPT hammer normally in use.
• Pre-Start Safety Checklist and Silicosis Awareness – Members were encouraged to review the BDA Pre-Start Safety Checklist, which is available on the Association’s website. The committee also discussed awareness of silicosis risks when using air flush, with this identified as a possible additional area for inclusion within the audit questionnaire.
• SPT Innovation and Automated Trip Hammer Systems – A new SPT and automated trip hammer system currently being trialled was highlighted. Further feedback and an example report print-out are expected to be shared with the committee at the next meeting, with potential future social media content to be considered once more information is available.
• BSI Standards Updates – No further BSI updates were reported at the meeting. However, BS 18718, relating to soil functions assessment, is to be shared with the committee for information and review.
• Industry Collaboration Updates – The AGS is expected to publish Trial Pitting Guidance through its Safety Working Group. The committee also discussed CP rig supervision requirements, including recent expectations from some companies for a Level 3 supervisor to be present on site, which had previously been identified as an unrealistic requirement.
• Construction Design and Management Regulations – The committee discussed a CDM information sheet outlining criteria and requirements, including the level of training required on site. The document may be shared with the committee for onwards use, with the potential for creating a BDA version.
• Grade Progression and Professional Development – The committee noted that RoGEP has introduced a New Progressive Route for Grade Progression, providing a new progressive route application pathway for ground engineering professionals.
• National Underground Asset Register – Contact details were shared for the Newcastle University Civil Engineering Industrial Advisory Board in connection with the National Underground Asset Register. This included details for both the Chair and Academic Lead, supporting continued engagement around underground assets and wider industry data.