September 16, 2026
Chaired by Lee Healey, the BDA Technical & Standards Sub-Committee met on 8th September, to discuss a range of technical and standards matters including offshore drilling and sampling methods, audit findings, competency requirements, British Standards developments and trial pitting.
Key Highlights:
- Offshore Drilling and SPT Methods – The committee considered a query about drilling and sampling methods for Standard Penetration Tests (SPTs) in offshore sands and gravels. Concerns related to soil disturbance above the test location, water in the borehole and the time taken to complete testing. Members concluded that a standard SPT method should suffice, with consideration given to individual ground conditions and project specifications.
- BDA Audit Quality Dashboard – The latest audit dashboard was reviewed. Major findings concerned guard gaps that could allow contact with dangerous moving parts, and whether winches were adequately guarded by position. A pre-start check reminder has already been issued to members. Audit activity will be reviewed again after September and October, when a peak is usually seen.
- BSI Standards and Competency Requirements – The committee received an update on BSI discussions about incorporating the competency requirements covered by Parts 2 and 3 of the 22475 series into BS 5930. The proposed approach would bring competency requirements together in one document, rather than across separate standards.
- Competency Reviews and Professional Development – Members discussed the frequency of competency reviews, comparing the BDA’s annual review approach with review intervals of three to five years reported in Europe. Professional registration and continuing professional development criteria were also considered.
- Industry Collaboration Updates – The committee noted the continued promotion of the Federation of Piling Specialists’ digital project map, which highlights the locations of piling projects completed by FPS members.
- Trial Pitting and Site Practice – A recent project was discussed where restrictions on access to trial pits affected logging and bulk sampling. An alternative approach was used, and James Barr will share a report with the committee explaining the issue and how it was overcome. Members also discussed the additional safety considerations affecting trial pitting activities.
- Trial Pitting and Temporary Works – Lee Healey shared the AGS position on trial pitting under BS 5975-1:2024. This indicates that pits used solely for ground investigation, observation and sampling, without personnel entry or engineered support or protection, should not normally be classified as temporary works. Where engineered solutions are introduced to support, stabilise, protect, provide access to or otherwise facilitate the excavation, the activity should be considered temporary works and managed accordingly.
- Technical Topics for Industry Articles – BSI standards developments were identified as a potential subject for a future technical article, to update members on the work being discussed.
