June 26, 2025
The BDA Technical & Standards (T&S) Sub-Committee met on 19th June. The meeting provided updates across several areas including key BSI draft consultations, and international innovation engagement.
Key Highlights:
- BSI Draft for Public Comment – BS 1377-9 – The updated draft of BS 1377-9, covering in-situ testing methods for soils in civil engineering applications, is now open for public comment. Members are encouraged to review and provide feedback via the BSI Standards Development portal before the deadline on 6th August 2025. This document covers in-situ density determination, penetration resistance, vertical deformation and strength testing, and corrosivity assessment.
- BSI Inclusive PPE Standard – BS 30417 – The draft standard BS 30417, focused on the provision of inclusive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), has been prioritised by BSI to address ongoing issues of inequality in PPE suitability.
- Gas Risk Assessments
A discussion was held around incorporating gas risk assessments as a standardised part of ground investigation planning and drawings. The committee supported this in principle and agreed it merits further exploration.
- Innovation and International Engagement
A presentation made by Geoff Ellison at a conference in New York included examples of innovative drilling machinery and continuous drilling technologies. A link to the presentation is available by request, please email: office@britishdrillingassociation.co.uk