BSI (British Standards Institution)
BSI is the UK’s National Standards Body, which brings together stakeholders (including Government, industry and consumers) to facilitate the development of best practice. As the UK’s National Standards Body, BSI operates in accordance with a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK Government. BSI has a robust standards development process and requires open and full consultation with stakeholders to build consensus-based outcomes. This gives standards the legitimacy and degree of market acceptance to be used for public policy purposes.
MOBBTA – PAS (Publicly Available Specification)
MOBBTA working alongside with Resistant has been working towards the development of a national standard for the performance specification of MgO-based building boards.
MOBBTA have been working with insurers, warranty providers, third-party verifiers, manufacturers, contractors, research labs and academic institutions, towards the performance specification of MgO-based building boards. In association with the British Standards Institution (BSI), a new product assurance PAS (Publicly Available Specification) is now being developed for the purpose. It has been given the reference number PAS 670 by British Standards Institute.
PAS Update and Process
This is a 5-stage process and since March 2021 has now reached the Public Consultation stage, and the initiative remains on programme. Final publication anticipated Summer 2021.
Base Document Draft
Base Document BSI-TA Review
Steering Group Review
Public Consultation & Review Panel
Publication
The Steering Group comprises Academics, Insurers, Verifiers and UKAS-approved Inspection bodies, with particular expertise in MgO and other building boards.
The Review Panel includes local authorities, system-builders, users, MMC experts, other Trade Associations and specialist consultants who have relevant experience in both relevant BS EN ISO standards, or the boards in use.
The PAS Steering Group has now signed off the Draft Standard, to move on the next stage which is public consulation. You are recommended to read the Draft PAS document on the MOBBTA BSI PAS website (Feel free to follow the guidance on to how you would make your comments to BSi).