Insight: Ian Richardson, Standards Publishing Manager, BSI
Having been a regular reader of the BSIF’s articles in the health and safety sector for some time now, it struck me how often they referenced or quoted a British Standard. As a Standards Publishing Manager for the UK’s National Standards Body (BSI), this was something I was naturally very positive about. We therefore initiated a review of the committees which had BSIF representation on them, to ensure that the voice of the Federation was heard within all the relevant standards making groups which BSI manages.
Health and Safety for BSI means a very broad and diverse set of subjects. From Occupational Health and Safety standards, such as ISO 45001 (due in 2017), to Explosive Atmosphere standards (the 60079 and 80079 series), through to the many PPE standards (including the forthcoming revision of the Protective Gloves standard EN 388 – due towards the end of the year). So, how can we make sure that this diverse catalogue meets the needs of the UK Health & Safety industry as best it possibly can? This is where the BSIF, on behalf of its members, plays a key part in the standards development lifecycle. It became increasingly apparent that a strong partnership between BSIF and BSI is vital, in order for the Federation’s members to have a route into the standards development process. This is whether they are purely national standards, European standards which are linked to EU Directives, or International standards which are aimed at a more global market.
The strategy for BSI, as a publisher of what we call ‘knowledge solutions’, is that we help customers to build business performance, innovate, and be compliant. We also help to improve workflows, processes and methods, and embed best practice. The aspiration being that this will enable organizations to build bridges, reduce emissions, keep people safe, and even save lives.
If you’d like to know more about BSI’s key Health and Safety standards, go to http://bit.ly/2cbDwcI
For further advice please contact Ian Richardson (email: ian.richardson@bsigroup.com)