BSI announces new framework for construction product safety

PAS 2000 Construction Products – Bringing Safe Products to Market – Code of Practice, which is sponsored by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), sets a practical framework for construction product manufacturers to adopt to demonstrate that they’ve taken reasonable steps to best ensure the products they place on the market are safe for their intended use.

As referenced, the Code of Practice was developed following recommendations contained within the pages of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry final report in addition to the final document produced as a result of the extensive Morrell/Day Independent Review of the Construction Products Testing Regime (entitled Testing for a Safer Future). Further, it responds directly to the Government’s programme of regulatory reform for construction products, which saw the launch of the Construction Products White Paper on 25 February.

Aligning with Recommendation 3.3 of the Morrell-Day Review, which called for industry collaboration with BSI to produce guidance, PAS 2000 illustrates the due diligence expected when placing a construction product on the market.

The PAS aims to help organisations demonstrate robust product safety governance, embed clear and proportionate due diligence processes, improve transparency and accountability and align with evolving regulatory expectations. It’s purpose-designed to strengthen confidence across supply chains that products will be safe for their intended use.

Clear commitment

Ian Richardson, sector lead at the BSI, commented: “This publication reflects our clear commitment to responding constructively to the findings of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and the Morrell-Day Review, and to supporting safety across the built environment.”

Richardson added: “At a time of significant regulatory reform, PAS 2000 has been developed to support greater transparency, accountability and due diligence across the supply chain. By setting clear expectations and good practice, manufacturers and other economic operators should be empowered to embed robust product safety governance and align with evolving regulatory requirements. We encourage organisations across the built environment sector to engage with PAS 2000 and support its adoption.”

Launch event

The BSI is hosting a launch event in London on 10 March, which will explain the background to the development of PAS 2000, outline the structure, content and practical benefits of the standard, clarify how organisations can implement the framework and provide an opportunity for questions and industry engagement.

The event will include speakers from the OPSS and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in addition to Dr Hywel Davies OBE, the technical author for PAS 2000.

*Further information is available to view online at https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/construction-products-bringing-safe-products-to-market-code-of-practice