The BESA Technical Committee brings together BESA members and technical experts to help shape the standards, guidance and publications used across the building engineering services industry, writes Paul Eagle, Chair of BESA Technical Committee.
As regulations, technologies and working practices continue to change, the committee ensures BESA’s technical work remains relevant, practical and informed by the experience of contractors and specialists.
By working directly with members, BESA can identify emerging challenges, respond to changes affecting the sector and develop technical standards that support safer, more competent and more efficient working practices.
Discussing The Issues Affecting Building Engineering Services
The latest BESA Technical Committee meeting covered a wide range of regulatory, technical and competence issues affecting building engineering services businesses.
Members heard an update on ETIM, a system designed to provide a consistent way of classifying and describing technical products. Consistent product information is becoming increasingly important as the construction industry moves towards better connected project data and more effective information management.
The Building Safety Act was another major area of discussion. The committee considered the challenges surrounding Gateway 2 applications, refurbishment projects and the responsibilities of organisations throughout the design and construction process.
Members also heard updates on the Building Safety Levy, the future structure of the building control system and the Government’s work to develop a competence strategy for built environment professions.
BESA shared progress on its Building Safety Act guidance, including resources to help organisations understand their responsibilities and demonstrate competence. The committee also discussed plans for an industry case study exploring how ventilation and fire safety defects can be managed, including responsibilities, escalation routes, control measures and evidence requirements.
Supporting Competence Across The Industry
Competence remains a major priority for BESA and the wider building engineering services industry.
The committee received an update on the development of competence frameworks for ductwork installation, ventilation hygiene and refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump systems.
This work brings employers and industry representatives together to define the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours required to undertake specialist work safely and effectively.
Further competence work is also planned across commercial plumbing, commercial heating and service and maintenance. These frameworks will give employers and individuals greater clarity about what competence looks like and how it can be demonstrated.
This is particularly important under the Building Safety Act, which has placed a renewed focus on the ability of individuals and organisations to demonstrate that they are competent to undertake their work.
Developing Building Engineering Services Technical Standards
BESA has a long history of producing industry recognised technical standards and publications for the building engineering services sector.
The BESA Technical Committee and specialist groups help ensure this guidance continues to reflect changes in legislation, technology and industry practice.
At the latest meeting, members received updates on publications covering local exhaust ventilation (LEV), ductwork cleaning, kitchen ventilation, plastic ductwork, supports and fixings, heat pumps, pipe selection, heat metering, dry risers and offsite construction.
The committee also discussed BESA’s publication passport, which provides a consistent process for developing and reviewing technical publications. This helps ensure that each document benefits from industry input, technical scrutiny and appropriate quality assurance.
Feedback from BESA members is central to this process. By involving people who design, install, commission and maintain building engineering systems, BESA can develop guidance that responds to real challenges and can be applied in practice.
Using Technical Queries To Identify Industry Needs
BESA’s technical support service provides members with access to specialist knowledge and guidance.
The questions received through this service also provide valuable insight into the challenges facing the industry. By analysing common technical queries, BESA can identify areas of uncertainty, gaps in existing publications and subjects where additional guidance may be required.
These insights help inform the future work of the BESA Technical Committee, specialist groups and publications team.
Collaborating Across The Built Environment
Many of the challenges facing building engineering services cannot be addressed by one organisation alone.
The committee heard about BESA’s collaboration with professional institutions, trade bodies and standards organisations. This work covers areas including fire safety, commissioning, smart buildings, product information and the development of industry standards.
Collaboration helps BESA represent the interests of members, contribute specialist building engineering services knowledge and reduce duplication across the sector.
Committee members were also invited to identify other organisations and technical subjects where greater collaboration could provide value to the industry.
Developing Skills And Future Industry Leaders
The meeting also considered the future skills needs of the building engineering services sector.
Updates included work on new National Occupational Standards (NOS) for domestic ventilation and heat networks, alongside the development of specialist technical training.
Members were also encouraged to nominate emerging professionals for BESA’s NextGen Network. The network gives the next generation an opportunity to develop their knowledge, build industry connections and contribute to discussions about the future of the sector.
Bringing new voices into BESA’s technical work will help ensure that industry standards and guidance remain relevant to the future workforce.
Join A BESA Specialist Group
The BESA Technical Committee is most effective when it reflects the full breadth of the building engineering services industry.
BESA is looking for more members to get involved with its specialist groups and contribute practical experience, technical knowledge and new perspectives. Several groups are also seeking members who may be interested in taking on leadership roles.
Joining a BESA specialist group gives you the opportunity to:
- Help shape building engineering services technical standards
- Contribute to BESA publications and industry guidance
- Share knowledge with other technical professionals
- Influence responses to regulatory and industry changes
- Support competence and best practice across the sector
To find out more about the BESA Technical Committee and opportunities to join our specialist groups, contact Mark Oakes at mark.oakes@thebesa.com.