BS 8574:2014 Code of practice for the management of geotechnical data for ground engineering projects

What is BS 8574?

BS 8574 gives recommendations on the management of geotechnical data throughout the life-cycle of civil engineering and building projects at both an organizational and project level.

It defines data as a concept and provides recommendations on the collection, verification, manipulation, distribution, presentation and storage of data.

It applies to all aspects of ground engineering including ground investigation, environmental investigation, construction, piling, tunnelling and asset management. It provides some explanations on the role of software, databases and electronic data transfer formats.

Why did we produce BS 8574?

Each ground engineering project requires the collection of data from different sources and in a range of formats. The collected data are processed and transferred throughout the supply chain to be used by a variety of people and organizations.

Currently data in the ground industry is largely managed using paper records and isolated procedures designed to satisfy the localised and immediate needs of the investigation, design, monitoring or construction contractor. This results in an inefficient discontinuous supply chain. Some companies and organizations use a computer based system to support this process and have developed internal systems which can be considered as ‘best practice’.

However there is very little understanding of the concept of ‘data’ and how it could be collected, managed and used for the advantage of a project to the benefit of all involved.

A standard for the “Management of data in the ground industry” would have far reaching effects in providing improved communications between the parties involved. This results in a more effective commercial environment and substantial savings for the project as a whole.

The management and delivery of these data needs to be defined and maintained throughout each project, integrating the requirements set out in the project specification together with the objectives of those who produce and those who use the data. This can be achieved by the introduction of a data management system based on an organization’s data management policy, which is covered in BS 8574.

The ground engineering sector is also undergoing substantial changes following the implementation of Eurocode 7. New test methods and execution standards are being introduced to support Eurocode 7 and the UK has unilaterally introduced standards BS 22475 Geotechnical and investigation and testing – Sampling methods and groundwater measurements – Part 2: Qualification criteria for enterprises and personnel and Part 3: Conformity assessment of enterprises and personnel by third party.

The procedures described in this standard facilitate the management of geotechnical data for use in a BIM project in accordance with PAS 1192.

Hear from an expert:

"Knowledge of the characteristics of the ground on which, in which and below which all civil engineering projects are built is key to safe and sustainable design. In this increasingly computer-

related age data must be available in digital format if it is not to be overlooked or ignored. Recognition of the importance of this by the geotechnical industry over 20 years ago led to the creation of a workable structure which became known as the AGS Format. This ensured that once entered on to a suitable system at the outset, data could be used many times and transferred to others who wished to use it independently of the software which created it.

The dedicated team of geotechnical and computer professionals who had to cope with the problems of data management from producer through to designer and client bodies and who produced and operated the format have now set down their well honed experience to create this timely Code of practice. Whilst developed for site investigation data the management process is applicable to other activities such as piling, tunnelling or earthworks which interact with or use the ground. Those using it will know that the code comes from experience and not aspiration, from practice and not theory, from professionals who care and not from a bureaucracy that wishes to impose. It is by the industry for the industry and is to be commended at this time when BIM is recognized as being a vital part of the future of construction."Len ThreadgoldChairman/Chief EngineerThe Geotechnical Centre

Who should use BS 8574?

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Engineering geologists

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Geotechnical and environmental engineers

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Geotechnical data managers

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IT managers

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Project managers.

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BS 9102:2014 Code of practice for safe working on lifting platforms

BS 9102 is a new standard to provide contractors, installers and service engineers with comprehensive and concise guidance on the application of safe working on lifting platforms.

This standard is relevant for the design, installation and maintenance of lifts. As someone who regularly works off-site you need to be familiar with and consult this standard in the performance of your activities.

 BS 9102 includes updates to accommodate new legislation and new and revised standards.  BS 9102 includes safety procedures when working on lifting platforms and an extensive list of other safety and hazard measures based on recommendations from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

BS 9102 gives recommendations for safe working practices (supported by training) for:

undefined Owners of permanently installed lifting platforms serving defined landing levels undefined People having effective control of the premises where such lifting platforms are installed undefined People responsible for, and involved in, the design, installation, thorough examination, inspection,

testing, service, maintenance, repair and dismantling of such lifting platforms. undefined

BS 9102 gives recommendations for the safety of people when gaining access to and from the area in which a lifting platform is installed and whilst working there. The recommendations also relate to the safety of others present in the vicinity, whether they are working or not, who could be endangered by the actions of those working on lifting platforms.

Who was involved in producing BS 9102?

A committee of industry experts from:

Chartered Institution of Building Services EngineersElectrical, Electrotechnical, Telecommunications and Plumbing UnionEngineer Surveyors’ Section of the MSFEngineering Employers’ FederationHealth and Safety ExecutiveInstitution of Electrical EngineersInstitution of Incorporated Executive EngineersLift and Escalator Industries AssociationSafety Assessment Federation LimitedSociety of Operations Engineers

Contents of BS 9102:

Foreword1 Scope2 Normative references3 Terms and definitions4 Safety management: responsibilities of owners5 Safety management: responsibilities of persons working on lifting platformsAnnexesAnnex A (informative) Typical safety signsAnnex B (normative) Wellbeing of persons working aloneAnnex C (normative) Electrical working BibliographyList of figuresFigure 1 – Examples of lifting platform landing entrance barriersFigure A.1 – Safety sign for use on a landing when a lifting platform is taken out of serviceFigure A.2 – Safety sign for use on an access door/panelFigure A.3 – Safety sign for use in a liftway below the carrierFigure A.4 – Example of a label to be attached to a landing door/gate opening key