1. BS 99001:2022 is a new standard developed in response to the Grenfell Tower fire, supplementing ISO 9001 for the construction industry to ensure greater safety and quality.
2. Julian French, a key contributor to the standard, emphasizes that BS 99001 addresses specific needs of the built environment sector, incorporating new building safety regulations and sustainability considerations.
3. The standard acts as a checklist, reducing varied interpretations and ensuring that all critical areas are considered when drafting procedures for construction projects.
4. Certification to BS 99001 can be obtained alongside ISO 9001, with minimal additional effort, ensuring comprehensive quality management in construction.
5. The new standard is designed to help prevent tragedies like Grenfell by establishing clearer, sector-specific guidelines and responsibilities for construction projects.
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The Tragedy that Sparked Change: Lessons from Grenfell
In a heartfelt and poignant interview, Julian French of Sandberg LLP shared his insights into the development of BS 99001:2022, a new standard that emerged from the ashes of the Grenfell Tower fire. As I sat down with Julian, it was clear that this was more than just a professional endeavour for him; it was a personal mission to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.
“On the early morning of 14 June 2017, the world watched in horror as Grenfell Tower burned,” Julian began, his voice tinged with a mix of sorrow and resolve. “Seventy-two lives were lost, and the construction industry was faced with a stark reality check.”
Julian explained that the UK Government’s review into building regulations and fire safety, led by Dame Judith Hackitt, uncovered numerous failures. “It wasn’t just one failure; it was layers upon layers of them,” he said. “From technical to administrative, every aspect was scrutinised.”
The Hackitt Report, published in May 2018, made several key recommendations, and soon after, the Industry Safety Steering Group was established to drive cultural change in the industry. “We knew we had to do something different,” Julian stated. “ISO 9001:2015 was too generic for the construction industry. We needed a standard that addressed our specific challenges and responsibilities.”
The Birth of BS 99001
Julian’s involvement in the BSI Committee was instrumental in developing BS 99001:2022. “We took the foundation of ISO 9001 and built upon it,” he explained. “Our goal was to create a Quality Management System (QMS) standard that considered new building safety regulations, sustainability, and the complex nature of construction projects.”
BS 99001 was published in July 2022 and has since been a game-changer for the industry. “It’s not about replacing ISO 9001 but supplementing it,” Julian clarified. “The clause numbers are the same, and the language starts with ‘In meeting the requirements of BS EN ISO 9001:2015,’ which helps reduce varied interpretations.”
One of the standout features of BS 99001 is its role as a checklist. “It ensures that all critical areas are considered when drafting procedures for construction projects,” Julian noted. “This is crucial because varied interpretations and levels of knowledge have been a significant issue.”
The standard also doesn’t require much additional effort when writing or auditing procedures. “Certification bodies can audit a QMS to both ISO 9001 and BS 99001 simultaneously,” Julian said. “This ensures comprehensive quality management without vastly increasing time and costs.”
A Safer Future for the Built Environment
As we delved deeper into the specifics of BS 99001, Julian’s passion for the subject was palpable. “This standard is designed to make the built environment a safer place,” he affirmed. “It incorporates the numerous responsibilities that a construction project must address, meeting the post-Grenfell needs for the industry.”
Julian highlighted that certification to BS 99001 is currently possible through BSI, although it is not yet approved by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). “We expect other certification bodies to offer certification soon,” he said. “UKAS-accredited certification will be possible once more organisations go through the process.”
Before concluding our conversation, Julian shared a heartfelt message: “BS 99001 is more than a standard; it’s a commitment to ensuring that the tragic events of Grenfell are never repeated. It’s about setting a new, higher standard for safety and quality in construction.”
As I left the interview, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of hope. The construction industry has taken a significant step forward with BS 99001, turning the lessons learned from Grenfell into actionable measures that will undoubtedly save lives in the future.
By Emily Thompson
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