BS0-2 (1991) With AMD 1

B S I BSXO: P A R T X 2 O 1 W 1 6 2 4 b b î 0386093 318
-HS
- -U : - -
BRITISH STANDARD Yart 2 :
1991
A standard for standards

Part 2. Guide to BSI committee
procedures
COPYRIGHT British Standards Institution on ERC Specs and Standards

Licensed by Information Handling Services
BSI BS*O: P A R T * 2 01 Lb24bb9 0386094 254
BS0:PartZ: 1991
First piildislied i l s Part 3 March

I974 Amendments issued since publication
Date
ISBN O Fi80 192.58 X

BSI BS*O: P A R T * Z O 1 m lb24bbî 0386095 190 m
BS O : Part 2 : 1991
Contents
fige
Foreword 2
Guide
Section 1. General
1.1 Scope 3
1.2 References 3
1.3 Definitions 3
Section 2. BSI Standards: structure and organization
2.1 Origin and objects of BSI 4
2.2 Committee structure 4
2.3 Committee organization 5
Section 3. Preparing and maintaining British Standards
3.1 The programme of work 8
3.2 Stages of production 8
3.3 Research 10
3.4 Mure to reach consensus 10
3.5 Response to enquiries 11
3.6 Updating and amendment of standards 11
3.7 Procedure for review -
12
Section 4. Preparing British Standards internationally
4.1 International and European collaboration 13
4.2 Committing UK resources 13
4.3 Forming UK delegations 13
4.4 Committee secretariats 14
4.5 Action on IS0 and IEC draft standards 14
4.6 European commitments 15
4.7 Attendance at BSI committee meetings by observers from European
national standards bodies 15
Annex
A (informative) Memorandum of Understanding between the United
Kingdom Government and the British Standards Institution on
standards 17
List of references Inside back cover
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BSO:Part2: 1991
Foreword
This Part of BS O is published under the authority of the Standards Board of BSI.
It supersedes BS O : part 2 : 1981, which is withdrawn.
BS O is intended primarily for the use of BSI committees and staff, and
organizations providing first drafts. Originally published in 1974, it was
comprehensively revised in 1981. The revised standard is published in three
Parts:
part 1 is an introduction to standardization and the role of standards;
Part 2 describes BSI committee procedures;
Part 3 gives guidance on the drafting and presentation of British Standards and
includes an index to ail three Parts.
This revision of BS O : Part 2 d r a m attention to the strategic planning role of the
Standards Policy Committees and acknowledges BSI’s commitments under the
CENXENELEC common rules. Other changes clarify staff responsibilities
relating to the approval of standards and amplify the guidance given on
interpretation. The scope of this Part of BS O has been redefined. General
information on BSI’s activities and organization is no longer included.
The editorial principles, layout and typographical presentation used in BS O
illustrate the practice to be followed in British Standards.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity from
iegai obligations.
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Section 1 BS O : part 2 : 1991
Section 1. General
1.1 Scope
This Part of BS O describes the committees and
procedures involved in preparing British Standards
through collaboration at the national, European or
international level.
1.2 References
1.2.1 Normative references
í%isPart of BS O incorporates, by dated or undated
reference, provisions from other publications. These
normative references are made at the appropriate
Q
places in the text and the cited publications are listed
on the inside back cover. For dated references, only
the edition cited applies; any subsequent amendments
to or revisions of the cited publication apply to this
Part of BS O only when incorporated in the reference
by amendment or revision. For undated references, the
latest edition of the cited publication applies, together
with qny amendments.
1.2.2 Informative references

This Part of BS O refers to other publications that
provide information or guidance. Editions of these
publications current at the time of issue of thic
standard are listed on the inside back cover, but
reference should be made to the latest editions.
1.3 Definitions
For the purposes of this Part of BS O, the
definitions given in 1.3 of BS O : Part 1 : 1991
apply.
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BS O : Part 2 : 1991 Section 2
Section 2. BSI Standards: structure and organization
2.1 Origin and objects of BSI 2.2 Committee structure

BSI, the British Standards Institution, is the Subject to the ultimate authority of subscribing
recognized body in the UK for the preparation and members at a General Meeting, the Board is
promulgation of national standards. It began in responsible for the policies of BSI and may delegate
1901 as the Engineering Standards Committee, set powers to Business Boards. Under the Standards
up by the professional engineering bodies, and in Board are Standards Councils to which Standards
1918 became the British Engineering Standards Policy Committees are responsible for authorizing
Association. A Royal Charter was granted in 1929 work on new standards projects and for deciding
and a Supplemental Charter in 1931 when the the broad programme and priorities for work in
present name was adopted. BSI is an independent their sectors. Reporting to the Standards Policy
body and its objects were restated in the 1981 Committees, about 1000 technical committees are
consolidated Royal Charter [ 13 as follows: active at any one time.
a) to coordinate the efforts of producers and Standards Councils are identified as follows:
users for the improvement, standardization and C/- Chemical and Health Council
simplification of materials, products and processes E/- BSI Engineering Council')
so as to simplify production and U -British Electrotechnical Committee and
distribution, and to eliminate the national waste Electrotechnical Council
of time and material involved in the production M/- Multitechnics Council
of an unnecessary variety of patterns and sizes of Standards Policy Committees are assigned a
articles for one and the same purpose; three-letter reference. The first two letters identify
b) to set up standards of quality for goods and the sector concerned and the third indicates the
seMces, and prepare and promote the general Standards Council to which the Standards Policy
adoption of British Standards and schedules in Committee reports. Thus ISM/- is the Iron and Steel
connection therewith and from time to time to revise, Standards Policy Committee reporting to the
alter and amend such standards and schedules as Standards Council M/-.
experience and circumstances may require; Technical committees, subcommittees and panels
are numbered as in the following examples:
c) to register, in the name of the Institution, ISM/- a Standards Policy Committee
marks of all descriptions, and to prove and affix ISM/10 a technical committee of ISM/-
or license the affixing of such marks or other ISM/10/5 a subcommittee of ISM/10
proof, letter, name, description or device; ISM/10/-/1 a panel of the technical committee
d) to take such action as may appear desirable or ISM/10/5/1 a panel of the subcommittee
necessary to protect the objeets or interests of Standards Policy Committees previously under the
the Institution. Standards Council for Automation and Information
BSI's business is quality. Its aim is to enhance Technologies report to the DISC Board, following
industrial performance and consumer protection in the establishment in 1990 of new constitutional
the UK through standards, testing and quality arrangements for this sector under the authority of
assurance services. To this end a principal function the Standards Board. DISC stands for Delivering
is to draw up voluntary standards by agreement Information Solutions to Customers (through
among all the interests concerned and to promote international standards).
their adoption. Under the Royal Charter, the The %chnical Sector Board for Building and Civil
Bye-laws prescribe requir2ments for the Board, for Engineering, B/-, controls directly the work of
the establishment and constitution of Business technical committees that mirror the CEN technical
Boards, Councils and committees, and for the committees preparing standards for the
general conduct of BSI's work. construction industry. In their own subject areas,
Since November 1982, the work of BSI has been these BSI technical committees operate essentially
given added national recognition in the as Standards Policy Committees and the provisions
Memorandum of Understanding between the UK in this standard for the functions of the latter can
Government and BSI on standards. The text of the generally be taken to apply to the former.
memorandum is reproduced in annex A. For a Outside the Standards Council framework, certain
thorough understanding of government policies and committees with responsibilities for generic
responsibilities relating to the preparation and use standards in the fields of quality, management and
of standards, attention is drawn to the Department statistics are numbered under the Standards Policy
of Trade and Industry (IYI'I) booklet, c;Ui&Zines f o r Committee reference QMS/-, which reports to the
government representatives o n BSI committees 121. Standards Board. Committees reporting directly to
the BSI Board traditionally have a reference
number preceded by 'OC/'.
')Not to be confused with The Engineering Council, a separate body.
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Section 2 BS O : Part 2 : 1991
The trade association or equivalent organization

provides a channel for manufacturerc and industiial
users to be represented on BSI committees. Such
organizations and others, including professional
institutions, research organizations, government
departments, national industries, certification
Standards projects related to international and bodies, testing laboratories and educational bodies.
European work now account for most of BSI’s are encouraged to seek representation on
standards activity (see 4.1). Wherever practicable, committees handling work in their sphere of
the detailed committee structure is aligned with interest. Individual experts may also be coopted by
that of the corresponding international or committees for a given period or for a particular
European standards organization, so that the
committee responsible for national work has equal
responsibility for relevant international and
European work.
Droiect
For organizations to contribute effectively to the
preparation of standards that will be of value to them,
their representatives should be given authority to
A
BSI staff are responsible for ensuring that a speak on their behalf and be fully briefed on subjects
committee’s terms of reference, as agreed by the currently under discussion. The need for rapid
senior committee to which it reports, are clear and responses, particuiarly on European issues, means
unequivocal. that time may not aiways be available for
representatives to refer questions back to their
2.3 Committee organization organizations for direction. It is important that
representatives do not operate in isolation from the
2.3.1 Principles members of the organization to which they belong.
The basic principles are that BSI should carry out Effective means should, therefore, be available for
its task in the national interest, take account of all reguiar tweway communication between the members
significant viewpoints, secure their representation and those chosen to represent their corporate views.
at all committee levels and, through its Consistency needs to be ensured between the views
consultation procedures, have an authoritative presented in different BSI committees by all
body of opinion behind every British Standard. representatives and those
_ - _ -deputizing
.
for them.
Differences of view on the substance of a standard ,where a number of certification bodies operate in a
are not resolved by a formal vote. The usual means technical area, the committee secretary should seek a
of reaching decisions is through consensus (as representative through the Association of Certification
defined in 1.3.5 of BS O : Part 1 : 1991). This Bodies.
implies that objections have either been met, or are Invokement of the relevant enforcement interests,
not sustained, or are agreed to be of such minor e.g. the Institute of Trading Standards Administration,
significance as not to warrant further delay to the the Institute of Building Control Officers, the Health
work. For the procedure available if dissent and Safety Executive h d the DTI Consumer Safety
persïds, see 3.4. Unit, as well as of certification bodies, is essential in
2.3.2 Constitution and membership ensuring that all the detail of any conformity
assessment techniques (e.g. sampling provisions)
A distinction is drawn between the constitution of included in a standard are unambiguous and
a committee, i.e. the bodies represented, and the enforceable. When no such nomination is made, the
membership, i.e. the individual representatives relevant organization(s) should be sent a copy of the
nominated by those bodies to serve on the draft standard at the public comment stage.
committee.
7ògether with their respective terms of reference, BSI attaches particular importance to securing the
standards Council constitutions are decided by the representation of users in standards work. Trade
Standards Board, Standards Policy Committee Union representation, desirable especially in the
constitutions by the appropriate Standards Council preparation of standards relevant to health and
and technical committee constitutions by the safety at work, is sought through the Trades Union
Standards Policy Committee. Congress. Local government participation is
With a committee’s agreement, individuals who are coordinated within a framework of liaison officers.
not members may be sent papers at the request of one for each Standards Policy Committee in which
a representative organization. Such organizations Local Authorities have an interest, reporting to the
are charged a basic annual fee for registration as BSI Local Authorities Policy Committee. For the
papers only recipients and a small additional private consumer, the BSI Consumer Policy
annual sum for each committee for which papers Committee provides representation on many
are required. technical committees.
2.3.3 Representation on committees When a technical committee first meets, members
are asked whether they know of any other
BSI seeks to bring together through its committees organizations with a direct interest which should
all those with substantial interest in particular be represented. Thereafter. the constitution should
projects, wherever possible through representative remain under review. The constitution and
organizations. This achieves, economically, a wide membership of a dormant committee should be
measure of consultation and support in standards reviewed when it is reconvened for new work.
work.
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Any committee member guilty of serious
misconduct, such as divulging committee committee. For briefing purposes it is, Öf course,
discussions to the media, is liable to expulsion from necessary to circulate documents within the
the committee. organization represented by the committee
2.3.4 Size of committees member; however, the wide distribution of
documents when still in draft form may cause
The size of a committee is often a compromise misunderstanding among people not closely
between a reasonably broad basis of representation associated with the project. For this reason
and the need to restrict membership to workable committee papers are addressed to named
numbers. Generally, a smaller membership will be individuals.
appropriate for a committee dealing with detailed
aspects of a standard, with wider representation Originators of committee documents wishing to
being provided at the more senior committee circulate them also in wider circles should alert the
levels. committee secretaries of their intentions.
Only one nomination should be made by each Documents addressed solely to a BSI committee
organization on a committee constitution. should not subsequently be made available to the
media without the consent of the committee.
Organizations are required to show good grounds
for extra nominations. 2.3.8 Chairmen
In order to keep committees to a workable size, Chairmen of Standards Councils and Standards
members representing organizations that have only Policy Committees are appointed by the Standards
a narrow interest in a standard are encouraged to Board in accordance with the Bye-laws. Other
attend only meetings at which items that chairmen are normally appointed by the next
particularly concern them are discussed (see senior committee: subcommittee chairmen by the
also 3.2.5). technical committee and technical committee
chairmen by the Standards Policy Committee. The
2.3.5 Delegation t o Subordinate bodies chairman and secretary of the appointing
Responsibility for the technical content of a committee are responsible for appropriate
published standard rests with the technical consultation to arrive at a choice acceptable to the
committee concerned. Much of the detailed work is members of the committee in questkri and for
normally delegated to subcommittees or panels making personal contact with the individual
(see 2.2), or to temporas. working groups which selected.
should be disbanded on completion of their work. 'kchnical committee and subcommittee chairmen
Subcommittees are officially constituted by are appointed for an initial period of 3 years and,
technical committees, with members nominated by subject to review, may be reappointed for further
the bodies represented, in the same way as for consecutive periods of up to 3 years.
technical committees. A panel may also be
constituted on a representative basis by the Letters of appointment for chairmen are sent by
committee to which it reports or eise may consist the appropriate BSI staff. In the case of Standards
of individual experts. 'kmporary working groups Councils and Standards Policy Committees, they are
may be set up by a committee, or its chairman, to signed by the Secretary to the Standards Board.
undertake specific short term tasks; they have no Chairmen of Standards Councils, Standards Policy
official status and should operate without the Committees and technical committees also receive
services of a BSI secretary. a statement prepared in consultation with MI'S
legaì advisers concerning the legal principles of
2.3.6 Committee meetings standards work and emphasizing the procedural
Meetings of BSI committees are usually held at the safeguards that have been developed and which
BSI Conference Centre, Hampden House, should be followed in committee work.
61 Green Street, London, or at the BSI Manchester Chairmen's duties are, in brief to guide and
Office, 3 York Street, Manchester. control discussions with the object of reaching
A member unable to attend a particular committee balanced and prompt decisions; to exercise
meeting may send a deputy but should always judgment without bias, particularly as some
inform the committee secretary prior to the committee decisions have financial and legal
meeting, preferably in writing. Deputies are listed consequences; to maintain progress against target
in minutes but are not recorded on BSI dates and to keep in close touch with BSI staff to
membership records. ensure that work outside the committee is
proceeding on time.
If committee members continually fail to attend
meetings, committee secretaries make enquiries Chairmen are required to act impartially and to
and, if appropriate, take steps either to encourage declare their position if, exceptionally, they
attendance or to obtain new nominations from the exercise a representative role in support of a
organizations concerned (but see 2.3.4). particular point of discussion or if they have a
direct personal or commercial interest. Once
2.3.7 Circulation of committee documents appointed, they cease to represent any particular
With the exception of drafts for public comment organization, except in cases where they had been
(see 3.2.4) documents issued to any BSI committee an organization's only representative and it had
are marked 'Private circulation' and the addressees been unable to nominate a successor.
are responsible for seeing that the contents are not
used for any purpose other than the work of the
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B S I BS*O: P A R T * 2 01 M L b 2 q b b 9 038bLOL 214
2.3.9 Committee secretary

The committee secretary plays a full part as a
member of the committee, and assists and advises
the committee in the management of its technical
work. The secretary is specifically responsible for
maintaining the constitution of the Committee,
arranging meetings, receiving textual contributions,
obtaining copyright owners’ permission where
necessary (see 15.5 of BS O : Part 3 : 1991),
preparing drafts and minutes, implementing
decisions taken, coordinating standards work in
related fields and collecting information from, for
example, the BSI Library of foreign standards and
Standardline, the BSI bibliographic database. The
secretary has also the duty of guiding the
committee, and new committee members in
particular, on the principles and practices adopted
by BSI and by international and European
standards bodies.
The committee secretary has a particular duty to
ensure that drafts for public comment (see 3.2.4)
and final drafts are prepared in accordance with
the relevant guidance of BS O : part 3 : 1991.
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Section 3. Preparing and maintaining British Standards
3.1 The programme of work 3.2 Stages of production

3.1.1 Strategic planning 3.2.1 Announcement of new work started
Standards Policy Committees are encouraged to When work on a new or revised standard is started,
establish and maintain strategic plans in order to it is announced in BSI News. The announcement
formulate the programmes of work of the technical serves to alert organizations that may have a
committees reporting to them. contribution to make to the work.
3.1.2 Control of work programmes For national work, the announcement is made
Each Standards Policy Committee has control of a a) immediately following the first BSI committee
rolling programme of work which is reviewed every meeting to start the work, or
year with regard to changes in demand and the b) as soon as work starts on processing an initial
available staff resources. Through consultation with draft, or
Standards Policy Committee chairmen, priorities c) at the start of preparatory work on a major
can be adjusted during the year when necessary. project prior to committee action, whichever is
Each programme takes into account the regular the earliest.
review of existing standards (see 3.7) as well as For international and European work, the BSI
demands for new work, and encompasses activity News announcement is made when work starts on
undertaken at the national level or through an item included in the programme of work of the
international or European collaboration (see appropriate committee.
section 4).
3.2.2 W g e t dates and recording of progress
3.1.3 Proposals for new work
Once a project and its overall timescale to
Requests for new standards or for improvements to publication have been accepted by or on behalf of
existing standards may come not only from the Standards Policy Committee, it is assigned to a
established BSI committees but from any source. technical committee. The technical committee
Proposers are asked first to complete a form to decides on target dates for circulation of a draft for
justify the proposal, explaining its significance and public comment and for its own approval of the
setting out in detail the scope of the standard final draft prior to editing and publication. These
required, indicating the degree of support they can dates should be fixed not later than the second
attract, e.g. in committee work, drafting, research meeting of the committee and should be directed
or commitment to use the standard. If possible, the towards the timely completion of the project. The
returned form should be accompanied by a draft committee secretary monitors the progress of all
prepared in accordance with the guidance given in projects in hand so that standards programmes can
BS O : Part 3 : 1991. As a minimum, the source of be revised annually (see 3.1.2).
such a draft should be identified.
3.2.3 Drafting
3.1.4 Assessment of proposals
ïèchnical committees should produce clear briefs
Each proposal is considered by or on behalf of the both for new British Standards and for revising
Standards Policy Committee in relation to the aims existing ones before starting drafting. In the case of
summarized in 2.1 of BS O : Part 1 : 1991 and the work originally requested by bodies outside BSI,
principles explained there in 2.2. When there is no the proposal forms should provide most if not all of
appropriate BSI committee, a conference of all the necessary information (see 3.1.3). The brief
directly interested parties may be held to assess the should clearly identify the users of the standard
value, the urgency and the practicability of and their needs (see 2.2.3 of BS O : Part 1 : 1991).
preparing a standard. To satisfy these needs may involve preparing
In accordance with the Memorandum of separate standards for different users. The brief
Understanding with Government on standards (see should be endorsed by the whole technical
annex A), priority is given to consideration of committee at the outset and should not be changed
requests by Government for standards work to be significantly without its approval.
undertaken in the national interest, provided that The most important part of the work of the
such requests are adequately documented in technical committee at the start of a project is to
accordance with 3.1.3. agree the scope of what is actually to be
The availability of BSI staff to undertake projects standardized and the type of standard to be
depends on the income BSI Standards receives produced (see 2.1 and 4.2.1 of BS O : Part 3 :
from subscribers, from Government and from sales. 1991). Clause titles should then be established, to
Potentially high revenue earning standards are assist in structuring the standard.
therefore significant. On the other hand, low sales
potential should never be the only reason for
rejecting or deferring a project.
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Once the basic decisions on scope and type of Comments received are not normally acknowledged
standard have been taken, committee work should but, in ensuring that the committee takes aìl
be kept to a minimum in the initial drafting stages. comments properly into account, the committee
Wherever possible, the initial draft should be secretary should always consider with the chairman
prepared outside the committee, preferably by a of the committee the desirability of inviting leading .
small panel or a single person, knowledgeable on contributors to discuss their comments with the
the subject, competent in drafting and able to committee if they do not belong to an organization
discuss the project with other experts. Where already represented.
committee resources are not available, consultants Where comments reveal a lack of consensus as to
may be appointed under the BSI/M? consultancy the state of the art, the technical committee should
drafting scheme or, in the case of building and civil reconsider the usefulness and scope of the standard
engineering standards, the code consultancy or consider the possibility of publishing a Draft for
drafting procedure sponsored by the Department of Development (see section 11 of BS O : Part 3 :
the Environment. 1991). If the content or structure of the document
Obvious bases for consideration as initial drafts for is radically changed as a result of comment
British Standards are any standards that have received, a second draft for public comment may
become de facto international standards or be issued.
documents produced by competent technical 3.2.6 Technical committee approval
associations that have an accepted national status. When a technical committee reaches consensus
Others are the company standards of influential (see 2.3.1) on the content of the draft, the
manufacturers or users that are already in use in complete typescript is forwarded to the BSI
contract documents. Standards Editing and Processing Department
3.2.4 Public comment (SEPD), using I3SI Form 5 (the ‘printing envelope’).
An important stage in the preparation of any It should include a copy of every drawing required,
standard is the availability of a draft for public in the form approved by the technical committee.
comment. ’kxts of drafts are approved for Copy for editing, usually printed out from a
circulation by the technical committee or, if it has magnetic disk, should be single-sided and have
not yet met, by or on behalf of the technical margins of sufficient width to allow for editorial
committee chairman. Drafts are made available for and typographical marking-up.
public comment by announcement in BSI News. A For new editions (see 3.6.2), when the text has
period of 8 weeks is usually allowed for the receipt been approved by the technical committee, a
of comments. singìe-sided copy of the current edition of the
standard, with amended text (typed if of any
Consultation is based on the following principles. length) incorporated at the appropriate places,
a) A draft standard is made available for public should be sent to SEPD. Any existing amendments
comment irrespective of its origin. should be similarly incorporated.
b) The consultative procedure is usually applied 3.2.7 Editing
once only (but see 3.2.5). B I technical editors have no authority to make
c) Proposed changes to the technical content of a alterations to the content of a draft without
published British Standard are made available for securing the agreement of the technical committee
public comment for incorporation in a new secretary, who will if necessasr consult the
edition. technical committee chairman. If agreement
The editorial presentation of every draft British between the editor and the technical committee
Standard for public comment should be such that, secretary cannot be achieved on an important
if no comment were received, it could proceed to point, the matter is referred without delay to the
publication without major editing, i.e. it should head of SEPD and of the technical department
follow the guidance given in Bs O : part 3 : 1991. concerned.
It is the joint responsibility of the technical and Editors nevertheless bear considerable
editorial staff to ensure this during the drafting responsibility for, and exercise a significant
process (see 2.3.9 and 3.2.7). influence upon, the presentation and final content
of standards. They examine the text to ensure that
3.2.5 Review of comments the intended meaning is clearly and unambiguously
The technical committee (or a delegated conveyed, having particular regard to possible
subcommittee) reviews all comments of substance interpretation in the light of BSI’s duty of care,
received on a draft British Standard. It may be legal liability, house rules and publishing policy.
appropriate for extensive comments to be They check for consistency in terminology, forms of
considered by small panels or working groups expression, structure and presentation and for the
(see 2.3.5) within clearly defined policy guidelines accuracy of cross-references, spelling, punctuation,
from the senior committee. numbering and conventions such as unit symbols,
abbreviations and footnotes.
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For a publication of European origin, which has been

It is the joint responsibility of the technical and collectively approved by the member countries,
editorial staff to ensure that finally agreed drafts whether or not the United Kingdom voted in favour
and drawings are correct in all respects before the
publication process begins, since changes to proofs and which is required to be implemented nationally,
cause delay in publication and disruption to the the significance of the various signatures is as follows.
work programme. Decisions on the presentation of The signature of the technical committee secretary
publications are the responsibility of BSI staff. signifies that the natima?components of the
publication are in accordance with current BSI
SEPD staff are available for consultation at any practices. The technical committee chairman’s
stage in the development of a standard and have a signature indicates acceptance that the ratified text
specific role in the initial editing of drafts before or has to be implemented nationally even though the
during issue for public comment (see 3.2.4). They United Kingdom may not have voted in favour. That of
can often provide solutions to problems that arise the Standards Policy Committee chairman endorses
during drafting, based on the wide experience they completion of the implementation of the text by the
gain from dealing with the variety of subject technical committee even though the United Kingdom
matter in the drafts presented to them. Their may not have voted in favour.
advice at an early stage is therefore of particular
value in avoiding difficulties that otherwise create The chairman of the technical committee and/or the
fi delays at the publication stage when time is

especially critical.
3.2.8 Endorsement to publish
chairman of the Standards Policy Committee may if
they so wish give any relevant brief comments at the
Form 8 stage. Such comments may, for example, in
the case of a UK negative vote, prompt review of BSI’s
Before Publication can take place, endorsement to ,position; the final decision is taken by the BSI
publish has to be formally recorded by obtaining the Technical Director in the light of advice particularly
signatures of the secretary and chairman of the from the committee chairmen concerned, senior
technical committee, the Standards Policy Committee officials of any Government department involved and
chairman and the Standards Directorate on BSI Form 8 the BSI Legal Adviser.
(Endorsement to publish). Submission via Form 8 to
committee chairmen is in accordance with the BSI For publications of any origin, the signatures of the
Byelaws. in parallel, the signatures of the appropriate Standards Directorate signify that BSI Standards
members of BSI staff are obtained on the printing procedures have been properly carried out, that the
envelope. responsibilities of its staff have been satisfactorily
For a publication of national origin, the significance of discharged and that BSI’s constitutional procedures
the various signatures is as follows. The signature of have been correctly followed.
the technicaicommittee secretary signifies that the
text is in accordance with current BSI practices. The
technical committee chairman’s signature confirms
that the committee has examined aìl comments and
has agreed upon the technical content. That of the
Standards Policy Committee chairman endorses
completion of the task delegated to the technical
committee.
For a publication not of national origin, but which is
voluntarily being implemented as a BSI publication,
the significance of the various signatures is as follows.
The signature of the technical committee secretary
signifies that the natianal components of the
publication are in accordance with current BSI
practices. The technical committee chairman’s
signature confirms that the committee agreed that the
text should be implemented as a BSI publication. That
of the Standards Policy Committee chairman endorses
completion of the voluntary implementation of the
text by the technical committee.
10
I
B S I BSXO: PART*t2 O1 Lb24bb9 03ôb105 9bT =
recommending that work on the project be
3.3 Research abandoned, in the absence of consensus.
Generally, drafting work should not begin until all Cross-examination by one party of another party’s
- -
basic data are to hand but there are tirnes when a evidence is not permitted. A statement of the
committee may need to initiate or extend research Standards Board’s decision is then circulated to the
in i t s field in order to complete or strengthen a committees concerned and to those who gave
standard. This is usually arranged through evidence. The Standards Board’s decision is final
organizations represented on the committee or in ar d binding on all parties. I
close touch with it. In cases where this support is

not available, and once the technical committee
has defined the need, BSI can apply for a measure
of government funding for research to provide
experimental data in support of standards.
3.4.2 Projects of international or European
Origin
In the rare event of a BSI technical committee failing
I‘
to reach consensus on the üK position regarding a
The costs of research are unlikely to be met in full project of intemationai or European origin, a vote is
by Government, which would usually expect at not taken by the committee members to resolve the
least an equivalent contribution from industry. matter. Where time permits, failure to reach
Strict criteria govern the ailocation of grants, consensus should be handled by the procedure given
applications for which are considered by the in 3.4.1.
Department of Trade and Industry or, for If the stage of the project at which consensus is not
construction standards projects, by the Department reached in the BSI technical committee does not
of the Environment. permit the full procedure given in 3.4.1 to be applied,
then a shortened version of that procedure is used.
3.4 W u r e to reach consensus The head of the technical department Concerned
should be informed as won as possible so that
3.4.1 Projects of nationai origin appropriate action can be initiated This may invoive
consultation with the chairman and secretary of the
The aim of a technical committee is to prepare
responsible BSI technical committee and Standards
speedily a standard that will be used. It is therefore
Policy Committee, the chairman of the responsible
essential to achieve consensus without delay. If it
becomes clear that progress cannot be made on a Standards Council, the Standards Directorate and any
project, the technical committee secretary should others. The aim should be to resoìve the problem
advise the head of department identifying and speedily by any appropriate means. If the BSI
defining the area of disagreement and indicating technical committee concerned remains unable to
any steps taken in collaboration with the technical reach consensus, the final decision is taken by the BSI
’ Technical Director in the light of advice particularly
committee chairman to seek to resolve it.
from the committee chairmen concerned, senior
The head of the technical department and the oficiais of any Government department involved and
chairman and secretary of the Standards Policy the BSI Le@ Adviser.
Committee responsible for authorizing the project
should together make a concerted effort to resolve
the disagreement through discussions with the
parties involved, the chairman and secretary of the
technical committee, the chairman of the
responsible Standards Council, the Standards
Directorate and any others. Their aim should be to
resolve the problem speedily by any appropriate
means, taking account of agreed target dates and
the nature of the difficulty. The purpose and
feasibility of the project should be re-examined
and, if necessary, redefined at this juncture and
the efforts of the technicai committee may be
redirected as a result. It may be concluded that
without agreement being reached in the technical
committee, any resulting standard would in
practice be a matter of continuing contention and
that the project should therefore be abandoned.
Alternatively, if it seems that an acceptable
standard can be prepared, but the technical
committee itseìf remains unable to reach a
decision, the disagreement should be referred
promptly to the Standards Board on the authority
of the Standards Policy Committee, in consultation
with BSI management.
A panel of three is appointed from the Standards
Board membership to hear the evidence in
confidence and recommend to the Standards Board
the line of action likely to achieve a reasonable
degree of general support, and optimum use of any
resulting standard. If, after ali, there is no clear
’ indication that this is likely to be achieved by a
Standards Board ruling, the panel will consider
Section 3
B S I BS*O: PART*2 01 - Lb24bb9 03BbLOb BTb
BS O : past 2 : 1991
3.6 Updating and amendment of

standards
3.6.1 Approval
Correction of typographical errors does not require
committee approval. Technical changes, however,
3.5 Response to enquiries do require committee approval and are made
available for public comment.
3.5.1 Technical committee responsibility
%chnical committees are required by the BSI 3.6.2 Technical changes
Bye-laws to act as standing committees to which The procedure for incorporating technical changes
any questions on standards for which they are into a British Standard is by the issue of a new
responsible may be referred. Enquiries to BSI edition. When technical changes are required, the
concerning the sense of a British Standard are new edition should be issued at the earliest
therefore directed to the secretary of the opportunity and should incorporate any published
appropriate technical committee. amendments to the previous edition. The date of
3.5.2 Explanation of meaning the standard is changed to indicate that it is
technically up to date. The incorporation of the
If an enquiry can be answered by a straightforward changes is described in the foreword by the
explanation of the meaning of the text in question, following wording:
the committee secretary may reply, possibly after
consultation with the chairman or an expert on the ‘This edition introduces technical changes but it
committee, but strictly on the understanding that does not reflect a full review or revision of the
the response does not purport to convey a standard, which will be undertaken in due
technical interpretation of the standard. course.’
3.5.3 Technical interpretation Changes are also indicated, where appropriate, by
If an enquiry necessitates technical interpretation, a line in the margin next to the altered text.
full details should be requested in writing so that it 3.6.3 Issue of amendments
can be considered without delay by the technical Amendments are issued to British Standards when
committee responsible for the standard. The essential for the prompt correction of an error that
response of the committee is then given in writing could be misleading or have serious consequences,
to the enquirer and can be used as the basis for or to make simple or editorial changes. They are
replying to any similar enquiries on the same issued separately and are discretely numbered (see
subject. If the committee identifies a need to alter section 12 of BS O : Part 3 : 1991).
the standard, this should be indicated to the
enquirer, for whom the published amendment or 3.6.4 Regular updating and amendment
the new edition of the standard incorporating the For certain standards, B I provides for the planned
required alteration then provides the definitive issue of amendments or Enquiry Cases, as
response. mentioned in 3.5.3. Such standards are usually
Certain standards have an Enquiry Case service published in looseleaf form so that replacement
associated with them. If the responsible committee pages can be easily introduced.
considers that sufficiently important issues are 3.6.5 Reprints
involved, both enquiries and replies are published
as soon as possible as Enquiry Cases in connection Routine reprinting of standards is initiated as and
with the relevant standard. The results of Enquiry when necessary by BSI Sales Department. A
Cases may be incorporated into the relevant reprinted standard continues to bear its original
standard after textual changes have been made publication date, but if previously published
available for public comment. Enquiry Cases not so amendments are incorporated into the text of the
incorporated remain extant. standard during reprinting, this is indicated on the
front cover. Reprints are identified in the BSI
3.5.4 Enquiries relating t o contractual disputes Standards C u t u b w by the letter R.
A request for interpretation can arise during a
contractual dispute or where a standard is cited as 3.6.6 Standards referred to in regulations
evidence of merchantable quality, etc. In this case Changing a standard which is referred to in a
the secretary does not refer the enquiry to the regulation requires consultation with the
technical committee but passes it to BSI Legal responsible government department.
Services. The interpretation of the text is Representatives of the department either are
ultimately a matter for the courts and any formal members of the technical committee or are coopted
change to the standard would not be relevant to for the particular discussion. The effective date of
any parties who have agreed to work to the the change may need to be deferred until the
standard as it existed at the time of their corresponding regulation is amended (see B.3 of
agreement. BS O : Part 3 : 1991).
11
BSI B S X O : P A R T * 2 O 1 = 1624667 038b107 732 =
3.7 Procedure for review d) full review: ‘New work started’ and
‘Draft British Standards
3.7.1 General principle for public comment’;
Every standard should be reviewed by the e) obsolescence: ‘Proposals for
technical committee responsible no less frequently declaration of
than every 5 years to ensure that it is valid. obsolescence’;
Circumstances may necessitate an earlier review.
f) withdrawal: ‘Proposals for
3.7.2 Options withdrawal’.
When reviewing a standard, a committee has five
options available: In cases c) and d), consultation may be invited
a) confirmation, indicating the continuing either by issuing the full text for public comment
validity òf the standard without change; or, if the number of changes is small or for reasons
of economy, by issuing a draft amendment for
b) updating, indicating the continuing validity of public comment. In the latter case, the following
the standard after necessary changes to bring it note is prominently displayed at the beginning of
up to date; the text:
c) full review of the entire standard, involving ‘NOTE. When the changes proposed in this draft amendment
the routine procedure for new projects (see 3.1 are completed by the committee, it is intended to
and 3.2); incorporate them into a new edition of the standard.’
d) declaration of obsolescence, indicating that In the light of comments received, the committee
the standard is not recommended for use in new then takes the appropriate action. Further
systems or equipment but needs to be retained to BSI News announcements record the eventual
provide for the servicing of existing systems or outcome under the following headings:
equipment that are expected to have a long
working life; 1) confirmation: ‘British Standards
e) withdrawal, indicating reviewed and
- that the standard is no confirmed’;
lónger valid. ‘
By these means BSI undertakes to ensure that British 2) minor change and ‘British Standards
Standards reflect sound and modern practice at any confirmation: reviewed and
time. If a committee is not prepared to update a c o n f q k d ’ , mentioning
standard or to embark on a fuli review, or is unable to amendmht;
do so because of procedurd requirements (such as the 3) technical change ‘British Standards’;
European ‘standstiilagreement’) or lack of resources, leading to a new
then the standard in question should be confirmed, edition:
declared obsoiescent or withdrawn.
3.7.3 Procedure 4) fully revised ‘British Standards’;
When a standard is due for review, the members of standard:
the committee are asked, by correspondence, 5 ) obsolescence: ‘British Standards
which option they recommend. Following the declared obsolescent’;
receipt of comments and appropriate consultation 6) withdrawal: ‘British Standards
on them with the chairman or at a meeting, the withdrawn’.
committee agrees on a proposed course of action
which is announced in BSI News, allowing a At the same time as a dechration of obsolescence is
6-week period for comment, under the relevant made, an amendment to the staiàard may be issued to
heading: give effect to that dechration ahd to explain its
signiñcance.
a) confirmation: ‘Proposed for Following a declaration of obsolescence of a standard,
confirmation’ ; stock copies are overstamped with the‘fionth and year ’
b) minor change ‘Proposed for of obsolescence. Entries in the.&I Standards
(see 3.6.1) usually confirmation’, Catczbgme then include the word ’obsolescent’ in
associated with mentioning amendment; parentheses after the year of publication. Entries for
confirmation: confirmed standards in the aslStandards Calalogue
include the year of confirmation in parentheses after
c) technical change ‘New work started’ and the year of publication.
leading to a new ‘Draft British Standards
edition (see 3.6.2): for public comment’;
12
B S I BSXO: PARTX2 O1 L b 2 4 6 6 9 038bL08 b 7 9
Section 4 BSO: - 2 : 1991
Section 4. Preparing British Standards internationally
4.1 International and European 4.2.3 The likely benefit to the UK should
accordingly be reflected in BSI committee decisions
collaboration on the following:
4.1.1 BSI is the gateway to UK participation in the a) whether to vote for or against the addition of
standards work of six main international and new items to the work programme of an existing
European regional organizations: international or European committee;
International Organization for Standardization b) whether to vote for or against the formation
USO); of a new international or European committee;
International Electrotechnical Commission and
(IEC)~); c) in either case, whether or not to participate in
European Committee for Standardization (CEN); the work, if it is agreed to pursue it.
European Committee for Electrotechnical Committees are recommended not to agree to new
Standardization (CENELEC)2); work unless it is likely to provide the basis of a
useful standard within an acceptable timescale.
CENELEC2)Electronic Components Committee
(CECC);
European Committee for Iron and Steel
4.3 Forming UK delegations
Standardization (ECISS, administered by CEN). 4.3.1 Every international and European
BSI's total standards programme is linked with the committee in which the UK participates has a
work of these bodies. A short guide to these and parallel BSI committee which appoints the UK
other organizations concerned internationally with delegation and briefs it to convey a national point
standards is given in annex A of BS O : of view that takes account of all interests affected
part 1 : 1991. by the work. Every delegation has a leader who is
its principal spokesman at the meeting. The
4.1.2 The procedures and practices covering the delegation need not be large: usually two or three
technical work of IS0 and IEC and of CEN and memberc will be sufficient. If regulatory matters
CENELEC are governed by the IEUISO Directives are involved, a representative of the relevant
and the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations government department serving on the BSI
respectively. These documents detail parallel committee may wish to be a member of the
procedures to those described in section 3, delegation.
including the mechanisms for selecting projects, the 4.3.2 The following principles apply at all
preparation of draft standards, voting and approval intemational and European meetings.
for publication.
a) The leader of the delegation is the principal
spokesman for the UK. Other members of the
4.2 Committing UK resources delegation may speak by agreement with the
leader.
4.2.1 The principal objective underlying
internãtionai and European standardization is to b) Delegates should at all times represent the UK
produce a document that the national standards view and not that of the organization that
bodies will adopt for use as a national standard. appointed them to the BSI committee. They
should follow the brief established at the briefing
4.2.2 However, BSI has to match its work meeting.
programme to the resources available. Within the c) Sometimes an unforeseen development takes
guidelines of 3.1, the resources available for active place owing to the introduction of a new factor
UK participation in international and European into the discussions by another delegation. If
standardization should therefore be concentrated discussion between the delegates is needed to
on work that will realize a significant return to the determine the UK attitude to it, the leader may
UK from the effort invested. request a short adjournment. In extreme cases
the delegation may seek further information or
advice from BSI, or reserve its position.
d) One or more members of the delegation should
be appointed to assist the leader in preparing the
English versions of resolutions and to prepare a
brief report of the BSI committee on return.
e) The secretariat of an intemational or
European committee should act impartially and
not support a national position.
')A s the British Electrotechnical Committee, the Electrotechnical Councii oí B I constitut,es t h e British National Committee of IEC
and the UK member of CENELEC and CECC.
13
BSI B S t O : P A R T t 2 01 i1624669 0386109 505
BSO:Part2:1991 Section 4
4.4 Committee secretariats 4.4.3 Relinquishing secretariat responsibility

4.4.1 Acceptance of secretariat responsibility If it becomes clear to the responsible Standards
Policy Committee that the maintenance of an
The secretariat of an international or European international or European technical committee
committee can have an influence on the speed and secretariat can no longer be justified, the
direction of work and on the structure and editorial procedure for relinquishing a secretariat is followed
quality of the resulting standard. The country in accordance with the rules of the organization in
proposing work on a project usually has the question. A transitional period of up to 1 year may
greatest interest in it and should be ready to act as be necessary.
secretariat if a new committee has to be formed.
Proposals to BSI for international or European
work requiring a new committee should therefore 4.5 Action on IS0 and IEC draft
be accompanied by an additional justification for standards
the resources needed for secretariat duties.
4.4.2 Subcontracting secretariat duties 4.5.1 When voting on a draft international
standard, it should be recognized that the finally
In certain cases BSI may not have resources published IS0 or IEC standard may be proposed for
available but there may be another UK organization adoption as a European Standard. Such a
with staff who, through specialist knowledge, are possibility should, therefore, be carefully
well qualified to undertake secretariat considered at the IS0 or IEC voting stage,
responsibility for an international or European particularly if a ‘yes’ vote is contemplated.
committee. In other cases an organization
represented on a BSI committee may be 4.5.2 In all work on a particular international
particularly eager to see the UK retain a project the prospect of converting the resultant
secretariat, even though a case for its adoption or document into a British Standard should be kept
retention has not been proved. Such organizations firmly in mind. If a committee takes a contrary
may be authorized by a Standards Policy Committee view the reasons should be minuted and brought to
to take on the work as ‘subcontractors’ to BSI, on the attention of the head of the technical
the recommendation of the head of the technical department concerned.
department concerned. A subcontractor should be
4.5.3 Careful judgment is needed on programming
an organization considered by BSI to be competent
the preparation of British Standards if international
to handle the work efficiently. negotiations are in hand. It is often worthwhile to
The detailed conditions governing the publish the British Standard and gain national
subcontracting of work should be agreed with BSI experience prior to the adoption of the
or the British Electrotechnical Committee which, international text as the next edition of the British
as UK member of the international or European Standard.
organization, will retain responsibility for the work.
The following general conditions apply. 4.5.4 If the responsible BSI committee considers
a) Responsibility remains always with BSI or the that a British Standard should be prepared on the
British Electrotechnical Committee which is basis of an international text, it will need to make
answerable, on behalf of the UK, for the an appropriate draft text available for public
efficient and impartial operation of the comment in accordance with 3.2.4. If the eventual
international or European secretariat. international standard is confirmed as acceptable
b) Details of the agreement should be formaìly for adoption as it stands, the resulting British
recorded. Standard will also carry the number of the
international standard (see 16.2 of
c) The subcontractor should nominate an
individual as secretary of the international or BS O : Part 3 : 1991).
European committee. 4.5.5 If the responsible BSI committee does not
d) The subcontractor should agree to abide by intend to use the international text directly as the
the constitution and internal regulations of the basis of a British Standard, a draft for public
organization concerned. comment in accordance with 3.2.4 will not be
e) In all correspondence and documents, the made available. However, the availability of the
secretariat capacity of the subcontractor should international draft text may be announced in
be clearly identified. BSI News and comments received by a given date
f) The BSI staff member responsible for the work may assist the committee in determining the UK
should receive copies of all correspondence and vote on the international draft. In the event of a
documents in order to be able to ensure that subsequent decision by the committee to prepare a
procedures are followed correctly. In cases of British Standard, the draft for public comment
doubt, e.g. about the interpretation of rules, the procedure will be followed.
BSI staff member should be consulted before any
external communication is made.
14
B S I BStO: PARTt2 O1 1 b 2 4 b b î 038b110 227
4.5.6 The following are some typical cases where Rchnical Board. If a British Standard is published
the publication of a British Standard based on the within the scope of an HD, it has to be equivalent
international draft may not be appropriate. in technical content.
a) The international draft text, although
technically acceptable, is in conflict with current
UK legislation or with an existing British
Standard called up in legislation.
NOTE. The CENELEC Electronic Components Corninittee
(CECC) does not operate a weighted voting procedure.
4.6.2 Unàer the CEN/CENELEC Internai Regulations,
BSI is responsible for making available the printed text
A
b) The existence of an established British of the officiai Engiiih ianguage version of every
Standard or series of British Standards covering European Standard (EN) and in practice, this
similar ground to that of the international obligation is fuìfiiled by publishing the EN as a British
standard, but in a different presentation, makes Standard (SS EN, see 16.2 of BS O : Part 3 : 1991, as
it impracticable to adopt the international draft amended by Amendment NO. 1 (1993)).
text. This obligation applies equally to cases where the ü K
c) The publication of a British Standard is has not participated in the preparation of the EN and
considered unnecessary because the subject is where no BSI committee exists on the suqject in
not relevant at national level. question. In such a case SEPD, when notified by the
d) The publication of a British Standard needs to relwant technical dement, for
be deferred pending assurances that the publication as a BS EN under the authority of
international standard is to be implemented by the BSI standards Board (Xe B-8.10of
those countries which are important to the UK’S BS 0 :part 3 : 1991, as amended by Amendment No. 1
trading interests. (1993)).
e) The international text is not self-contained
and essential cross-reference material is not ’ 4.63 Whilst BSI is obliged to adopt ENS, their
available in a British Standard or under the application, except where required by some EC
conditions expressed in 3.5.2.2 of BS O : directives, remains voluntary and so depends on
part 3 : 1991. their acceptability to those who will use them. It is
f) The international text consists solely of an therefore important that they are agreed by
endorsement of a national or international consensus.
document which either is not readily available or 4.6,4 The aim of CEN and CENELEC is to produce
cannot be produced in British Standard form. ENS, so that national standards become identical.
4.5.7 Where a committee is prepared to adopt an HDs will be necessary if identical national
international standard, but wishes to widen the ’ standards cannot be realized, particularly if
coverage for national purposes, it may be possible national deviations are accepted.
to divide the British Standard into Parts, one of 4.6.5 While an EN or HD is being prepared,
which is identical with the international standard publication of national standards is held pending,
(and hence will normally be dual-numbered), in accordance with the provisions of the ‘standstill’
whereas the other parts will be presented as procedure given in the CENXENELEC Internal
separate British Standards. If total alignment is not Regulations, Part 2 .
practicable, a statement of the differences should
be given in the foreword to the British Standard. 4.6.6 CEN and CENELEC also produce European
Prestandards (ENVs). These are prospective
standards for provisional application, equivalent in
4.6 Euro-pean commitments status to BSI Drafts for Development (see
NOTE. Where the following subclauses refer specifically to CEN section 11 of BS O : Part 3 : 1991). Where ENVs
or CENELEC work, they apply equally to that of ECISS. are produced, conflicting national standards may
4.6.1 National adODtion of EuroDean Standards is be maintained unchanged in parallel.
an Obligation for CÊN and CENELEC members 4.6.3 There is a specific understanding between
under the CEN/CENELEC Internai ReguiationsThese lay the UK Government and BSI whereby BSI seeks to
down that in all cases where a decision is required, ensure that UK delegates to European
every effort be made to reach unanimity, following standardization meetings express views that are
which a majority weighted vote carries with it the consistent with government policy on European
obligation to adopt the resulting European Standards generally and, in particular, on European
Standard (EN) as the national standard and to Standards work to underpin legislative measures
withdraw existing conflicting national standards. In designed to complete the Single European Market.
the case of Harmonization Documents (HDs), the
minimum requirement is that conflicting national 4.6.8 BSI’s obligation to adopt European Standards
standards be withdrawn within the timescale in accordance with the niles of CEN and CENELEC
agreed on each occasion by the CEN or CENELEC does not override its legaì duty of care (see 3.1.3 of
BS O :Part 1 : 1991). For this reason, the adoption
of a European Standard may be reviewed even at the
final endorsement stage (see 3.2.8).
45
B S I BS*O: P A R T * 2 01 Lb24669 038bLlL L b 3 W
4.7 Attendance at BSI committee

meetings by observers from European
national standards bodies
4.7.1 EC Directive 83i189 [3], which lays down a
procedure for the notification of new projects,
draft standards and draft regulations, states in
Article 3 that
‘The Commission and the standards institutions
shall be informed if one or more standards
institutions:
- wish to be involved passively or actively (by
sending an observer) in activities planned by
other standards institutions
- wish a European standard or any other
document leading to uniform technical
specifications to be drawn up .
4.7.2 The principle of welcoming on a national

committee observers from other national standards
bodies is accepted by CEN and CENELEC
members. When a request is received from a
European national standards body for an observer
to participate in a project leading to the
preparation of a British Standard, the committee
secretary should ensure that:
a) the observer is nominated by and accredited to
a standards body; and
b) the request is brought to the attention of the
BSI committee, and the head of department.
4.7.3 The committee secretary should make
observers aware that:
a) attendance at the meeting is by courtesy of
the committee;
b) the conduct and procedures of the meeting
will be in accordance with established B I
practices for the preparation of British
Standards;
c ) they will be required to respect confidentiality
in the use of any BSI document, other than
drafts for public comment, and ensure that
proceedings are not disclosed to the media or any
other unauthorized body;
d) no interpretation facilities will be provided by
BSI, but the observer can be accompanied by an
interpreter.
4.7.4 BSI is equally entitled to request that
observers be allowed to attend meetings of national
committees of European national standards bodies
where it is thought that a UK presence would be
useful. Such requests are made via the head of
department and on the understanding that the
observer’s expenses would be borne by those
interests requesting BSI involvement.
16
BSI BS*O: P A R T * 2 O1 m 1624669 0386112 OTT m
Annex A BS O : Part 2 : 1991
Annex
Annex A (informative) U) In developing new and revising existing

standards, BSI will have particular regard to the
Memorandum of Understanding importance of seeking to ensure that such
between the United Kingdom standards will be suitable where appropriate for
Government and the British Standards reference in public purchasing contracts, with
especial emphasis on their suitability for
Institution on standards certification and quality assurance procedures.
N m . The following Memorandum was signed on 24 November
1982 by the Secretary of State for Trade, on behalf of the iii) Where the Government needs to make
United Kingdom Government, and the President of the British reference to technical specifications and
Standards Institution. requirements in regulations and other similar
The United Kingdom Government and the British instruments, it will, where it consideis suitable
Standards Institution (BSI) make the following British Standards are available and it is appropriate
Memorandum of Undeistanding which records their to do so,incorporate them by reference. Similarly,
joint commitment to enhance, strengthen and the Government will where appropriate seek to use
maintain the national standards system in the British Standards for its purchasing needs rather
United Kingdom and their intentions in this regard. than develop its own specifications.
This Memorandum recognizes that BSI is the ’
iv) Where the Government considers that no
national standards authority operating under a existing British Standards are suitable for its
consolidated Royal Charter and Bye-laws granted in purposes, the Government and BSI wilì seek to
1981 and confirms the status of British Standards agree a timetable for the development of the
as agreed national technical criteria developed and necessary standards. Where such a timetable has
used to serve the public interest. It takes account been agreed, the Government will refrain from
of the status of British Standards under the developing standards or purchasing specifications
provisions of the Restrictive Trade Practices Act for these purposes, unless in its view circumstances
1976 and also recognizes that the formulation of change, in which case it will consult WI before so
British Standards, through the BSI committee doing. BSI will amend or, if this is not feasible,
structure, depends on voluntary participation. By withdraw or withhold publication of any British
established practice, standardization in certain Standard which may be in conflict with technical
specialized areas (for example, foods and medicinal regulations.
products administration) generally lies outside the v) BSI will where appropriate develop suitable
British Standards system and, where it does, it is graded standards to meet differing needs.
outside the scope of this Memorandum.
Article 3
Article 1
i) BSI will give priority to requests for standards
i) The Government will use all appropriate means work which the Government considers to be in the
to support and foster the achievement by BSI of national interest. Such priorities will be accorded
the objects for which it was constituted by Royal in consultation with the Standards Committee
Charter. In particular, it will maintain an annual structure and in accordance with a mutually agreed
grant-in-aid for the standards work of BSI, the level timetable. Provision for such work shall normally
of which grant-in-aid will take account of the be made within the BSI system for resource
resources subscribed voluntarily to BSI by other allocation but where exceptionally work is required
bodies and of the benefit to the public interest urgently, the Government will consider providing
which derives from the national standards system. additional financial support until such time as the
ii) BSI wilì account annually for the expenditure of work can be accommodated within the BSI general
the Government’s grant-in-aid in accordance with programme.
conditions which shall from time to time be agreed. U) Where the development of a revised or new
Article 2 standard requires research and development to be
i) BSI will in all its work on the preparation of performed in order to establish improved test
standards take fully into account the public methods or data, the Government will consider
interest in standards. In particular, it will, in contributing towards the cost.
accordance with priorities agreed between BSI and Article 4
the Government, review and where appropriate i) In the preparation of British Standards, BSI will
revise existing British Standards and seek to ensure ensure that its committees adhere to the guidance
that these and where appropriate new standards and recommendations of BS O : 1981 ‘A standard
will be suitable for reference in Government for standards’. BSI will ensure that any
regulations as unambiguous statements of technical amendments to this standard do not prejudice the
requirements. aims and objectives of this Memorandum.
17
BSI BS*O: PART*2 01 9 Lb24bb9 038bLL3 T3b
BSO:Part2:1991
U) BSI wiü seek a fair and acceptable balance of ail which may lead to intergovernmental agreements
relevant interests in its work and encourage their concerning standards and will take fully into
full participation in producing British Standards account FBI’s views on the best means of
which not only reflect sound and modern technical implementing such agreements. This applies with
practice but also take fully into account the particular regard to the European Community and
commercial needs of both manufacturers and users. its programme for the elimination of technical
Ui) The Government will ensure that its barriers to trade.
representatives participate fully in activities at iv) Taking into account obligations arising from
every level of BSI’s Board, Council and committee adopted directives of the European Community,
structure. in particular, they wiü make such BSI will promote the development of European
contributions to the technical, commercial and Standards based as far as possible upon wider
legislative aspects of standards work as are international agreements and in a form suitable for
necessary and appropriate, drawing upon the reference in Article 100 directives. In matters
resources and expertise within Government to do affecting existing or proposed legislation of the
so. In addition, the Government representative on United Kingdom or the European Communities,
a BSI technical committee will, before a draft BSI, after consulting interested parties, will seek to
British Standard is issued for public consultation ensure that the position taken by United Kingdom
and at final approval stage, say whether and to delegations in European standards committees will
what extent it is likely to be acceptable to his be consistent with the view taken by the
Department for regulatory or purchasing purposes. Government after its own consultations and
iv) The principles governing the participation of communicated to BSI from time to time.
Government representatives in BSI committees are Article 6
set out in the ‘Guidelines for Government i) The Government and BSI wiìl encourage fuller
Representatives on Standards Committees’ participation by all concerned, especially public
published by the Department of Trade. These purchasing authorities, in the preparation of British
Guidelines will be reviewed by the Government Standards; and compliance with British Standards
from time to time in consultation with BSI to where appropriate in their purchasing decisions,
ensure that practical participation in BSI’s work by quality assurance requirements and operational
Government representatives fully reflects the aims procedures.
and objectives of this Memorandum.
ii) Both FBI and the Government will exert their
Article 5 best efforts to promote understanding and
i) The Government recognizes BSI as the United awareness of standards and their uses through
Kingdom member of IS0 (International educational, training and promotional activities.
Organization for Standardization), IEC Furthermore, BSI and the Government will seek to
(International Electrotechnical Commission), CEN strengthen national information services on
(European Committee for Standardization) and technical regulations, national and international
CENELEC (European Committee for standards and on associated certification and
Electrotechnical Standardization). In the approvals schemes.
electrotechnical field, this recognition extends to Article 7
the British Electrotechnical Committee which
forms an integral part of BSI as the The Government and BSI will support and
Electrotechnical Council of the Institution. encourage any understanding between BSI and
other major standards users and other initiatives to
U) The Government will support BSI’s efforts to support national standards work, which may flow
achieve international harmonization of standards from this Memorandum.
through these international and European
standards organizations, international agreements Article 8
and other arrangements in the interests of British This Memorandum comes into effect on the date of
industry and trade. signing and remains in being unless amended by
Ui) The Government will keep BSI informed of any
agreement or terminated by either party following
intergovernmental discussions concerned with consultation with the other.
standards or associated technical regulations,
unless there are reasons of confidentiality for not
doing so. It will invite BSI where appropriate to
participate in such discussions especially those
18
BSI BS*O: P A R T * 2 01 H Lb24bb9 038bLL4 9 7 2 H
BS O : Part 2 : 1991
List of references (see 1.2)
Normative references
BSI publications
A
RRITISH STANDARDS IILSTITUïïON, London
BS O : A .stan&r.d for.staridm-ds
BSO : Part 1 : 1991 Guide to yc.wrcd principles cf standardization
BSO : Part 3 : 1991 Guide to tlrqfting and presentation of BritZsh Standards
Informative references
IS0 and IEC publications
I
INTEIWATIONAL ORGANILATIOh' F( )I< STAND.4RDIZA'TION (ISO)aiid INTERNAïION.4L ELELTR(YïECHN1CAL U )MMISSIí)N (IC('),
Geneva. (All publications are availalile f'roni US1 Sales.)
IEC/ISO Directives - Part 3 : 1989 Drufting a n d pr(?sentn.tionof In.tmiut2onnl Staiutards
CEN and CENELEC publications
I
EUROPEAN (:OhlMI?TEE FOR STAN1)ARI)IZATION (CEPI')and EI;ItOPEXN C(-)MMIlTEF, FOR ELI<(;TI?(YI'ECIINICAL
STANDAII1)IZATION (CENELEC). Hriissrls. (All publications are available froiii RSI Sales.)
CENICENELEC Internal Regulations Part 2 : 1990 Ctmlwion. d e sfor standards work
CENICENELEC Internal Regulations Part 3 : 1990 RuleS.for the drafting a,nd presentation. q f E i / r o p w n
Stan,& ràs
Other references
[ 11 BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. Royal ChartCr and Bye-la.us. London: BSI, 1989.
[ 21 DEPARTMENT OF TRADE ANI) INDUSTRY. ¿hci&li?ws.for gover~rnentrqresmkatiws ur¿.BSI
cornmittees. London: DTI, 1084. (Copies are available from BSI.)
131 EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES. 8 3 189/EEC. Council Directive of28 March 1983 laying douvi n
proc:edure.for the p.I-ovisio.tiof' iy?fonn.a.tionin. tìu!.fidd ?f technical s.!an,&r& and r.r/lLbation.s.
Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 1983.

BSI BS*O: P A R T x 2 O1 m 1624669 038b31i5 809 m
BS0:PartZ:
1991
BSI - British Standards Institution
BSI is the independent national body responsible for preparing British

Standards. It presents the UK view on standards in Europe and at the
international level. It is incorporated by Royal Charter.
Contract requirements
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct
application.
Revisions
British Standards are updated by amendment or revision. Users of British
Standards should make sure that they possess the latest amendments or
editions.
Any person who finds an inaccuracy or ambiguity while using this British
Standard should notify BSI without delay so that the matter may be
investigated swiftly.
BSI offers members an individual updating service called PLUS which ensures
that subscribers automatically receive the latest editions of standards.
Buying British Standards
Orders for all British Standard publications should be addressed to the Sales
Department at Milton Keynes.
Information on standards
BSI provides a wide range of information on national, European and
international standards through its Library, the Standardline Database, the BSI
Information 'Ethnology Service (BITS) and its Technical Help to Exporters
Service. Contact Customer Information at Milton Keynes: Tel: 0908 221166.
Subscribing members of BSI are kept up to date with standards developments
and receive substantial discounts on the purchase price of standards. For
details of these and other benefits contact the Manager, Membership
Development at Milton Keynes: Tel: 0908 220022.
Copyright
Copyright subsists in all BSI publications. No part of this publication may be
reproduced in any form without the prior permission in writing of BSI. This
does not preclude the free use, in the course of implementing the standard, of
details such as symbols and size, type or grade designations. Enquiries about
copyright should be made to the Copyright Manager, Publications at Milton
Keynes.
BSI
2 Park Street
London
W1A 2BS
BSI
Linford Wood
Milton Keynes
MK14 6LE
91 1 0 - 3- 6k- B OC/ 13

... - B S I BS+O: PARTS2 O1 1 b 2 4 b b 9 038b1Lb 745
AMD 8024
Amendment No. 1
published and effective from 15 November 1993
to BS O :Part 2 : 1991
A standard for standards
Part 2. Guide to BSI committee procedures
Revised text
Clause 1.2.1 Normative references

Delete the e x i s t i text and substitute the following.
‘This Part of BS O incorporates, by dated or undated
reference, provisions from other publications. These
normative references are made at the appropriate
places in the text and the cited publications are liited
on the inside back cover. For dated references, only
the edition cited applies; any subsequent amendments
to or revisions of the cited publication apply to this
Part of BS O only when incorporated in the reference
by amendment or revision. For undated references, the
iatest edition of the cited publication applies, together
with any amendments.’
Clause 2.1 Origin and objects of BSI

In item a), lines 3 and 4, delete ‘engineeringand industrial materials’ and substitute
‘materials, products and processes’.
In item b) delete the existing text and substitute the following.
‘b) to set up standards of quality for goods and
services, and prepare and promote the general
adoption of British Standards and schedules in
connection therewith and from time to time to revise,
alter and amend such standards and schedules as
experience and circumstances may require;’
9311-2-1.6k-B OW3
BSI BS*O: PART*2 O 1 L b 2 q b b ï 0386117 b ô 1 M
Clause 2.3.3 Representation on committees

Delete the existing paragraph 3 and substitute the îollowing.
'For organizations to contribute effectively to the Where a number of certification bodies operate in a
preparation of standaràs that will be of value to them, technical area, the committee secretary should seek a
their representatives should be given authority to representative through the Association of Certification
speak on their behalf and be fully briefed on subjects Bodies.
currentiy under discussion. The need for rapid Involvement of the relevant enforcement interests,
responses, particularly on European issues, means e.g. the Institute of Trading Standards Administration,
that time may not ahvays be available for the Institute of Building Control Officers, the Health
representatives to refer questions back to their and Safety Executive and the DTi Consumer Safety
organizations for direction. It is important that Unit, as well as of certification bodies, is essential in
rePreSentatiVeS do not Opeme in kWkition from the ensuring that all the deail of an,,
members of the organization to which they belong. assessment techniques (e.g. sampling provisions)
Effective means should, therefore, be available for included in a standard are unambiguous and
reguiar WO-WaY Communication between the members enforceable. When no such nomination is made, the
and those chosen to their views. relevant organization(s) should be sent a copy of the
CO-istenCY m ~ d to s be tm~&between the views draft standard at the public comment stage.'
presented in different BSI committees by all
representatives and those deputizing for them.
Clause 3.2.8 Approval to publish

Delete the existing clause and substitute the following.
'3.2.8 Endorsement to publish
Before publication can take place, endorsement to For a publication of European origin, which has been
publish has to be formally recorded by obtaining the collectively approved by the member countries,
signatures of the secretary and chairman of the whether or not the United Kingdom voted in favour
technical committee, the Standards Policy Committee and which is required to be implemented nationally,
chairman and the Standards Directorate on BSI Form 8 the significance of the various signatures is as follows.
(Endorsement to publish). Submission via Form 8 to The signature of the technical committee secretary
committee chairmen is in accordance with the BSI signifies that the nati& components of the
Byelaws. in parallel, the signatures of the appropriate publication are in accordance with current BSI
members of BSI staff are obtained on the printing practices. The technical committee chairman's
envelope. signature indicates acceptance that the ratified text
For a publication of national origin, the significance of has to be implemented nationally even though the
the various signatures is as follows. The signature of United Kingdom may not have voted in favour. That of
the technical committee secretary signifies that the the Standards Policy Committee chairman endorses
text is in accordance with current BSI practices. The completion of the implementation of the text by the
technical committee chairman's signature confirms technical committee even though the United Kingdom
that the committee has examined all comments and may not have voted in favour.
has agreed upon the technical content. That of the The chairman of the technical committee and/or the
Standards Poiicy Committee chairman endorses chairman of the Standards Policy Committee may if
completion of the task delegated to the technical they so wish give any relevant brief comments at the
committee. Form 8 stage. Such comments may, for example, in
For a publication not of national origin, but which is the case of a UK negative vote, prompt review of BSI's
voluntarily being implemented as a BSI publication, position; the final decision is taken by the BSI
the significance of the various signatures is as follows. Technical Director in the light of advice particularly
The signature of the technical committee secretary from the committee chairmen concerned, senior
signifies that the natianal components of the officials of any Government department involved and
publication are in accordance with current BSI the BSI Legal Adviser.
practices. The technical committee chairman's
signature confirms that the committee agreed that the For publications of any origin, the signatures of the
text should be implemented as a BSI publication. That Standards Directorate signify that BSI Standards
of the Standards Policy Committee chairman endorses procedures have been properly carried out, that the
completion of the vol unta^^ impiementation of the responsibilities of its staff have been satisfactorily
text by the technical committee. discharged and that BSI's constitutionai procedures
have been correctly followed.'

B S I B S X O : P A R T X 2 01 L b 2 4 b b 9 038bLL8 518
Clause 3.4 Failure to reach consensus

After the clause ütie, insert the follawingclause heading.
‘3.4.1 Projects of nationai origin’
After the last paragraph, insert the following new clause. The head of the technical department concerned
‘3.4.2 Projecte of international or European should be informed as soon as possible so that
Origin appropriate action can be initiated. This may invoive
In the rare event of a BSI technical committee failing consultation with the chairmanand secretary of the
to reach consensus on the UK position regarding a responsible BSI technical committee and Standards
project of international or European origin, a vote is Poiicy Committee, the chairman of the responsible
not taken by the commim members to resolve the Standards Council, the Standards Directorate and any
matter. Where time permits,failure to reach others. The aim should be to resolve the problem
consensus should be handled by the procedure given speedily by any appropriate means. If the BSI
in 3.4.1. technical committee concerned remains unable to
reach consensus, the fmal decision is taken by the BSI
If the stage of the project at which consensus is not Technical Director in the light of advice particularly
reached in the I3SI technical committee does not from the committee chairmen concerned, senior
permit the N procedure given in 3.4.1 to be applied, officials of any Government department involved and
then a shortened version of that procedure is used. the BSI Legal Adviser.’
Clause 3.7.2 Options

Delete the last paragraph and substitute the following.
‘By these means BSI undertakes to ensure that British
Standards reflect sound and modern practice at any
time. If a committee is not prepared to update a
standard or to embark on a fuii review, or is unable to
do so because of procedural requirements (such as the
European ‘standstill agreement’) or lack of resources,
then the standard in question should be confirmed,
declared obsolescent or withdrawn.’
Clause 3.7.3 Procedure

Delete the note preceding the last paragraph and substitute the following.
‘At the same time as a declaration of obsolescence is
made, an amendment to the standard m a y be issued to
give effect to that declaration and to explain its
significance.’
Delete the last paragraph and substitute the following.
‘Followinga declaration of obsolescence of a standard,
stock copies are overstamped with the month and year
of obsolescence. Entries in the BSI Standards
Catahgu~ then include the word ‘obsolescent’in
parentheses after the year of pubiication. Entries for
confirmed standards in the RSI Standards Catalogue
include the year of confirmation in parentheses after
the year of publication.’
Clause 4.6.1
In the first sentence, delete TEN/CENELEC common rules’ and substitute
TEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations’.
3
BSI BSXO: P A R T S 2 O1 W l b 2 4 b b î 038bbbî 454
New clause 4.6.2

After the note to 4.6.1 insert the following new clause, and renumber 4.6.2 to 4.6.6 as
4.6.3 to 4.6.7.
‘4.6.2 Under the CENKENELEC Internal Regulations,
BSI is responsible for making available the printed text
of the officiai English ianguage version of every
European Standard (EN)and in practice, this
obligation is fuifiiied by pubiishing the EN as a British
Standard (BS EN, see 16.2 of BS O :Part 3 : 1991, as
amended by Amendment No. 1 (1993)).
This obligation applies equally to cases where the ü K
has not participated in the preparation of the EN and
where no BSI committee exists on the subject in
question. In such a case SEPD,when notified by the
relevant technical department, will arrange for
publication as a BS EN under the authority of
the BSI Standards Board (see also B.8.10 of
BS O : Part 3 : 1991, as amended by Amendment No. 1
(1993)):
New clause 4.6.8

Insert the following new ciause.
‘4.6.8 BSI’s obligation to adopt European Standards
in accordance with the niles of CEN and CENELEC
does not override its legai duty of care (see 3.1.3 of
BS O :Part 1 : 1991). For this reason, the adoption
of a European Standard may be reviewed even at the
final endorsement stage (see 3.2.8):
List of references
In the headings ‘BSI standards publications’, ‘IS0 and IEC standards publications’
and ‘CEN and CENELEC standards publications’ delete ‘standards’.
4

BS0-2 (1991) With AMD 1

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B S I BSXO: P A R T X 2 O 1 W 1 6 2 4 b b î 0386093 318

A standard for standards

COPYRIGHT British Standards Institution on ERC Specs and Standards

First piildislied i l s Part 3 March

ISBN O Fi80 192.58 X

COPYRIGHT British Standards Institution on ERC Specs and Standards

1.2.2 Informative references

Section 2. BSI Standards: structure and organization

2.1 Origin and objects of BSI 2.2 Committee structure

')Not to be confused with The Engineering Council, a separate body.

The trade association or equivalent organization

2.3.9 Committee secretary

Section 3. Preparing and maintaining British Standards

3.1 The programme of work 3.2 Stages of production

For a publication of European origin, which has been

fi delays at the publication stage when time is

close touch with it. In cases where this support is

3.6 Updating and amendment of

Section 4. Preparing British Standards internationally

4.4 Committee secretariats 4.4.3 Relinquishing secretariat responsibility

Section 4 BS O : Part 2 : 1991

4.7 Attendance at BSI committee

4.7.2 The principle of welcoming on a national

Annex A (informative) U) In developing new and revising existing

List of references (see 1.2)

COPYRIGHT British Standards Institution on ERC Specs and Standards

BSI - British Standards Institution

BSI is the independent national body responsible for preparing British

COPYRIGHT British Standards Institution on ERC Specs and Standards

Clause 1.2.1 Normative references

Clause 2.1 Origin and objects of BSI

Clause 2.3.3 Representation on committees

Clause 3.2.8 Approval to publish

COPYRIGHT British Standards Institution on ERC Specs and Standards

Clause 3.4 Failure to reach consensus

Clause 3.7.2 Options

Clause 3.7.3 Procedure

New clause 4.6.2

New clause 4.6.8

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