12


PAS NOTES


“If the situation involves an emerging technology, a PAS is often a quick solution for reaching early consensus”


Another major difference is that PASs are sponsored. “We work with a broad spectrum of sponsors from the UK Government, the private sector, UK charities and trade associations. They all have different reasons for wanting to sponsor a PAS, it depends on the issue.”


F


rom driverless cars to trampoline parks, PASs are a versatile route to standardization, but what marks them out from British, European or International Standards?


In describing what a PAS is, Head of


Standards fi rst all of explained what they have in common with other standards. “They are developed using a consensus- based process and can be used in the same way as British, European or International Standards,” said Katherine. “They also have a period of public consultation and a rigorous and robust development process. “The key difference comes in the speed at


which they can be developed. Typically a PAS can be published in nine months compared to at least 18 months for British, European or International Standards. “We therefore primarily use PASs in situations where there is a need to reach agreement within shorter timescales, for example in emerging areas of good practice or the application of new technologies where early consensus on key principles is essential. Once published, we have more fl exibility to update the PAS rapidly in line with changing requirements.” Around 30% of PASs are used as a seed document for another standard further


down the line, usually an International Standard (ISO). “We seek feedback from industry on a case by case basis to decide if we should revise as a PAS, or if it should be further developed as a different type of standard. It depends on the circumstances and the needs of the specifi c industry. “PASs are a relatively small part of the


overall BSI portfolio. Before we start any work we research the area to make sure there is no confl ict with an existing standard or a standard in development. We have a clear approval process as to whether a PAS is the right response; we don’t want to confuse the market.”


If the situation involves an emerging technology, a PAS is often a quick solution for reaching early consensus, allowing the technology to be more rapidly accepted and adopted. For innovative products or services, where there are no existing standards, an industry or trade association can also use a PAS to fi nd a common solution and develop a code of practice. Although there are still isolated niche demands for PASs – for example, the trampoline parks – the trend recently has been to use them on substantial programmes of work closely aligned with the UK Government’s strategic priorities. “We’ve got a number of major


Katherine Hunter


programmes of work sponsored by the UK Government on emerging technology, for example, smart cities, energy smart appliances and connected and autonomous vehicles. PASs are helping to define best practice in all of these areas.”


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