The British Standards Institution (BSI) has called for public consultation on its planned full revision to British Standard 10125 Automotive services – Specification for vehicle damage repair processes, which details requirements for vehicle damage repair carried out by workshops, service centres and mobile repair services. The current revision is the specification’s first since its publication as a British Standard in 2014.
The BSI said changes are required to the standard to accommodate new vehicle technology relevant to the repair industry, such as ADAS, powertrain electrification and vehicle connectivity. There is also a renewed focus on the preparation of repair and reinstatement systems, new routes for proof of competency including recognition of continued professional development, and updates to replacement parts in line with the UK Standard for Reclaimed Parts from End of Life Vehicles set by VRA, the organisation that develops and manages the UK’s Vehicle Recycler Certification Scheme.
The revised standard says sub-contracting at the repair level must also comply with these specifications and records must be maintained as part of repair process management. It also removes repairers’ ability to develop in-house methodology.
It is hoped the revised standard will make it easier for repairers to prove competence, allow investment in continued professional development, and ensure consistency of approach throughout the repair process.
BSI said BS 10125, from its inception as PAS 125, was built on the four cornerstones of safe repair, commonly referred to as the Four Ms – Man, Method, Machine and Materials.
The revision is led by the SVS/20 Automotive Services committee, chaired by Dean Lander, Head of Repair Sector Services at Thatcham Research and BodyShop News contributor.
The committee said it firmly believes each one of these fundamentals has been affected by technology, environmental and political advances and, as such, all the standard’s clauses require a thorough review and revision where necessary.
Lander said he is looking forward to involving the entire industry to ensure the standard works for the automotive repair sector.
“I cannot express just how important BS 10125 is for the industry and that is why I am determined that we will be able to deliver an up-to-date standard that is fit for purpose and meets the needs of industry,” said Lander.
“The automotive industry has seen a great deal of change in the last few years,” said Nick Fleming, Head of Transport and Mobility at the BSI. “It’s important that BSI’s standards, such as BS 10125, adapt to meet with industry requirements and continue to promote consumer protection. This latest revision to BS 10125 will help to ensure the standard reflects new vehicle connectivity, safety and powertrain technologies in the automotive repair process.”