So, who is BBA?
BBA (British Board of Agrément) is a UKAS-accredited independent body responsible for testing and certification within the construction industry – their stamp of approval indicates high quality, experience, and a reliable product/company. It is the BBA’s duty to ensure that all building and construction materials in the UK meet the highest safety standards.
Most relevant to HMS is the High Friction Surfacing Scheme (HFS) which was set up to cater to installers of products and services applicable to the BBA Highways Authority Product Approval Scheme (HAPAS) – specifically products that are installed on our highways.
So, what are HAPAS responsible for?
HAPAS is designed to ensure conformity to safety standards in the application of products to all the UK’s roads. The scheme removes the need for individual authorities to carry out their own assessments and tests to ascertain whether products used on public roads are ‘fit for purpose’.
Our most prominent product that falls into this category is our High Friction surfacing. This is a surfacing material that is applied to roads that are prone to skidding – it is perfect for this practice as it creates thousands of tiny contact points for a vehicle tyre going over the top of it, improving grip and massively reducing skidding and therefore accidents.
Is it compulsory to hold BBA HAPAS certification when laying High Friction surfacing?
Yes. Without approval from the mentioned governing bodies whilst simultaneously using products approved by them, road safety cannot be guaranteed. To meet these criteria, all operatives must hold an NVQ Level 2 in High Friction surfacing and have a valid CSCS site card.
HMS is a BBA-approved installer (No. 5020), and all its operatives hold NVQ and CSCS qualifications. HMS is approved to lay BBA Type 1 surfacing to motorways and trunk roads.
It is imperative that High Friction surfacing contractors are approved to the BBA HAPAS scheme otherwise they will be unable to gain permission from local authorities to carry out works.
HMS can give you that peace of mind, from minor repairs to major roadworks, all jobs completed by HMS will satisfy safety regulations ensuring safer roads for the UK.
