What is BS 559, what does it cover, and what does it mean for the sign industry?
This four part BSGA podcast series explores the Standard and its practical application.
The series has been created to explain and educate listeners about BS 559, making the Standard more accessible and easier to understand in the context of the sign industry.
Across the four episodes, Jack Gocher, Eye on Display, guides the conversation with BSGA Managing Director Linda Edwards and Ben Lambert, Director at Displayway. Ben was involved forms part of the BSI committee that developed BS 559-2, bringing his knowledge and experience of the Standard to the discussion.
Together, they look at what a British Standard is, why it matters and how it can be applied in practice.
Podcast one: Understanding standards
What is a British Standard?
Ben, has a professional background in signage manufacture and maintenance and is a member of the BSI panel developing BS 559-2, the standard for the inspection and maintenance of signs.
Ben also works with David Derbyshire, Chair of the BSI CPL/34/11 Electric Signs Committee, which oversees the BS 559 series. His involvement in the development of the Standard brings a practical perspective to the discussion, both on how standards are developed and how they are used within the industry.
One of the first points discussed is a common misunderstanding about British Standards.
“A British Standard is essentially a best practice guide. It’s not legislation, which some people do get confused by,” Ben explains.
British Standards and legislation
Linda draws a clear distinction between legislation and British Standards.
“Legislation is law, whereas a British Standard provides a framework for best practice. It represents the collective expertise and agreement of industry professionals on the approach that should be followed,” she explains.
A British Standard is not legislation and following one does not automatically mean that a business has met all of its legal responsibilities. That distinction is important.
For businesses in the signage industry, a British Standard provides a recognised framework for good practice and a common point of reference. It can help businesses make consistent decisions and demonstrate that recognised good practice has been considered.
Legislation establishes the legal duties that businesses must meet. A standard can then provide guidance on how those duties can be approached in practice. The two therefore need to be considered alongside one another, rather than treating the Standard as a replacement for legislation.
Why does BS 559-2 matter?
The development of BS 559-2 has focused on bringing greater clarity to the inspection and maintenance of signs.
Ben explains:
“We’ve been working very hard to use our experience and industry knowledge to create a standard that is far less ambiguous than what we had previously.”
The aim is to give the industry a clearer and more consistent reference point for the inspection and maintenance of signs.
How are British Standards developed?
BSI facilitates the development of British Standards, while the technical content is developed by committees made up of people with relevant knowledge and experience. Drafts go through consultation, with the process seeking to reach consensus before a standard is published.
For BS 559-2, that process brought together industry knowledge and practical experience to develop a clearer approach to the inspection and maintenance of signs.
But a standard is not something that can simply be applied without considering the circumstances. Businesses still need to understand the work they are undertaking, the responsibilities that come with it and the other requirements that apply.
Linda emphasises this point:
“Why would you not work alongside the British Standard? Why would you not take it into consideration as an employee, as a team member, but equally as an employer or an industry stakeholder?”
Next up: BS 559-2 in detail
The next episode moves on to BS 559-2 itself, looking at what the Standard covers and what it means in practical terms for businesses involved in the inspection and maintenance of signs.
The discussion considers how the Standard can provide a common approach across the industry, while recognising that businesses must still take account of the legislation, requirements and circumstances that apply to the work they undertake.
As Linda concludes:
“Through our experience and our own practical undertakings, this is what we believe best supports the legislation in place. It also means that as an industry we are all working towards the same standards and best practices.”
BS 559-2 extends the BS 559 series to address the inspection and maintenance of signs once in service. As a draft, its final content and status will depend on the outcome of the BSI standards process.
BS 559-1 and BS 559-2 matter to the future of good practice across the UK signage industry, and the BSGA has an active role in representing the sector’s interests, contributing industry knowledge and supporting the development and understanding of relevant standards. As BS 559-2 progresses, the Association will keep members informed, provide practical technical guidance, and help businesses understand what these developments mean for their responsibilities and working practices across the life of a sign.
Watch the full conversation here: