Francis Camilleri, Technical Director at Cardiff-based TB Davies, has been appointed Chair of the British Standards Institution B512 Technical Committee, which is responsible for developing and maintaining UK and European ladder safety standards.
The appointment gives Camilleri a direct role in shaping the UK standards programme for portable access equipment at a time of increased scrutiny around ladder safety and product compliance.
Committee oversees ladder standards
The BSI B512 committee establishes national standards for portable ladders in the UK and coordinates the country’s contribution to European ladder standards through CEN Technical Committee 93.
Its membership includes representatives from the Ladder Association, Health and Safety Executive, Trading Standards and industry bodies.
The committee is responsible for standards including BS EN 131, which covers the design, testing and marking of ladders used across construction, trade and domestic applications.
Six years of standards experience
Camilleri has served as a member of B512 for six years alongside his position as Chair of the Ladder Association Technical Committee.
Through this work, he has represented the UK at European standards level and contributed to revisions of key ladder standards.
His appointment as Chair of B512 will see him take a greater role in determining the direction of standards development relating to portable access equipment in the UK.
Ladder compliance under scrutiny
The appointment comes amid continuing concerns about the safety and compliance of some ladders available to UK buyers.
Market surveillance research conducted by the Ladder Association found that more than 80% of telescopic ladders tested during recent exercises failed critical safety assessments, with many carrying markings claiming compliance with the EN 131 standard.
The Association has particularly highlighted products available through online marketplaces, raising concerns about the responsibilities surrounding products offered by third party sellers.
The findings underline the importance of effective standards, appropriate product testing and clear compliance information when businesses and consumers select portable access equipment.
Francis Camilleri said: “Ladder standards exist to protect people who work at height every day. The B512 committee does important, often unseen work to ensure those standards remain current, rigorous, and enforceable.
“The volume of non-compliant products reaching the UK market is a serious concern. One of my priorities as Chair will be to ensure that B512 continues to provide the technical foundation that regulators, enforcement bodies, and responsible manufacturers need to tackle that problem. Standards are only effective if they are clear, up to date, and actively used.
“I am proud that this appointment recognises the work TB Davies and the wider Ladder Association have put into standards development over many years. It is a responsibility I take seriously.”
Robert Adamson, Standards Development Manager at BSI, said:“Francis brings a strong combination of technical knowledge and practical industry experience to the role of Chair. His track record in the Ladder Association and his long-standing involvement with B512 mean he understands both the standards landscape and the real-world safety challenges the committee exists to address.
“We look forward to working with him as we continue to develop standards that keep people safe when working at height.”
