BCSA News and Insights
Launched today - National Light-Gauge Steelwork Specification
23/10/2024
Category: General
The British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA) has launched the National Light-Gauge Steelwork Specification (NLSS) to aid in addressing the housing crisis, as showcased at an exhibition opening on October 24 at the Building Centre, London.
To promote the broader adoption of cold-formed, galvanized light steel, the BCSA has launched the inaugural NLSS, leveraging the material’s long-standing success in residential and other buildings. This new Specification has been developed with input from the wider construction and the light-gauge steelwork industry.
The NLSS is designed to be integrated into construction contracts, ensuring that clients, designers, contractors, and manufacturers can trust that light-gauge steelwork is produced and utilised to the highest regulatory standards.
BCSA’s Chief Executive Officer Mr Jonathan Clemens said: “Light-gauge steel frame structures use galvanized cold-formed steel sections as the primary structural components which can be assembled into prefabricated panels. Light-gauge steel is an integral part of modular construction because it is strong, lightweight, durable and is becoming a more significant solution for residential buildings.
“The introduction of the Building Safety Act has focused the construction industry on competence and capability to ensure that building projects are robust and are designed and constructed to ensure the safety of those living and working in residential and office buildings.“
“The NLSS sets out a framework of requirements to reassure designers, clients and contractors that the light-gauge steelwork industry is able to establish and maintain high standards in all areas of its operations.”
Coming into effect in April 2025, the National Light-Gauge Steelwork Specification will standardise both the application and terminology within the industry, enhancing transparency and reducing risk. The NLSS will define the exact high standards and provide the industry clear expectations, outputs, and outcomes. The Specification provides a uniform set of requirements for the manufacture and construction of light-gauge steel structures in compliance with the requirements of European Standards.
The NLSS is available for purchase from the BCSA website. For more details visit: https://bcsa.org.uk/resources/fabrication-technical-design/nlss/
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