The UK will continue to play a leading role in the development of international safety and performance standards for construction equipment, following a major ISO committee meeting in Shanghai attended by representatives from 11 national standards bodies.
CEA (Construction Equipment Association) was represented at the meeting by Jason Ong of Komatsu, Chair of the CEA's General Technical Committee, and Dale Camsell, CEA Senior Technical Consultant. Both attended on behalf of the UK's national standards body, the British Standards Institution (BSI).
The meeting brought together ISO/TC 127, the international committee responsible for standards relating to earth-moving machinery, and its four subcommittees. Held every 18 months, the meeting provides an opportunity for national standards bodies to review existing standards, agree priorities for new projects and address technical issues arising during the development process.
Hosted this year by the Standardization Administration of China (SAC), the Shanghai meeting provided an important opportunity for the UK to contribute to discussions that will help shape future machinery safety and performance requirements.
Nine years of leadership recognised
Alongside representing the UK, Jason and Dale led the meeting of the subcommittee responsible for test methods relating to machinery safety and performance.
The occasion marked Jason's final meeting as Chair, bringing to a close nine years of leadership in this international role.
His contribution was warmly acknowledged by fellow committee members, who thanked him for his professionalism, dedication and nine years of service.
Importantly, the UK will retain the chairmanship, with Jane Hodgson, also of Komatsu, confirmed as Jason's successor.
Jane brings extensive experience in machinery standardisation and already holds a leadership position within the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN). She will take up her new role in 2027, supported by Dale Camsell.
Commenting on the meeting and the leadership transition, Dale Camsell said:
“It's important that the UK continues to play an active part in developing international standards for construction equipment. Jason has done an excellent job over the past nine years, and I'm pleased that Jane will be taking over the chairmanship.
“We're also very grateful to Komatsu for its continued support. Having experienced industry people involved in this work means the UK can make a valuable contribution to the standards that will shape machinery safety and performance in the future.”
CEA has expressed its appreciation to Jason for his nine years of service and welcomed Jane's appointment. The Association has also acknowledged Komatsu's continued commitment to supporting the international standardisation process.
Bringing international developments back to UK manufacturers
For UK construction equipment manufacturers, participation in international standardisation is particularly important. These committees develop the standards that help guide machinery safety, performance and testing, making it important that UK industry expertise is represented in the discussions.
The key outcomes from the Shanghai meeting will be shared with CEA members at the next meeting of the Association's General Technical Committee, taking place in Daventry on 16 and 17 December 2026.
Participation in the General Technical Committee is open to all CEA members at no additional cost, providing an opportunity to stay informed about technical standards and regulatory developments affecting the construction equipment sector.
For further information about joining the committee, contact Gill Stirk at gill.stirk@thecea.org.uk.
Jason Ong of Komatsu, Chair of the CEA's General Technical Committee, and Dale Camsell, CEA Senior Technical Consultant.