Specification for Highways Product Certification – Product Acceptance Scheme

We all understand the importance of using approved products on our road network and the consequences that can arise when not using certified materials to carry out repairs.

It is essential that all asphalt materials used for pothole repairs, ironwork and utility reinstatements in carriageways, footpaths and cycle tracks meet the industry standards which guarantee long-term performance.

Such standards are clearly set out in the Specification for Highway Works (MCHW SHW) Clause 946 and the Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in Highways (SROH) – key industry documents which dictate how roads are built and repairs are carried out.

All products used on our road network need to be assessed and certified through a UKAS accredited Certification Body to demonstrate they conform to these standards of performance.

Two such Certification Bodies who offer industry recognised certification for Cold Lay Asphalt Surfacing Materials are the British Board of Agrément (BBA), who provide BBA HAPAS certificates and Paving Testing Services Ltd (PTS) who provide PTS PAS certification. In addition, PTS Product Acceptance Scheme (PTS PAS) was established in line with MCHW SHW Clause 104.15 and 104.16 and is fully recognised by all highways authorities.

Both BBA and PTS are supported in their product assessment and certification by a Technical Advisory Panel which includes representation from Highways England (who act on behalf of the Overseeing Organisations of the Department of Transport, Transport Scotland, the Welsh Assembly Government and the Department of Regional Development, Northern Ireland), the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy Planning and Transport (ADEPT), Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA), Mineral Products Association (MPA), Joint Authorities Group (JAG), Midlands Highways Alliance (MHA) and the Highways Authorities & Utilities Committee HAUC (UK) working group for SROH and SROH Innovations.

Products certified through BBA and PTS are proven to not only meet the test and performance criteria required to withstand the demands of our carriageways and footpaths, but also provide peace of mind that all certified products have been developed by manufacturers with strong quality management systems, strict process control and manufacturing consistency and traceability.

When the standard was first introduced, Instarmac were extremely proud to have been one of the first manufacturers to gain approval through BBA. Instarmac have now made a similar pioneering step by partnering with PTS to have Tough Patch®, the latest innovation in reactive cold lay materials, certified for use. Tough Patch®, a permanent col lay repair material, boasts a reactive binder technology and rapid cure. What’s more, Tough Patch® is proven to be resilient and durable and is able to be cored after 24 hours.

Providing quality products that are fit for purpose has always been of the utmost importance to Instarmac. With this in mind, many of their high performance materials have been thoroughly tested and have gained independent certification by both the BBA and PTS.

For more information on PTS and how you can benefit from using PTS PAS certified materials, please contact Instarmac’s team of technical experts by emailing ultracrete@instarmac.co.uk or calling 01827 254402.