The HSB is organized under the Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI) as a board of internationally recognized plastic piping experts. HSB Board members are selected and appointed based on their expertise on the various aspects of plastic pressure piping including application engineering, material science, manufacturing, testing, and formulation.
Balance of Expertise and Perspectives
The HSB Chair actively manages HSB membership to maintain balance across multiple dimensions that are important to credible technical decision‑making. This includes balance in:
- Technical expertise across different plastic piping materials, components, and applications;
- Experience in developing long‑term strength data and translating that data into design stresses or pressure ratings; and
- Representation from different sectors such as material producers, pipe manufacturers, testing laboratories, independent consultants, and liaison organizations.
.png)
Radar plot showing areas of HSB Member technical expertise (Oct 2025). For each Specialty around the plot, the dark blue line shows how many HSB Members have expertise in that area. For example, 16 of the 25 Members have specific expertise in Extrusion.
Eligibility Criteria and becoming a Board Member
HSB members are selected based on demonstrated technical competence directly relevant to the HSB’s work, particularly in pressure‑rated thermoplastics piping. Candidates are highly accomplished professionals with strong credentials and industry recognition, unquestioned personal integrity, and the ability to exercise independent judgment. Prospective members apply by submitting a detailed curriculum vitae. As part of the appointment process, the candidate’s employer must confirm support for the individual’s participation. After consultation with the HSB Members, the Chair recommends qualified candidates to PPI leadership for final approval. Membership is granted in renewable three‑year terms, with continuity managed at the Chair’s discretion.
Impartiality and Confidentiality
HSB members serve as independent technical experts and do not represent their employers, clients, or affiliated organizations. Members are expected to apply objective, technically sound judgment in support of the HSB’s mission and the broader industry, and to avoid even the appearance that positions are driven by commercial or personal interests. Any consulting relationships, Special Case involvement, or work funded by HSB programs must be disclosed to the Chair so that appropriate safeguards—typically disclosure to the Board and recusal—can be applied. HSB deliberations and decisions are treated as privileged and confidential; meeting minutes are distributed only to HSB members and PPI leadership.
Voting, Quorum, and Conflicts of Interest
Each voting member has one non‑delegable vote. Meetings require a two‑thirds quorum of voting members to conduct business. Voting thresholds depend on the nature of the motion:
- Matters of technical significance—such as Special Cases or research decisions—require an affirmative 80% majority, provided that at least half of the voting members present participate in the vote;
- Non‑technical matters, such as procedural or administrative actions, require a simple majority of those voting.
Conflicts of interest must be disclosed promptly, and members are required to recuse themselves from voting on matters involving their employer, client, or other significant interests. Recused members may provide technical input during discussions but may not vote, and they may be asked to withdraw from discussions if continued participation could compromise impartiality.