SOA OS23 is more than a bureaucratic label in Italy’s public works world. It is a certification that says a demolition firm is qualified, trustworthy, and ready to take on complex projects. Contractors who understand OS23 gain access to tenders that otherwise wouldn’t accept their bids. Over the years, as technology and sustainability demands have grown, OS23 has evolved, embedding digital processes, environmental checks, and stricter accountability. In the following sections, you’ll see what OS23 covers, why it matters, how to get it, and what trends are shaping its future.
What Is SOA OS23 Certification
SOA OS23 is a specialized certificate under Italy’s SOA (Società Organismo di Attestazione) system that validates a company’s ability to perform demolition work. It covers both partial and total demolition, dismantling industrial plants, cutting reinforced concrete, managing debris, and ensuring environmental safety.
The certificate is issued after a thorough check of technical capacity, financial solidity, and organizational readiness. Without OS23, firms may be barred from public tender projects involving demolition. Because demolition is high risk, OS23 functions as both a gatekeeper and a quality signal.
Why OS23 Matters in Public Tenders
When public agencies issue tenders for demolition work, they want assurances. A firm with OS23 brings that assurance. With OS23, agencies see proof you’ve passed scrutiny of equipment, staff, safety systems, and finances. That reduces perceived risk.
Also, in competitive bidding, OS23 can be a deciding factor. Even when not strictly required, it adds prestige and trust. If two firms bid equal pricing, but one holds OS23, many reviewers would favor the certified one. In short, OS23 isn’t just compliance, it’s a competitive edge.
Who Needs OS23 and When
OS23 is essential for any contractor hoping to bid on public demolition contracts in Italy. If your project includes dismantling structures, removing reinforced concrete, or dealing with industrial facility teardown, you likely need OS23. Even general construction companies must secure it if their project scopes include demolition. For purely private or small jobs, OS23 might not be legally required. But using it can still help land private contracts in sectors demanding high standards. In practice, for serious players in Italy’s demolition space, OS23 is a must-have.
How the SOA Certification Framework Works
Italy’s SOA system separates certifications into OG (general works) and OS (specialized works) categories. OS23 falls in the “specialized works” class. Firms may hold multiple categories (e.g. OG1 for civil works plus OS23 for demolition).
Each OS or OG category has class levels (classi) that define the maximum contract size a firm can take under that category. To qualify, a contractor must prove past experience in relevant works, show equipment capacity, validated financial statements, and document internal systems for safety, compliance, and project management. Certification agencies review all this before granting OS23 in an appropriate class.
Technical, Financial & Organizational Criteria
To succeed in OS23 certification, three pillars must be strong: technical, financial, and organizational. Technically, the firm must show past demolition contracts, machinery (excavators, crushers, saws, etc.), qualified personnel, and safety protocols.
Financially, the firm’s balance sheets, turnover in relevant works, and stability are scrutinized. The organizational side demands clear governance, compliance workflows, documentation, quality systems, and record keeping. Weakness in any pillar can cause rejection. That’s why many companies work with consultants or internal audit teams during preparation.
Trends and Digital Transformation in OS23 Compliance
Certification is no longer paper and stamp only. Digital transformation now powers parts of the OS23 process. Many agencies accept or request BIM (Building Information Modeling) data, digital site models, GIS overlays, and scanned compliance documents.
Automation helps auditors cross-check data, flag missing items, and speed processes. In some cases, blockchain or digital credentialing is proposed to ensure the certificate’s integrity across platforms. As public procurement becomes more digital, companies that embed tech in their OS23 workflows will find easier renewals and smoother bidding.
Sustainability, Green Demolition & OS23
Demolition isn’t just wreck and removal anymore. With OS23, sustainability is gaining weight. Regulations push firms to separate rubble into recyclable materials, reduce emissions in machinery, and control hazards like asbestos.
A contractor who shows a plan for material reuse, proper sorting, and low-emission equipment can stand out. OS23 processes that incorporate environmental checks help align demolition firms with Italy’s climate goals and EU standards. Over time, firms with green demolition methods may find tenders explicitly rewarding such practices.
Challenges in Obtaining and Maintaining OS23
The path to OS23 isn’t smooth. Companies commonly struggle with lacking documentation, inconsistent project records, outdated equipment, or gaps in financial history. Sometimes internal systems are too informal to meet organizational criteria.
During renewals, changing rules can catch firms off guard. Also, if a company expands too fast, their class level may lag behind their ambition. The review process by SOA bodies can be lengthy. To mitigate, many firms prepare long ahead, audit internally, keep digital records, and remain agile to rule changes.
Case Example: Fratelli Omini’s High Stakes Demolition
Consider Fratelli Omini, a historic Italian demolition firm founded in 1984. They handled the demolition of the Morandi Bridge in Genoa and even the Concordia wreck. They hold OS23 at a very high class (illimitata). Their success rests not just on experience, but rigorous safety procedures, strong certification portfolios, and careful adaptation to regulatory shifts. Because they invested in high standards and certification early, they could bid on marquee contracts. Their story shows how OS23 credentials and reputation go hand in hand.
Tips for Preparing Your OS23 Application
Start early. Audit your past demolition work and collect contracts, plans, photos, and compliance documents. Evaluate your machinery, staff credentials, and safety policies. If gaps exist, say older equipment, plan upgrades. Keep financial statements tidy and verify your turnover.
Map your organizational structure, document roles, procedures, and decision flows. If possible, partner with a consultant experienced in SOA. Use digital systems (document management software, version control, BIM platforms) to track everything. Review the rules of the issuing SOA body you’ll apply to, they may have local preferences. Finally, simulate the review process internally to spot missing items.
Future Outlook: OS23 in 2028 and Beyond
Over the next few years, OS23 certification will move deeper into the digital realm. More tenders will require BIM models, drone surveys, and real-time monitoring of demolition sites. Environmental metrics will grow in weight in scoring. Some regions will demand local recognition or alignment with EU certification frameworks.
Cross-border firms may push for international equivalence of OS23. Certifications might shift to periodic digital audits rather than full reapplication. Smart demolition (robotics, remote operation) may become an expected baseline. In that evolving environment, firms that build their OS23 compliance foundation now will be ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does OS23 certify?
OS23 certifies a firm’s ability to perform demolition works, complete or partial removal of structures, dismantling industrial plants, handling reinforced concrete, managing debris, and doing so in compliance with safety and environmental standards.
Is OS23 mandatory for all demolition projects?
No. It is mandatory for public tenders that involve substantial or regulated demolition work. But for private or small jobs, it may not legally be required. Still, it offers strategic value.
How long does the OS23 certification process take?
It varies. If the company is well prepared, it could take a few months. Delays often come from missing documentation, internal gaps, or slow evaluations by the SOA body.
Are foreign companies eligible for OS23?
Yes, as long as they meet the technical, financial, and organizational criteria and fulfill local legal prerequisites. They must often partner with Italian entities or register appropriately.
How often must OS23 be renewed?
Typically the certificate has validity periods (often 5 years), with reviews or audits mid-term. Renewal conditions depend on the issuing SOA body and any regulatory updates.
