Tried, tested, CE marked
“ From 1st July 2013, the rules have changed regarding the supply of construction products into the market. To comply with the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) any products covered by a harmonised European Standard (hEN) or European Technical Assessment (ETA) will have to be CE marked and be supplied with a Declaration of Conformity.”
A
lthough there has been only limited coverage in the industry press about this imminent change in the rules, this move from the Construction Products Directive (CPD) to the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) will have a significant impact in the UK marketplace for construction products. Whereas the CPD was voluntary in the UK, the law now stipulates that from the 1st July products covered by CPR must be CE marked.
end use. The CPR adds responsibilities to importers and distributors who must assure themselves that the manufacturer has undertaken all that is required. The importer or distributor name and contact details must appear on the product, labelling or associated documents. Overall, the CPR places the responsibility on the manufacturer or distributor to ensure that compliant product is offered. Further responsibility is placed on the purchaser and the local regulatory body to ensure that compliant product is purchased and installed.
Instead of being seen as yet another piece of burdensome legislation, the introduction of the CPR is a much needed move as it is designed to help eliminate products from the supply chain which are not fit for purpose. Aside from the commercial implications of having unsuitable products (call backs to site for remedial work etc), where safety is involved corners should never be cut for the sake of saving a few pounds.
What it means for
manufacturers and specifiers In the CPD an assumption was made that manufacturers sell their products to the end user. In reality, a manufacturer may well put their products into the supply chain without knowing the product’s destination or
14 feature Building & Facilities Management – September 2013
Bilco steps up to the mark Bilco recognised their legal responsibilities to ensure that compliant product was made available by the European Commission deadline of July 1st 2013. Following a full review of all Bilco products it was established that the range of Natural Heat and Smoke Exhaust Ventilators were affected by the CPR. After some minor design changes, including
the addition of wind deflectors, the Bilco range was tested by an independent test facility following the test methods detailed in EN 12101-2. The first photograph (left) shows the Bilco vent undergoing the resistance to heat test, and in addition to this, the product test criteria included, free aerodynamic area, reliability, snow load, low ambient temperature, and wind load. Whilst the level of testing can be decided by the manufacturer (and is greatly influenced by the environment in which the product will be installed) any CE marked product must be supplied with the Declaration of Conformity which assures that it is fit for purpose.
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