From July 1 2013, the rules 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) have to be CE marked and be supplied with a Declaration of Conformity.
Bilco recognised their legal responsibilities to ensure that compliant product was made available by the European Commission deadline of July 1 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 Bilco vent underwent a 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 a Declaration of Conformity which assures that it is fit for purpose.
In addition to the product testing the “notified body” carry out a Factory Production Control (FPC) on the company to ensure that products placed on the market conform to the stated performance characteristic.
As you would expect, the cost of producing compliant products and the process of testing to the required level is not insignificant and those manufacturers who have embraced this change have invested to ensure that their products are fit for purpose and meet the new regulations.
The risk that some manufacturers will ignore the new regulations and supply lower cost but non compliant products exists. Specifiers and purchasers of construction products need to be aware that this legislation is in place and should insist on having CE marked products supplied.
For those buyers who choose to disregard the regulation and procure a non compliant product, there is a high level of commercial risk. In the event that non CE marked product is found to have been used on a project, they may be required to replace this with a suitable CE marked item – the cost both financial and in terms of damage to reputation being potentially very significant.
Under UK law, ignorance of legislation does not constitute a legitimate defence. Whilst less reputable companies may attempt to obtain a commercial advantage by offering non CE marked product whilst claiming it conforms, the risks of procuring such items is not worth the obvious dangers.
As with all of its products, whether it be roof access hatches, ladders, or floor doors, Bilco smoke vents now deliver a guaranteed product which meets all current legislation.
