Efsac news

SUCCESSFUL LOBBYING ON KITS

During the past few months, EFSAC has been engaged in various lobbying activities regarding the difficult situation on kits and systems.

In addition to meetings with the Commission, where this issue has been permanently on the agenda, on 11 March 2004 EFSAC sent the attached letter explaining in detail our position and concerns to Unit G/6 which is in charge of this subject at the Commission.

On 16 March 2004, a meeting on kits and systems was organised by Mr Adam Pinney with the participation of the European Commission (Mr Leoz, Mr Bedotti), the EFSAC President, Mr van Langeveld, and other delegates. Mr van Langeveld presented EFSAC's position on kits (see attached presentation) at the meeting. Other presentations were given by representatives of the test houses, the certification bodies and the SG07 which expressed the same view as EFSAC's position. Thus, all parties in our market were unanimous.

The meeting was a great success as the following decisions were taken:

For TC 72 and TC 191 kits will no longer exist; if manufacturers want to have kits CE marked, they can do so via the EOTA route and according to the "new" definition of a kit.

The documents on sprinklers will be revised/amended so that kits are not included. This work will be done by TC 191.
Kits will no longer be mandatory for the fire detection and prevention industry.
Design rules for sprinkler systems will therefore be treated in the same manner as other similar systems, which are non-mandated.

EFSAC subsequentely contacted the Commission expressing our satisfaction at this very positive new development on this important subject.

We thank all those involved in this issue for their excellent and successful cooperation!

Eight new construction standards published in EC Official Journal

Some new construction product standards, including for fixed firefighting systems (Standard Number: EN 12259-1:1999 + A1:2001; Standard Title: -Fixed firefighting systems - Components for sprinkler and water spray systems - Part 1: Sprinklers AND Standard Number: EN 12416-2:2001; Standard Title Fixed firefighting systems - Powder systems - Part 2: Design, construction and maintenance), but also for panic exit devices, concrete fence posts, building lime, and admixtures for concrete, mortar and grout, were published in EC Official Journal C/40 on 14/02/2002. They were prepared by the European committee for standardisation (CEN), in response to Commission mandates, to help manufacturers meet essential requirements laid down in Construction products Directive 89/106/EEC.

They embody a consensus of all stakeholders, and will open up new opportunities for designers and manufacturers, by removing technical barriers to trade, creating new markets and cutting compliance costs. The CE mark shows that the product conforms to all relevant Community rules, and that the appropriate conformity assessment procedures have been completed.

Most of the products on the EU market covered by these standards are now in the transitional phase when CE marking is optional. After 01/04/2002 CE marking on cement will become obligatory and compulsory CE marking on other products will rapidly follow.

The combination of high quality harmonised technical specifications, certification by an approved independent body (as outlined in the specifications) and market surveillance by EU Member States should ensure that all products meet Europe's stringent safety requirements.