The current wave of CE marking under the EU Construction Products Directive (CPD), states that panic exit devices governed by the European Standards EN 179 and EN 1125 must satisfy the health & safety requirements of the CPD and demonstrate compliance from April 2002. By demonstrating compliance. panic exit devices can now be CE marked.

  Whilst not mandatory leading manufacturer IR Architectural Hardware has already worked within the guidelines to launch a fully CE marked, independently tested range of slimline, modular

Briton exit devices.

  Ian Bartlett, IRAH's Briton product manager for door controls, outlines what CE marking means and details IRAH's new product range.

  The CPD states that products may only be placed on the EEA market if they satisfy the health & safety requirements in the member states. Essentially it is the manufacturer's c that the product meets thee requirement and affixing it is the responsibility of the manufacturer alone, it is not a quality mark but simply shows that the product address the regulatory requirements.

  By 1st May2002 CE marking will be possible for over 45 construction products and within five years a total of over 600 products. According to the Department of Transport. Local Government and the Regions (DTLR), the CPD is one of the 'New Approach ' Directives to create a single European marked by removing technical barriers to trade between Member Sates.

  It applies to any construction product which is incorporated in a permanent manner in building and civil engineering works. Its intention is to replace existing national standards and technical approvals with a single s of European-wide technical specifications fur construction products,

  Products rotating the requirement of the relevant Directive will he eligible for CE marking and may be placed on the market anywhere within the European Economic Area (EEA).

  CE marking is good news for manufacturers if they export to other Member States because it enables fir for purpose products to be freely traded across the EEA. In the past technical requirement of the Member States for particular products could differ and as such the safety standards also, differed, meaning that sometimes entry into its market was refund.

  CE marking is also beneficial for merchants and stockiest because products can be sold with confidence throughout the EU. It shows products have been independently testing and assessed.

  The impact of CE marking on emergency and panic exit devices for specifies, installers and end users means overall it will simplify the purchasing decision. There will be a reduction in low quality imports and quality marks will differentiate products in future.

  CE marking indicates that manufacturers have met the minimum legal requirements tot their products with regard to health and safety under the CPD. The BSI Kitemark will continue to play an important role in demonstrating a level of quality and consistency above minimum legal requirements.

  It is understood that the DTLR is responsible in the UK for the implementation of the CPD and that enforcement will be carried out by Trading Standards in England, Wales and Scotland and by Environmental Health in Northern Ireland.

  Currently CE marking is not compulsory for Construction Products in the UK. so authorities will not enforce the use of CE marked products as such. However the issue of whether CE marking is correctly used if it is there, will be enforced.

It product is CE mar bed then there is a focal requirement that technical information is with or formation is correct.

  Failureu to comply on the part of manufacturers may ultimately lead to prohibition on the supply of products and prosecution.

  Distributors could be liable in law if they supply a non-conforming product and it fails to perform. If they cannot prove compliance they could face a  fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment.

  According to RICS Building Control Forum;� it is up to the specifier or the purchaser to ensure that the right level of performance for the intended use in chosen. Building regulations and codes are being amended as the new (BSEN) standards come through (and existing BS are withdrawn).�

  The CE mark will therefore follow the harmonized BSEN Standard. If the level chose by specifies is incorrect, then action can be taken under the Building Regulations.