Last week I was asked by a local company if I could pass on any information regarding the requirements for CE marking and how they could be affected by the recent changes. Whilst CE Marking became legislation on the 1st July 2013, it’s clear from the number of questions I get that many within the industry still don’t understand the requirements.
It is important that anyone connected with the industry understands CE Marking, whether you’re an installer, a fabricator, a surveyor or an Assessor working for a GQA Approved Centre.
So what is CE Marking?
CE marking is the allowance of the symbol "CE" on a product sold within the European Union. Manufacturers must make a Declaration of Performance (DOP), accompanied by supporting test evidence on all products sold within the EU. By applying CE Marking to a product, the manufacturer is affirming that the product conforms with European standards for safety, public health and consumer protection.
How does this affect the installation?
Installation of windows and doors legally has to comply with CE marking and it’s the installer’s job to ensure that products installed are fully compliant. Installers who are buying both frames and glass from one source will normally receive the required documentation from the supplier to pass directly to the consumer.
If installers are buying frames and glass from different sources then they are responsible for ensuring that the compatible materials meet the required standard, this is done by type testing and subsequently supplying their own DOP.
Assessors should ensure that the installer understands evidence requirements, that the new products are CE compliant and s/he can identify where the CE mark is located.
Assessors should ensure that the installer understands evidence requirements, that the new products are CE compliant and s/he can identify where the CE mark is located.
How will you identify CE compliance.
The CE mark should be visible and legible and can be fixed directly onto the product .If this is not practical then the CE mark and declaration of performance can be attached to any relevant documentation/invoice. The individual DOP can also be found on the company/ supplier websites.
What does the CE mark recognise?
1. That the fabricators operate a full production quality and control system known as (FPC)
2. The thermal performance of the window and doors are recognised by initial type testing (ITT) in relation to “u values”.
3. The load bearing capacities of the frame and safety devices by initial type testing. (ITT).
4. A declaration of performance (DOP) of the suppliers products are noted and are available to anyone .It also states that products will not release harmful substances during its day to day use. These DOP are normally found on the suppliers websites
5. The products must be installed and supplied with a legible CE mark or recognised on company documentation/invoice.
2. The thermal performance of the window and doors are recognised by initial type testing (ITT) in relation to “u values”.
3. The load bearing capacities of the frame and safety devices by initial type testing. (ITT).
4. A declaration of performance (DOP) of the suppliers products are noted and are available to anyone .It also states that products will not release harmful substances during its day to day use. These DOP are normally found on the suppliers websites
5. The products must be installed and supplied with a legible CE mark or recognised on company documentation/invoice.
There is much publically available information on CE Marking, visit the following websites for further information:
Andy Carrington – GQA Technical Officer / EQA (Fenestration)
