The Construction Products Regulations 1991

Regulation 2(1)

SCHEDULE 2 ANNEX I OF COUNCIL DIRECTIVE OF 21st DECEMBER 1988 ON THE APPROXIMATION OF LAWS, REGULATIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS OF THE MEMBER STATES RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTSESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

The products must be suitable for construction works which (as a whole and in their separate parts) are fit for their intended use, account being taken of economy, and in this connection satisfy the following essential requirements where the works are subject to regulations containing such requirements. Such requirements must, subject to normal maintenance, be satisfied for an economically reasonable working life. The requirements generally concern actions which are foreseeable.

Mechanical resistance and stability

1.  The construction works must be designed and built in such a way that the loadings that are liable to act on it during its constructions and use will not lead to any of the following:

(a) collapse of the whole or part of the work;

(b) major deformations to an inadmissible degree;

(c) damage to other parts of the works or to fittings or installed equipment as a result of major deformation of the load-bearing construction;

(d) damage by an event to an extent disproportionate to the original cause.

Safety in case of fire

2.  The construction works must be designed and built in such a way that in the event of an outbreak of fire:

• the load-bearing capacity of the construction can be assumed for a specific period of time,

• the generation and spread of fire and smoke within the works are limited,

• the spread of fire to neighbouring construction works is limited,

• occupants can leave the works or be rescued by other means,

• the safety of rescue teams is taken into consideration.

Hygiene, health and the environment

3.  The construction work must be designed and built in such a way that it will not be a threat to the hygiene or health of the occupants or neighbours, in particular as a result of any of the following:

• the giving-off of toxic gas,

• the presence of dangerous particles or gases in the air,

• the emission of dangerous radiation,

• pollution or poisoning of the water or soil,

• faulty elimination of waste water, smoke, solid or liquid wastes,

• the presence of damp in parts of the works or on surfaces within the works.

Safety in use

4.  The construction work must be designed and built in such a way that it does not present unacceptable risks of accidents in service or in operation such as slipping, falling, collision, burns, electrocution, injury from explosion.

Protection against noise

5.  The construction works must be designed and built in such a way that noise perceived by the occupants or people nearby is kept down to a level that will not threaten their health and will allow them to sleep, rest and work in satisfactory conditions.

Energy economy and heat retention

6.  The construction works and its heating, cooling and ventilation installations must be designed and built in such a way that the amount of energy required in use shall be low, having regard to the climatic conditions of the location and the occupants.