Category Archives: Construction

Construction is one of the most important productive sectors in the European Union and one of the main driving forces of economic development. This sector, which covers both buildings and civil engineering works (such as roads, bridges, railways, etc.), is at the top of the list of industrial sectors in terms of employment, creating jobs both directly and indirectly.
The European Union has embarked on the harmonisation of European standards concerning construction products, on the one hand, and placed the emphasis on the environmental aspects linked to the sector, on the other.

Internal Market

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Internal Market

Internal Market Contents

  • Internal market: general framework
  • Living and working in the internal market: Free movement of people, asylum and immigration, free movement of workers
  • Single Market for Goods: Free movement of goods, technical harmonisation, product labelling and packaging, consumer safety, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, chemical products, motor vehicles, construction, external dimension
  • Single market for services: Free movement of services, professional occupations, services of general interest, transport, Information Society, postal services, financial services, banks, insurance, securities markets
  • Single market for capital: Free movement of capital, economic and monetary union, economic and private stakeholders, fiscal aspects, combating fraud, external relations
  • Businesses in the internal market: Company law, public procurement, intellectual property

See also

Living and working in the internal market.
Overviews of European Union: Internal market.
Further information: the Internal Market and Services Directorate-General of the European Commission.

Electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits

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Electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Internal market > Single Market for Goods > Construction

Electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits

Document or Iniciative

Directive 2006/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 on the harmonisation of the laws of Member States relating to electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits (codified version) (Text with EEA relevance).

Summary

This Directive aims at ensuring that electrical equipment may be placed on the market only if it does not, when installed and maintained, endanger the safety of persons, domestic animals or property, and at promoting the free movement of this equipment in the European Union.

Scope

This Directive applies to electrical equipment designed for use with a voltage rating of between 50 and 1000 Volts for alternating current and between 75 and 1500 Volts for direct current.

It does not apply to:

  • electrical equipment for use in an explosive atmosphere;
  • equipment for radiology and medical purposes;
  • electrical parts for goods and passenger lifts;
  • electricity meters;
  • plugs and socket outlets for domestic use;
  • electric fence controllers;
  • radio-electrical interference;
  • electrical equipment for use on ships, aircraft or railways;
  • electrical equipment intended for export to third countries.

Safety objectives

Electrical equipment may be placed on the market if it complies with the safety objectives laid down in Annex I to this Directive concerning:

  • general safety conditions applying to equipment;
  • hazards arising from electrical equipment;
  • hazards caused by external influences on electrical equipment.

The free movement of electrical equipment must not be hindered if it meets the safety objectives defined in the Directive. Manufacturers may choose how they comply with safety objectives.

Presumption of conformity

Electrical equipment which complies with the provisions of the harmonised standards should be subject to a presumption of conformity with the safety objectives established by this Directive and be able to move freely.

Standards shall be regarded as harmonised if they are drawn up by common agreement between the bodies notified by the Member States and published under national procedures. Their references shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

If standards have not yet been harmonised, Member States should take measures to ensure that their competent administrative authorities regard electrical equipment as complying with the safety objectives of the Directive if the electrical equipment complies with the safety provisions of the International Commission on the Rules for the Approval of Electrical Equipment (CEEel) or of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

If harmonised standards or safety provisions do not yet exist, Member States shall take measures to ensure that their competent administrative authorities regard electrical equipment as complying with the safety objectives of the Directive if the electrical equipment is in accordance with the safety standards in force in the Member State of manufacture.

Placing on the market

Before placing electrical equipment on the market:

  • the manufacturer or his authorised representative established in the European Union must affix the “CE” marking to each product and draw up a written “EC” declaration of conformity;
  • the manufacturer must establish the technical documentation.

The “EC” declaration of conformity must contain:

  • the name and address of the manufacturer or his authorised representative established in the European Union;
  • a description of the electrical equipment;
  • a reference to the harmonised standards;
  • if required, references to the specifications with which conformity is declared;
  • identification of the signatory who has been empowered to enter into commitments on behalf of the manufacturer or his authorised representative established in the European Union;
  • the last two digits of the year in which the “CE” marking was affixed.

Safeguard

If, for safety reasons, a Member State prohibits the placing on the market of any electrical equipment or impedes its free movement, it shall inform the Commission and the other Member States concerned.

The Directive codifies and repeals Directive 73/23/EEC.

Reference

Act Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal
Directive 2006/95/EC

16.1.2007

–

OJ L374 of 27.12.2006

Appliances burning gaseous fuels

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Appliances burning gaseous fuels

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Appliances burning gaseous fuels

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Internal market > Single Market for Goods > Construction

Appliances burning gaseous fuels

Document or Iniciative

Directive 2009/142/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 relating to appliances burning gaseous fuels (Text with EEA relevance).

Summary

This Directive defines the rules applying to the following gas appliances and fittings:

  • appliances burning gaseous fuels used for cooking, heating, hot water production, refrigeration, lighting or washing and having a normal water temperature not exceeding 105 °C;
  • safety equipment, such as in particular safety devices, controlling devices and regulating devices.

These appliances must be designed and built in such a way as to operate safely and present no danger to persons, domestic animals or property.

When placed on the market, all appliances must be accompanied by:

  • technical instructions for the installer, giving details of the type of gas and supply pressure used, the flow of fresh air required, as well as the conditions for the dispersal of combustion products;
  • instructions for use and servicing intended for the user which give the information required for safe installation;
  • warnings indicating the type of gas, the supply pressure and any restrictions on use.

Manufacturers must guarantee the safety of the properties of materials.

The manufacturer must lodge an application for type-examination with the notified body * including:

  • the manufacturer’s name and address;
  • a written declaration;
  • design documentation.

Where the application satisfies the criteria laid down by this Directive, the notified body must issue an EC type-examination certificate to the applicant.

EC surveillance ensures that the manufacturer duly fulfils the obligations arising out of the approved quality system.

The manufacturer may also make an EC declaration of conformity to type *.

The gas appliance or installation must include the following inscriptions:

  • the manufacturer’s name or identification symbol;
  • the trade name of the appliance;
  • the type of electrical supply used;
  • the appliance category;
  • the last two digits of the year in which the “CE” marking was affixed.

This Directive repeals Directive 90/396/EC.

Key terms of the Act
  • Notified body: provides conformity assessment services under the conditions laid down by directives. This is a service to manufacturers in the public interest;
  • EC declaration of conformity to type: product quality assurance, a notified body assesses and checks the manufacturer’s quality systems.

Reference

Act Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal

Directive 2009/142/EC

5.1.2010

–

OJ L 330 of 16.12.2009

This summary is for information only. It is not designed to interpret or replace the reference document, which remains the only binding legal text.

Construction products

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Construction products

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Construction products

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Internal market > Single Market for Goods > Construction

Construction products

Document or Iniciative

Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2011 laying down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products and repealing Council Directive 89/106/EEC (Text with EEA relevance).

Summary

This Regulation sets out the conditions for the marketing of construction products *. It also defines criteria for assessing the performance * of such products, and the conditions of use for CE marking.

Declaration of performance and CE marking

Where a manufacturer decides to place a construction product on the market and that product is covered by a harmonised standard, it must complete a declaration of performance which contains, in particular, the following information:

  • the product reference;
  • the systems of assessment and verification of constancy of performance of the product;
  • the intended use or uses for the product;
  • declared performance.

Once the declaration of performance has been drawn up, the manufacturer must affix CE marking to the product.

Member States are to designate Product Contact Points for Construction pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 764/2008. These Contact Points have the task of providing information on the requirements for construction products and avoiding conflicts of interest.

Obligations of economic operators

Certain obligations are imposed upon economic operators:

  • Obligations of manufacturers: they must provide the declaration of performance and technical documentation, and affix CE marking to the product. They must also ensure that their construction products bear a type number to facilitate identification. Furthermore, manufacturers must withdraw their products from the market if they consider that they are not in conformity with the declaration of performance, or change the declaration.
  • Obligations of importers: they must check that technical documentation accompanies the product and that it bears CE marking. They must indicate their name, registered trade name or registered trade mark, and their contact address. They must ensure that the product is accompanied by instructions and safety information and that transport has not jeopardised performance.
  • Obligations of distributors: they must ensure that the product bears CE marking and that it is accompanied by the documents described above. If they consider that the product is not compliant, they must not place it on the market. They must ensure that the product is stored in optimal conditions so as not to jeopardise performance.

Harmonised technical specifications

Harmonised technical specifications include harmonised standards. These shall be drawn up by European standardisation bodies pursuant to Directive 98/34/EC. Harmonised standards serve the purpose of defining methods and assessment criteria for construction product performance. They refer to an intended use for the products covered by the standard and include the technical details necessary for the implementation of the system of assessment and verification of the constancy of performance. References to harmonised standards are published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

If a product is not covered by a harmonised standard, manufacturers may request European Technical Assessments in order to obtain European Assessment Documents issued by Technical Assessment Bodies (TABs).

Technical Assessment Bodies (TABs)

Member States shall designate one or more TABs on their territory, for one or more product areas. The list of TABs shall be communicated to the European Commission which will then publish it.

TABs shall carry out the European Technical Assessment in the product area for which they have been designated.

Notifying authorities and notified bodies

Notified bodies perform tasks in the process of assessment and verification of constancy of performance of construction products, acting as a third party. They are independent bodies with legal personality.

Notifying authorities are put in place by Member States. They are responsible for setting up and carrying out the necessary procedures for the assessment and notification of notified bodies.

Market surveillance

Market surveillance authorities, pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 765/2008, must assess the product to determine whether it should be withdrawn from the market.

This Regulation repeals Directive 89/106/EEC.

Key terms of the Act
  • Construction product: any product or kit which is produced and placed on the market for incorporation in a permanent manner in construction works or parts thereof and the performance of which has an effect on the performance of the construction works with respect to the basic requirements for construction works.
  • Performance of a construction product: the performance related to the relevant essential characteristics, expressed by level or class, or in a description.
  • Construction works: buildings and civil engineering works.

Reference

Act Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal

Regulation (EU) No 305/2011

24.4.2011

–

OJ L 88, 4.4.2011

Exposure to asbestos

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Exposure to asbestos

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Exposure to asbestos

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Employment and social policy > Health hygiene and safety at work

Exposure to asbestos

Asbestos is a dangerous product which can cause serious diseases. The exposure of workers to this product is monitored and harmonised at European level. The different degrees of exposure are adjusted in line with the development of scientific knowledge on the subject.

Document or Iniciative

Council Directive 83/477/EEC of 19 September 1983 on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work (second individual Directive within the meaning of Article 8 of Directive 80/1107/EEC) [See amending acts].

Summary

Directive 83/477/EEC and Directive 91/382/EEC

The Directives do not apply to sea or air transport.

“Asbestos” is taken to mean six fibrous silicates (actinolite, asbestos gruenerite, anthophyllite, chrysotile, crocidolite, and tremolite). The limit values pertaining to in-air concentrations are:

  • for chrysotile: 0.60 fibres per cm3 calculated or measured for an eight-hour reference period;
  • for all other forms of asbestos: 0.30 fibres per cm3 calculated or measured for an eight-hour reference period.

Any activity likely to entail risk of exposure to dust arising from asbestos or materials containing asbestos must be assessed in such a way as to determine the degree and nature of the workers’ exposure.

These activities are to be notified by the employer to the responsible authority of the Member State. The notification must include at least a description of the types and quantities of asbestos used, the activities and processes involved, and the products manufactured. Workers or their representatives are entitled to see the documents concerned.

The application of asbestos by means of the spraying process and working procedures that involve the use of low-density (less than 1g/cm3) insulating or soundproofing materials are prohibited.

Exposure to asbestos is reduced by limiting its use as far as possible, keeping to a minimum the number of persons exposed, and taking adequate measures to maintain buildings and ensure that materials are properly stored, transported and labelled.

In order to ensure compliance with the limit values, asbestos-in-air concentrations are to be measured regularly.

If these values are exceeded, the reasons must be identified and appropriate measures to remedy the situation must be taken before work is resumed.

The places in which activities giving rise to exposure risks are carried out must be clearly marked and indicated by warning signs. They are to be out of bounds to smokers and workers other than those who, by reason of work or duties, are required to enter such areas. Areas are to be set aside where workers can eat and drink without risking being contaminated by asbestos dust. Workers are to be provided with appropriate working or protective clothing.

Workers and/or their representatives must receive adequate information on health risks; the existence of limit values; the need for monitoring of the atmosphere; hygiene requirements and specific precautions to be taken.

Each worker’s state of health must be assessed, including a specific chest examination, prior to exposure to dust arising from asbestos or materials containing asbestos and subsequently at least once every three years for the duration of the exposure. The employer is required to keep a register indicating the nature and duration of the activity and the exposure to which the worker is subjected; both the worker concerned and doctors must have access to the information in the register.

A plan of work setting out the necessary health and safety measures is to be drawn up before the commencement of any demolition work or work involving removal of asbestos.

Member States must keep a register of cases of asbestosis and mesothelioma.

The employer will not be required to notify the authority, take atmospheric measurements, put up warning signs, carry out health assessment or inform workers if the assessment of the exposure risks shows that the asbestos-in-air concentration is as follows:

  • for chrysotile, lower than 0.20 fibres per cm3 for an eight-hour reference period or lower than a cumulative dose of 12.00 fibres over a three-month period,
  • for all other forms of asbestos, lower than 0.10 fibres per cm3 for an eight-hour reference period or lower than a cumulative dose of 6.00 fibres over a three-month period.

Directive 98/24/EC

Adapts the provisions of the above-mentioned Directives to Council Directive 89/391/EEC of 12 June 1989 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers in the workplace. This Directive now applies to the exposure of workers to chemical agents

Directive 2003/18/EC

  • reduces the limit value for occupational exposure of workers to asbestos. It repeals the two limit values established by Directive 83/477, setting a single maximum limit value for airborne concentration of asbestos of 0.1 fibres per cm3 as an eight-hour time-weighted average (TWA);
  • abolishes the derogations applicable to the sea and air transport sectors;
  • prohibits activities exposing workers to asbestos fibres, with the exception of the treatment and disposal of products resulting from demolition and asbestos removal;
  • updates the practical recommendations on the clinical surveillance of exposed workers in the light of the latest medical expertise, with a view to the early detection of pathologies linked to asbestos.

References

Act Date of entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal
Directive 83/477/EEC

22.9.1983

1.1.1987

1.1.1990 in the case of asbestos-mining activities

OJ L 263 of 24.9.1983
Amending act(s) Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal
Directive 91/382/EEC

4.7.1991

1.1.1993

1.1.1996 in the case of asbestos-mining activities

1.1.1999 for Greece

OJ L 206 of 29.7.1991
Directive 98/24/EC

25.5.1998

5.5.2001

OJ L 131 of 5.5.1998
Directive 2003/18/EC

15.4.2003

14.4.2006

OJ L 97 of 15.4.2003
Directive 2007/30/EC

28.6.2007

31.12.2007

OJ L 165 of 27.6.2007

Related Acts

Directive 2009/148/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work (Text with EEA relevance).

Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2007 amending Council Directive 89/391/EEC, its individual Directives and Council Directives 83/477/EEC, 91/383/EEC, 92/29/EEC and 94/33/EC with a view to simplifying and rationalising the reports on practical implementation (Text with EEA relevance)
Member States must present a report every five years on the application of the Directive. The first report must cover the period from 2007 to 2012.

Directive 2004/37/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work (Sixth individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16(1) of Council Directive 89/391/EEC) [OJ L 158 of 30.04.2004; corrigendum OJ L 229 of 29.06.2004].
This Directive applies to asbestos. It includes provisions which are more favourable to health and safety in the workplace than those set out in Directive 83/477/EEC.

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures, amending and repealing Directives 67/548/EEC and 1999/45/EC and amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (Text with EEA relevance).

 

Another Normative about Exposure to asbestos

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic

Internal market > Single Market for Goods > Construction

Exposure to asbestos

Asbestos is a dangerous product which can cause serious diseases. The exposure of workers to this product is monitored and harmonised at European level. The different degrees of exposure are adjusted in line with the development of scientific knowledge on the subject.

Document or Iniciative

Council Directive 83/477/EEC of 19 September 1983 on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work (second individual Directive within the meaning of Article 8 of Directive 80/1107/EEC) [See amending acts].

Summary

Directive 83/477/EEC and Directive 91/382/EEC

The Directives do not apply to sea or air transport.

“Asbestos” is taken to mean six fibrous silicates (actinolite, asbestos gruenerite, anthophyllite, chrysotile, crocidolite, and tremolite). The limit values pertaining to in-air concentrations are:

  • for chrysotile: 0.60 fibres per cm3 calculated or measured for an eight-hour reference period;
  • for all other forms of asbestos: 0.30 fibres per cm3 calculated or measured for an eight-hour reference period.

Any activity likely to entail risk of exposure to dust arising from asbestos or materials containing asbestos must be assessed in such a way as to determine the degree and nature of the workers’ exposure.

These activities are to be notified by the employer to the responsible authority of the Member State. The notification must include at least a description of the types and quantities of asbestos used, the activities and processes involved, and the products manufactured. Workers or their representatives are entitled to see the documents concerned.

The application of asbestos by means of the spraying process and working procedures that involve the use of low-density (less than 1g/cm3) insulating or soundproofing materials are prohibited.

Exposure to asbestos is reduced by limiting its use as far as possible, keeping to a minimum the number of persons exposed, and taking adequate measures to maintain buildings and ensure that materials are properly stored, transported and labelled.

In order to ensure compliance with the limit values, asbestos-in-air concentrations are to be measured regularly.

If these values are exceeded, the reasons must be identified and appropriate measures to remedy the situation must be taken before work is resumed.

The places in which activities giving rise to exposure risks are carried out must be clearly marked and indicated by warning signs. They are to be out of bounds to smokers and workers other than those who, by reason of work or duties, are required to enter such areas. Areas are to be set aside where workers can eat and drink without risking being contaminated by asbestos dust. Workers are to be provided with appropriate working or protective clothing.

Workers and/or their representatives must receive adequate information on health risks; the existence of limit values; the need for monitoring of the atmosphere; hygiene requirements and specific precautions to be taken.

Each worker’s state of health must be assessed, including a specific chest examination, prior to exposure to dust arising from asbestos or materials containing asbestos and subsequently at least once every three years for the duration of the exposure. The employer is required to keep a register indicating the nature and duration of the activity and the exposure to which the worker is subjected; both the worker concerned and doctors must have access to the information in the register.

A plan of work setting out the necessary health and safety measures is to be drawn up before the commencement of any demolition work or work involving removal of asbestos.

Member States must keep a register of cases of asbestosis and mesothelioma.

The employer will not be required to notify the authority, take atmospheric measurements, put up warning signs, carry out health assessment or inform workers if the assessment of the exposure risks shows that the asbestos-in-air concentration is as follows:

  • for chrysotile, lower than 0.20 fibres per cm3 for an eight-hour reference period or lower than a cumulative dose of 12.00 fibres over a three-month period,
  • for all other forms of asbestos, lower than 0.10 fibres per cm3 for an eight-hour reference period or lower than a cumulative dose of 6.00 fibres over a three-month period.

Directive 98/24/EC

Adapts the provisions of the above-mentioned Directives to Council Directive 89/391/EEC of 12 June 1989 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers in the workplace. This Directive now applies to the exposure of workers to chemical agents

Directive 2003/18/EC

  • reduces the limit value for occupational exposure of workers to asbestos. It repeals the two limit values established by Directive 83/477, setting a single maximum limit value for airborne concentration of asbestos of 0.1 fibres per cm3 as an eight-hour time-weighted average (TWA);
  • abolishes the derogations applicable to the sea and air transport sectors;
  • prohibits activities exposing workers to asbestos fibres, with the exception of the treatment and disposal of products resulting from demolition and asbestos removal;
  • updates the practical recommendations on the clinical surveillance of exposed workers in the light of the latest medical expertise, with a view to the early detection of pathologies linked to asbestos.

References

Act Date of entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal
Directive 83/477/EEC

22.9.1983

1.1.1987

1.1.1990 in the case of asbestos-mining activities

OJ L 263 of 24.9.1983

Amending act(s) 		Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal
Directive 91/382/EEC

4.7.1991

1.1.1993

1.1.1996 in the case of asbestos-mining activities

1.1.1999 for Greece

OJ L 206 of 29.7.1991
Directive 98/24/EC

25.5.1998

5.5.2001

OJ L 131 of 5.5.1998
Directive 2003/18/EC

15.4.2003

14.4.2006

OJ L 97 of 15.4.2003
Directive 2007/30/EC

28.6.2007

31.12.2007

OJ L 165 of 27.6.2007

Related Acts

Directive 2009/148/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work (Text with EEA relevance).

Directive

2007/30/EC

of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2007 amending Council Directive 89/391/EEC, its individual Directives and Council Directives 83/477/EEC, 91/383/EEC, 92/29/EEC and 94/33/EC with a view to simplifying and rationalising the reports on practical implementation (Text with EEA relevance)
Member States must present a report every five years on the application of the Directive. The first report must cover the period from 2007 to 2012.

Directive 2004/37/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work (Sixth individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16(1) of Council Directive 89/391/EEC) [OJ L 158 of 30.04.2004; corrigendum OJ L 229 of 29.06.2004].
This Directive applies to asbestos. It includes provisions which are more favourable to health and safety in the workplace than those set out in Directive 83/477/EEC.


Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures, amending and repealing Directives 67/548/EEC and 1999/45/EC and amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (Text with EEA relevance).

 

Ecodesign requirements for fluorescent lamps, for high intensity discharge lamps, and for their ballasts

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Ecodesign requirements for fluorescent lamps, for high intensity discharge lamps, and for their ballasts

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Ecodesign requirements for fluorescent lamps, for high intensity discharge lamps, and for their ballasts

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Energy > Energy efficiency

Ecodesign requirements for fluorescent lamps, for high intensity discharge lamps, and for their ballasts

2 emissions. Moreover, the inappropriate outdoor use of these lamps increases both light pollution and the energy consumption of lighting. This Regulation therefore sets ecodesign requirements for these products with a view to reducing their environmental impact.

Document or Iniciative

Commission Regulation (EC) No 245/2009 of 18 March 2009 implementing Directive 2005/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to ecodesign requirements for fluorescent lamps without integrated ballast, for high intensity discharge lamps, and for ballasts and luminaires able to operate such lamps, and repealing Directive 2000/55/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (Text with EEA relevance).

Summary

This Regulation lays down the ecodesign rules applicable to certain types of lamps to be used for general lighting, specifically:

  • fluorescent lamps without integrated ballast *;
  • high intensity discharge lamps *;
  • ballasts * and luminaires * able to operate such lamps.

Ecodesign requirements

This Regulation defines ecodesign requirements in three progressive stages (2009, 2012 and 2017), each representing a gradual increase in the targets and/or extending the scope of the requirements to new sub-categories of products. These requirements concern:

  • lamps: they must meet efficacy, performance and information requirements. The different types of lamps must reach a certain luminous efficacy in each wattage category, and meet lamp life and lamp lumen maintenance requirements. Furthermore, manufacturers of lamps are required to provide information concerning, in particular, the wattage, lamp lumen, efficacy, maintenance factor, mercury content, colour rendering index and colour temperature of the lamps.
  • ballasts: they must meet energy performance and information requirements. When the lamps are switched on, the ballasts must comply with minimum efficacy thresholds. In addition, the power consumption of fluorescent lamp ballasts shall not exceed 1.0 W when the connected lamps are switched off. Manufacturers of ballasts are required to provide information on the energy efficiency index of products.
  • luminaires: they must meet energy performance and information requirements. When the lamps are switched on, the power consumption of the luminaires for fluorescent lamps shall not exceed that of the incorporated ballasts. Manufacturers of luminaires are required to provide information on the efficiency of all ballasts and lamps sold with a luminaire, as well as maintenance and disassembly instructions.

Conformity assessment

Manufacturers or their representatives are required to carry out a conformity assessment before placing an energy-using product on the market.

Verification procedures for market surveillance purposes

Member State authorities shall apply market surveillance procedures regarding:

  • lamps: tests are carried out on a sample batch of a minimum of twenty lamps of the same model from the same manufacturer. The average results must not vary from the limit, threshold or declared values by more than 10 %.
  • ballasts and luminaires: tests are carried on one single unit. The results obtained must not exceed the limit values. Otherwise, three more units shall be tested.

Indicative benchmarks

This Regulation establishes indicative benchmarks applicable to the performance of products covered by this Regulation, and to installations using these same products. These benchmarks are established particularly with a view to limiting the light pollution caused by public lighting installations.

This Regulation repeals Directive 2000/55/EC.

Key terms of the Act
  • Fluorescent lamps without integrated ballast: a discharge lamp of the low pressure mercury type in which most of the light is emitted by one or several layers of phosphors excited by the ultraviolet radiation from the discharge, single and double capped without integrated ballast.
  • High intensity discharge lamps: a lamp in which the light is produced, directly or indirectly, by an electric discharge through a gas, a metal vapour or a mixture of several gases and vapours, and in which the light producing arc is stabilised by wall temperature and the arc has a bulb wall loading in excess of 3 watts per square centimetre.
  • Ballast: a device which serves mainly to limit the current of the lamp(s) to the required value.
  • Luminaire: an apparatus which distributes, filters or transforms the light transmitted from one or more light sources and which includes all the parts necessary for supporting, fixing and protecting the light sources and, where necessary, circuit auxiliaries together with the means for connecting them to the supply, but not the light sources themselves.

Reference

Act Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal

Regulation (EC) No 245/2009

13.4.2009

–

OJ L 76, 24.3.2009

The successive amendments and corrections to Regulation (EC) No 245/2009 have been incorporated into the basic text. This consolidated versionis for reference only.

Another Normative about Ecodesign requirements for fluorescent lamps, for high intensity discharge lamps, and for their ballasts

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic

Internal market > Single Market for Goods > Construction

Ecodesign requirements for fluorescent lamps, for high intensity discharge lamps, and for their ballasts

2 emissions. Moreover, the inappropriate outdoor use of these lamps increases both light pollution and the energy consumption of lighting. This Regulation therefore sets ecodesign requirements for these products with a view to reducing their environmental impact.

Document or Iniciative

Commission Regulation (EC) No 245/2009 of 18 March 2009 implementing Directive 2005/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to ecodesign requirements for fluorescent lamps without integrated ballast, for high intensity discharge lamps, and for ballasts and luminaires able to operate such lamps, and repealing Directive 2000/55/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (Text with EEA relevance).

Summary

This Regulation lays down the ecodesign rules applicable to certain types of lamps to be used for general lighting, specifically:

  • fluorescent lamps without integrated ballast *;
  • high intensity discharge lamps *;
  • ballasts * and luminaires * able to operate such lamps.

Ecodesign requirements

This Regulation defines ecodesign requirements in three progressive stages (2009, 2012 and 2017), each representing a gradual increase in the targets and/or extending the scope of the requirements to new sub-categories of products. These requirements concern:

  • lamps: they must meet efficacy, performance and information requirements. The different types of lamps must reach a certain luminous efficacy in each wattage category, and meet lamp life and lamp lumen maintenance requirements. Furthermore, manufacturers of lamps are required to provide information concerning, in particular, the wattage, lamp lumen, efficacy, maintenance factor, mercury content, colour rendering index and colour temperature of the lamps.
  • ballasts: they must meet energy performance and information requirements. When the lamps are switched on, the ballasts must comply with minimum efficacy thresholds. In addition, the power consumption of fluorescent lamp ballasts shall not exceed 1.0 W when the connected lamps are switched off. Manufacturers of ballasts are required to provide information on the energy efficiency index of products.
  • luminaires: they must meet energy performance and information requirements. When the lamps are switched on, the power consumption of the luminaires for fluorescent lamps shall not exceed that of the incorporated ballasts. Manufacturers of luminaires are required to provide information on the efficiency of all ballasts and lamps sold with a luminaire, as well as maintenance and disassembly instructions.

Conformity assessment

Manufacturers or their representatives are required to carry out a conformity assessment before placing an energy-using product on the market.

Verification procedures for market surveillance purposes

Member State authorities shall apply market surveillance procedures regarding:

  • lamps: tests are carried out on a sample batch of a minimum of twenty lamps of the same model from the same manufacturer. The average results must not vary from the limit, threshold or declared values by more than 10 %.
  • ballasts and luminaires: tests are carried on one single unit. The results obtained must not exceed the limit values. Otherwise, three more units shall be tested.

Indicative benchmarks

This Regulation establishes indicative benchmarks applicable to the performance of products covered by this Regulation, and to installations using these same products. These benchmarks are established particularly with a view to limiting the light pollution caused by public lighting installations.

This Regulation repeals Directive 2000/55/EC.

Key terms of the Act
  • Fluorescent lamps without integrated ballast: a discharge lamp of the low pressure mercury type in which most of the light is emitted by one or several layers of phosphors excited by the ultraviolet radiation from the discharge, single and double capped without integrated ballast.
  • High intensity discharge lamps: a lamp in which the light is produced, directly or indirectly, by an electric discharge through a gas, a metal vapour or a mixture of several gases and vapours, and in which the light producing arc is stabilised by wall temperature and the arc has a bulb wall loading in excess of 3 watts per square centimetre.
  • Ballast: a device which serves mainly to limit the current of the lamp(s) to the required value.
  • Luminaire: an apparatus which distributes, filters or transforms the light transmitted from one or more light sources and which includes all the parts necessary for supporting, fixing and protecting the light sources and, where necessary, circuit auxiliaries together with the means for connecting them to the supply, but not the light sources themselves.

Reference

Act Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal

Regulation (EC) No 245/2009

13.4.2009

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OJ L 76, 24.3.2009

The successive amendments and corrections to Regulation (EC) No 245/2009 have been incorporated into the basic text. This consolidated version is for reference only.

Construction

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Construction

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Construction

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Internal market > Single Market for Goods > Construction

Construction

Construction is one of the most important productive sectors in the European Union and one of the main driving forces of economic development. This sector, which covers both buildings and civil engineering works (such as roads, bridges, railways, etc.), is at the top of the list of industrial sectors in terms of employment, creating jobs both directly and indirectly.
The European Union has embarked on the harmonisation of European standards concerning construction products, on the one hand, and placed the emphasis on the environmental aspects linked to the sector, on the other.

Construction products

  • Construction products

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

  • Energy performance of buildings

THE IMPACT OF CONSTRUCTION MACHINES

  • Noise emission by equipment used outdoors
  • Fire safety in existing hotels

BUILDING EQUIPMENT

  • Lifts
  • Hot-water boilers
  • Appliances burning gaseous fuels
  • Ecodesign requirements for fluorescent lamps, for high intensity discharge lamps, and for their ballasts
  • Electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits

THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF WORKERS

  • Protection of workers exposed to asbestos
  • Exposure to asbestos
  • Temporary and mobile work sites
  • Exposure to mechanical vibration
  • Exposure to noise
  • Exposure to electromagnetic fields
  • Exposure to artificial optical radiation

Lifts

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Lifts

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Lifts

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Internal market > Single Market for Goods > Construction

Lifts

Instrument

European Parliament and Council Directive 95/16/EC of 29 June 1995 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to lifts [See amending acts].

Summary

This Directive applies to lifts * permanently serving buildings and constructions and the safety components used in such lifts.

Essential requirements

The Directive defines the essential requirements which must be met by lifts and their safety components in manufacture and prior to being placed on the market.

All lifts or safety components manufactured in conformity with the harmonised standards are presumed to conform to the essential health and safety requirements.

Harmonised standards

Harmonised European standards are drawn up by the European standardisation bodies on the basis of the essential requirements. The details of these non-binding standards are published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

All safety components manufactured in conformity with the harmonised standards are presumed to be such that the lifts in which they are installed satisfy the essential requirements concerned.

Conformity assessment and the CE conformity mark

Conformity assessment of lifts and safety components is carried out by:

  • either the bodies designated by Member States in accordance with minimum assessment criteria and notified to the Commission and other Member States;
  • or the manufacturers themselves.

Before being placed on the market, lifts and safety components must have the CE conformity mark affixed which:

  • attests to conformity with this Directive;
  • consists of a uniform graphic symbol, the CE mark;
  • is affixed by the manufacturers or their authorised representative established in the Community.

Where a notified body is involved in the production inspection phase, its identification number is incorporated in the CE mark.

Where lifts or safety components are subject to other Directives providing for the affixing of the CE mark, the latter indicates that they also conform to the provisions of those Directives.

The “Machinery“ Directive

The Directive 2006/42/EC aims to ensure the free movement of machines and their accessories whilst laying down essential requirements regarding the health and safety of consumers. In this context, it amends the present Directive given that the application of the Directive on machinery designed for lifting persons calls for a clearer distinction between the products covered by the two directives.

Key terms used in the act
  • ‘lift’ shall mean an appliance serving specific levels, having a car moving along guides which are rigid and inclined at an angle of more than 15 degrees to the horizontal and intended for the transport of:
    1. persons;
    2. persons and goods;
    3. goods alone if the car is accessible, that is to say, a person may enter it without difficulty, and fitted with controls situated inside the car or within reach of a person inside.

References

Act Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal
Directive 95/16/EC 27.9.1995 1.7.1997 OJ L 213 of 7.9.1995
Amending act(s) Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal
Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 20.11.2003 – OJ L 284 of 31.10.2003
Directive 2006/42/EC 29.6.2006 29.6.2008 OJ L 157 of 9.6.2006

Successive amendments and corrections to Directive 95/16/EC have been incorporated in the basic text. This consolidated version  is for reference purpose only.

Related Acts

Commission communication in the framework of the implementation of the Directive 2006/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2006 on machinery, and amending Directive 95/16/EC Text with EEA relevance (Publication of titles and references of harmonised standards under the directive) [Official Journal C 110 of 8.4.2011].
This communication publishes the lists of titles and references of European standards meeting the essential requirements set out in the Directive. It replaces all the previous lists published in the Official Journal.

Notified bodies

The NANDO database helps the user find the European notified bodies as well as third country bodies which are responsible for carrying out the conformity assessment procedures referred to in the New Approach directives.

Fire safety in existing hotels

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Fire safety in existing hotels

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Fire safety in existing hotels

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Internal market > Single Market for Goods > Construction

Fire safety in existing hotels

Document or Iniciative

Council Recommendation 86/666/EEC of 22 December 1986 on fire safety in existing hotels.

Summary

Member States are recommended to take action to ensure that hotels are subject to provisions based on the principles set out in the Recommendation, in particular:

  • safe escape routes should be available, unobstructed and clearly marked;
  • buildings should be stable at least as long as necessary to allow safe evacuation of occupants;
  • warning systems should be installed and in full working order;
  • staff should be given suitable instructions and training.

The annex to the Recommendation contains technical guidelines in particular for the construction of hotel buildings.

Member States are recommended to inspect hotels periodically.

Member States must inform the Commission of the national regulations which they intend to introduce in the next five years to ensure that hotels meet the requirements of the Recommendation.

Act Entry into force Deadline for implementation in the Member States Official Journal

Recommendation 86/666/EEC

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OJ L 384 of 31.12.1986

Related Acts

Report from the Commission on application of the Council Recommendation of 22 December 1986 on fire safety in existing hotels (86/666/EEC) [COM(2001) 348 final – Not published in the Official Journal]
On 27 June 2001 the Commission presented a report on the application of the Council Recommendation of 22 December 1986 on fire safety in existing hotels. The Commission points out that the impact of this Recommendation in the different Member States depends on the level of protection already in place and on how national law has been transposed. The national laws already include or even go beyond the Recommendation’s technical guidelines or minimum requirements. In certain Member States the Recommendation has only been partially implemented, being applied only to the construction of new hotels or work in existing establishments.

Council Resolution of 4.5.1997 on fire safety in hotels [Official Journal C 205 of 25.7.1994].