I was recently asked by bsi to sit on their panel of experts for a seminar they ran on the introduction of the Gas Appliance Regulation. I think it was a case of them failing to find an expert so they rang me!
So, why is the Gas Appliance Regulation important and what has it go to do with Johnson & Starley?
Well, there is a piece of European legislation that currently exists called the Gas appliance Directive which covers the safety requirements for products across Europe. This is really important for consumers as it sets out the essential requirements that a product must meet if it is to be sold in the EU.
What has changed earlier this year is that the EU has now turned this Directive, which sets the direction for an EU member state (e.g. UK) to follow, to a Regulation where our legislation has to follow it word for word.
Some changes have been made to improve the directive by including appliance fittings in the scope. Manufacturers also have to carry out a risk assessment on their products over the intended use so as to minimise any safety concerns. When designing and constructing the appliance, and when drafting the instructions, the manufacturer shall envisage not only the intended use of the appliance, but also the reasonably foreseen use. For example using a cooker to heat a room.
The new Regulation comes into force on 21st April 2018 and will apply to any new product designs put onto the market after this date. It will not apply to existing designs that are already being sold.
Overall, the changes should help to reinforce the extremely high standards of product safety we have for gas appliances in the UK and the rest of Europe.
For more details contact:
Johnson & Starley Ltd
Rhosili Road
Brackmills
Northampton
NN4 7LZ
Tel:+44 (0) 1604 762881
Tel: +44 (0) 1604 767408
Website: www.johnsonandstarely.co.uk