Actis architect and co-author of its RIBA-approved CPD modules, Thomas Wiedmer, has helped to create the latest in the National Home Improvement Council series of Doorstep Digests
The guide to Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) construction product regulations has been created to help NHIC members protect consumers from product-related harm.
Actis, which joined the NHIC as a member earlier this year, is keen to add its voice to the 50-year-old organisation’s campaign to create more energy and water efficient homes across the UK by driving innovation and raising standards across the home improvement industry.
As part of this mission, Thomas, Actis’ UK and Ireland technical director and a member of several NHIC working groups, has helped draft the guide to enable fellow members, consumers and tradespeople to identify potentially non-compliant products, clarify the role of manufacturers and the OPSS and thus improve building safety across the board.
Manufacturers and importers must ensure their products comply with UK safety regulations
Thomas explains: “The primary role of the OPSS, as the UK’s national product regulator, is to ensure that products, including construction products, are safe and reliable.
“Part of the Department for Business and Trade, the OPSS works alongside Trading Standards, businesses, and other regulators to enforce product regulations, ensure construction materials meet performance standards, provide guidance to businesses and consumers on compliance and investigate unsafe products.
“Certain construction materials, like cladding and insulation, must meet minimum fire safety standards under the Fire Safety Regulations. The OPSS works with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), part of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), to enforce these rules.
“Under the Consumer Protection Act, manufacturers can be held liable if an unsafe product causes injury, death, or property damage.
“The guide offers advice to construction industry professionals on what to do if they have safety concerns over a product. These include checking for compliance marks such as CE or UKCA, verifying product documentation and reporting it to the Trading Standards or to the OPSS if necessary,” he said.
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