Scaffold structures, referred to in somewhat broader terms as temporary building structures (DSK) and are not building products, because they are not a permanent part of the construction.
They are included among the specified products by Government Decree No. 173/1997 Coll. The original text of this Regulation has been amended several times. Text with incorporated changes is here. The scope of the products to which this Regulation applies is still narrowing, while scaffolding structures remain between them. It is also still true that compliance with the relevant provisions of the relevant Czech technical standards is considered as meeting the basic requirements for products. Where a manufacturer or importer intends to place on the market a product whose characteristics do not comply with the provisions of the Czech technical standards, it shall be deemed to meet the essential requirements to ensure the safety of these products at least at the same level as technical standards.
In terms of the conformity assessment procedure, the specified products are divided into two groups contained in the Annexes. Annex 1 lists products for which there is no obligation to use an authorized person (third party) for conformity assessment. These products include all types of scaffolding and scaffolding components. Annex 2 lists products for which conformity assessment must be ensured by a third, independent party, referred to in the law as an authorized person. These included, according to the original wording of the Government Order, scaffolding intended for underground use. Now it has been removed from this annex and the requirements for them are in the competence of the Czech Mining Authority.
The conformity assessment procedure for products in the first group, including scaffolding, is not very complicated. The manufacturer or importer must:
- make appropriate technical documentation,
- to assess, before placing the product on the market, the conformity of their characteristics with the product safety requirements and, on the basis of the relevant technical documentation and on the basis of the product sample tests carried out by them or to be commissioned,
- take such measures that all the products he places on the market comply with the technical documentation.
As mentioned above, the manufacturer or the manufacturer may, respectively. the importer perform the tests himself or have them performed. In the case of scaffolding, the second option is certainly a more appropriate solution. Conformity of the scaffolding parameters to the requirements of the standards is then carried out in a professional and properly documented procedure.
The tests are carried out in the building laboratory of OSRI. The result is a test report containing all measured and established facts about the tested product. On this basis, a final report is prepared, in which the values are compared with the requirements of the applicable standards and regulations. If the product meets these requirements, VÚBP, v. I. Will issue a certificate of this fact.
Irrespective of whether the conformity was assessed by the manufacturer or importer himself or by the use of third party services, the manufacturer or importer must issue a declaration of conformity before placing the product on the market. In this way, it documents its responsibility for the product and its safe use, provided that the applicable conditions of use, such as those contained in the installation and operating instructions, are observed.
As there is currently no European directive laying down the essential requirements for scaffolding structures, there is no common European procedure for their assessment. Therefore, it is also not possible to affix CE marking on our or abroad scaffolding. The applicable European standards should always be used in every EU country. In addition, national regulations (in the Czech Republic it is Government Decree No. 173/1997 Coll.) And national standards apply.