Quality is a vital issue to be addressed by all constuction professionals working in Europe today. This book provides clear, concise guidance to the making and use of codes, regulations and technical specifications in Europe.

This book provides information for professional practioners in the construction industry, their clients and suppliers. It is directed in particular at the changes taking place within the EC to bring about a Single Market. The text explains, with critical comment, what is happening as national standards like the British Standards are replaced by European Standards and British Agreement by European Technical Approvals, and describes how a common framework is being built through the specification of essential requirements and their Interpretative Documents. It enlarges on the consequent impact, directly and through the growing volume of community legislation, on professional practice and education during the 1990s, on the construction and construction materials industries, and on public authorities and other client undertakings of such Directives as the Public Procurement and Health and Safety Directives. The text describes the present arrangements for national standards making, and the issue of technical approvals and certification of construction products, their status within national legislation and likely changes as community legislation reinforces or replaces this legislation. It