Construction laboratory of temporary building structures

Certification principles

Scaffolding structures, which are referred to in a broader sense as temporary building structures (TBS), are not classed as construction components since they do not form a permanent part of a structure.

Scaffolding structures are considered to be so-called specified products according to Government Decree No. 173/1997 Coll. While the number of products to which this regulation applies is gradually being reduced, scaffolding structures remain subject to the regulation. It also remains the case that compliance with basic product requirements is considered to comprise compliance with the corresponding provisions of the relevant Czech technical standards. In cases in which a manufacturer/importer plans to introduce a product to the market, the properties of which are not in compliance with the provisions of the respective Czech technical standards, compliance with basic requirements is considered to be such that the safety of the product is at least at the same level as the level of protection set out in the respective Czech technical standards.

The above-mentioned Government Regulation divides specified products into two groups in terms of the conformity assessment procedure, as set out in the annexes to the Regulation. Annex 1 lists those products for which no obligation is set to use an authorised person (third party) for conformity assessment purposes. These products include all types of scaffolding and scaffolding components. Annex 2 lists those products for which conformity assessment must be ensured by a third, independent party, referred to in the legislation as an authorised person. According to the original wording of the Government Regulation, this previously included scaffolding intended for use in underground spaces. This requirement was subsequently removed from the annex and the respective requirements are now under the jurisdiction of the Czech Mining Authority.

The conformity assessment procedure for those products listed in the first group, including scaffolding, is not overly complicated. The manufacturer or importer is required:

  1. to obtain the relevant technical documentation;
  2. to conduct an assessment of the degree of conformity of the properties of the product with the product safety requirements prior to supplying the product to the market and, on the basis of the relevant technical documentation and the testing of a sample of the product by the manufacturer/importer or a third party, to assess whether the properties of the product comply with the basic product requirements;
  3. to adopt measures to ensure that all the products the manufacturer/importer supplies to the market fully comply with the technical documentation.

As mentioned above, the manufacturer/importer can conduct the required tests themselves or engage a third party for testing purposes. In the case of scaffolding, the latter option is the more suitable solution. The compliance of the parameters of the scaffolding with the requirements set out in the standards is then ensured by a qualified professional in adherence with the approved documentation procedure.

Testing is conducted in the RILSA construction laboratory. The result of the testing procedure comprises the test report, which covers all the measured and otherwise determined information on the tested product. A final report is subsequently compiled in which the technical information obtained is compared with the requirements of the applicable standards and regulations. Provided that the product meets the set requirements, RILSA then issues a certificate of conformity.

Regardless of whether the manufacturer/importer assesses conformity or employs the services of a third party, the manufacturer/importer is obliged to issue a declaration of conformity prior to supplying the product to the market. This procedure thus documents their responsibility for the product and its safe use, provided that the relevant conditions of use, including those set out in the assembly and use instructions, are complied with.

Since, to date, no European directive has been introduced that sets out the basic requirements for scaffolding structures, no common European procedure is in place for their assessment. Therefore, it is not possible to attach a CE marking to domestic or imported scaffolding. The application of European standards is obligatory in all EU countries. In addition, national regulations (Government Regulation No. 173/1997 Coll. in the Czech Republic) and national standards apply.

Certification procedure

The RILSA Testing and Certification Department conducts tests on temporary building structures, performs assessments of such structures and issues certification that confirms compliance with the requirements of the applicable standards, which concern primarily the following:

  • façade scaffolding;
  • mobile and free-standing scaffolding;
  • support scaffolding;
  • support uprights, beams and towers;
  • scaffolding couplers;
  • scaffolding floor panels;
  • scaffolding trestles;
  • additional scaffolding components;
  • ladders.

A brief description of the testing and certification procedure applicable to temporary building structures is provided below. It is recommended that customers contact the respective specialists (see contacts) to arrange initial consultations on the requirements for the performance of assessments and the prescribed tests, as well as other issues that the customer considers important.

Temporary building structures testing and certification procedure

  1. The customer is required to submit a Request for certification. The second page of the request lists the obligations created by the certification for the user of the certificate. The customer is also required to provide the technical documentation on the product. If the customer simply requires the conducting of selected tests, they submit a Application for testing.
  2. RILSA prepares the draft certification contract, which includes requirements for supplementary documentation, the delivery of samples, testing specifications, deadlines and prices.
  3. The customer is invited to submit comments on, amend (if necessary) and sign the contract.
  4. The customer completes the documentation according to the requirements of the testing laboratory and delivers the samples in the agreed amount. The customer then remits payment in advance for the conducting of the tests. Certification further requires the verification of the customer’s production quality management system so as to prove that they are able to continuously maintain the quality of their products at the level verified by the certification. If the manufacturer has a certified quality management system according to the ČSN ISO 9000 series of standards, they must submit this certificate. Otherwise, the submitted documentation must include a completed Questionnaire – Declaration on the production and/or sale of a product in which the manufacturer/importer indicates the quality management and control methods they apply. The information is subsequently verified as part of the certification process at the premises of the manufacturer/importer.
  5. The temporary building structures laboratory performs the agreed tests and prepares the test report.
  6. RILSA reviews the documentation and evaluates the test results in the form of the final report.
  7. Following payment, RILSA provides the customer with the test and final reports. A certificate is issued to the customer provided that the product meets the requirements of the standards applicable to the relevant type of temporary building structure. The validity of the certificate is usually limited to a period of 3 years, unless the product or the requirements concerning the standards change.
  8. The manufacturer/importer draws up their declaration of conformity based on the technical documentation on the product, the test report, the final report and the certificate.