VOICES | HYWEL DAVIES to deal with SARS-CoV-2. And, as shown by recent revelations, there is also real concern over the accuracy and relevance of product test data for various fire-safety products. Not only that, but concern that manufacturers have been partial in their disclosure of test results to product-approvals bodies, with the suggestion that poor results have been withheld. Two initiatives are now under way to address these concerns. The first is the creation of a new safety regulator for construction products with the Office for Product Safety and Standards. This regulator will work alongside the new Building Safety Regulator and have the power to remove unsafe products from the market, and to set minimum levels of testing and evidence of safety and effectiveness to be met. The second is the Code for Construction Product Information, a new code of practice and conduct for testing, marketing and delivery of product data for all construction products. The Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety called for radical change in the regulation and marketing of construction products, and challenged industry to improve the communication of construction product information. The draft code has been developed by the Construction Products Association (CPA), but is designed for all who make products to be installed in buildings or civil engineering works. The code will require manufacturers to deliver specific information to support claims of compliance with, or achievement of, the requirements of any industry standard or certification scheme, and to provide verifiable information to support any claims about the product. It will also require that the information provided is consistent with the product that is actually supplied to the market. Under the code, producers of novel products will have to obtain robust evidence of the effectiveness of their product before making claims about it in marketing literature or in advertisements. The code also seeks to drive a change of culture within the construction products sector to focus on reliable and accurate product information. Given recent revelations, this will need to include a culture of openness and transparency with product testing, certification and regulatory bodies. The draft code, which is being managed by MRA Research for the CPA, is out for consultation until 31 March 2021. You can respond directly at www.buildingsafely.co.uk and CIBSE would also like to hear from readers with comments at technical@ cibse.org. We would particularly like to hear from those responsible for product information relating to building services products. SMART LIGHTING GUIDE WEBINAR 20 April 2021, 13:00 (BST) Register here: bit.ly/cibsewebinars Are you sizing comfortably? AVAILABLE NOW ON DEMAND Register here: bit.ly/cibsewebinars Brought to you by: Brought to you by: 16 March 2021 www.cibsejournal.com CIBSE March 21 pp14,16 Hywel v2.indd 16 19/02/2021 17:37