Now that Directive 2000/14/EC on noise emission in the environment by equipment for use outdoors has been implemented in the UK, industry is turning its attention to satisfying the requirements by the deadline of 3 January 2002. The DTI has appointed six notified bodies to provide assessments for equipment that has to meet noise limits. Four of these (AVT, BSI, MIRA and Lloyds Register QA) cover construction equipment. Details of the notified bodies can be found on the DTI web site: www.dti.gov.uk/strd/neenb.htm.

The DTI has also appointed the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) to enforce the requirements on its behalf. The VCA is currently working on a strategy for the type and frequency of checks that it will pursue.

The CEA is seeking details of the VCA strategy and it is also seeking to clarify progress on the Commission Guide to the Directive that is now well behind its planned publication date. Finally, there are serious concerns about marketing equipment in Member States that have not transposed the Directive and about imports that do not comply. The CEA will meet the DTI to pursue these issues.

CEA members have access to Technical Fact Sheets via the "Members Only" area of www.coneq.org.uk / CEA Technical Information / Fact Sheets. Subjects covered are: Engine Emissions, the Machinery Directive, Noise of Outdoor Equipment, the Physical Agents (Vibration) Directive and Single Market Issues.

The debate continues on proposals for off-road Stage III engine emission levels to amend Directive 97/68/EC. There is wide recognition of the need to reduce emissions and, at the same time, to take account of the need for harmonisation between Europe and the USA. Test methods, timing of implementation and conformity assessment procedures, as well as emission levels, all need to be the same. There is also a need to agree a common fuel quality in Member States since this determines not only what engine emission levels are achievable, but also the choice of machine exhaust technology. Other factors such as noise legislation in Europe that has no equivalent in the USA are relevant. The CEA is considering a CECE draft position paper that advocates joint action by equipment and engine manufacturers and the fuel industry.

A meeting between the CEA and the HSE in July made further progress on satisfying HSE requirements for visibility tests at 1m distance from construction equipment. Criteria were discussed that will establish when visibility aids should be applied. ISO 5006 on visibility test methods will be revised accordingly. This standard is being considered in conjunction with another on visibility aids. It is expected that a draft of ISO 5006 will be circulated for public comment by next April.

The interim report of the consultant appointed by the Commission to analyse existing Road Regulations in Europe has been circulated. One result is that more information is needed about industry’s problems before opinions can be formed and a simpler questionnaire has been sent to manufacturers. If you are one of these manufacturers do reply quickly. The need for Road Regulations should be established now otherwise the long campaign by industry will have been in vain.

The Employment and Social Affairs Committee (ESAC) of the European Parliament (EP) is considering a draft report on the proposed Vibration Directive for which a Common Position was agreed by Member States last year. CEA members will be informed of the results of the EP’s discussions on the report during early November.

The report does not make good reading. ESAC has essentially ignored representations from industry and has gone back to the original proposal. This means that, among other things, the exposure limit value for whole-body vibration is reduced from 1.15 m/s2 to 0.7 m/s2 and the transition period is reduced to three years. The CEA has continued to lobby ESAC to explain why exposure to whole-body vibration cannot be linked to an actual limit value. However, if there has to be a limit value, it should not be less than 1.3 m/s2.

At this point, lobbying MEPs is the best way to influence the outcome and the CEA has asked CECE to request its members to do so. The HSE is lobbying strongly and has recommended that industry can still make an impact. Several CEA members have carried out lobbying campaigns and are continuing to do so. More members need to make the effort.

The Common Position on the other proposed Physical Agents Directive regarding noise in the workplace was agreed in June and is also being considered by the EP. Progress will follow behind the Vibration Directive. The CEA supports the HSE view that justification is needed for the reduced exposure levels proposed in this Directive. Although it appears that exposure levels can be controlled by ear protection, there will inevitably be further downward pressure on equipment noise emissions. Again, lobbying by members is recommended.