COMMITTEES
all the main members active in the sector represented and actively participating in the discussions . The tri-fold produced towards the end of 2016 proved useful in explaining the group ’ s activities and concerns to the wider world , along with the dedicated website : www . aboutintumescentcoatings . com
The main issues of concern to the group discussed during 2017 were :
• CPR and CE-marking , ensuring customers fully understand that this is not a legal requirement
• The future of the Construction Productions Regulation ( CPR ) post-Brexit
• Best practice guidance
• Maintaining a level playing field for the sector
• Challenging certificates that are based on incorrect data / standards
• Transitioning to using EN 16623
• The new EAD that was published by EOTA in the Autumn , replacing the ETAG 018-2
• Green construction schemes and their requirements
• Indoor air emissions testing of intumescent coatings ( introduced into EN 16402 )
• The Commission ’ s smoke toxicity study
The relationships with the ASFP , the CEPE ICTC , SGDS members and with government authorities ( the former DCLG , now the MHCLG ) continued to be strengthened during the year and will be of use , particularly with regard to the impact on the market that is expected through Brexit .
Marine Coatings Group Chaired by Geoff Mackrill , Teal and Mackrill
The Marine Coatings Group ( MCG ) met on two occasions during 2017 . The highlight of the year for the BCF was winning at the Trade Association Best Practice Awards for ‘ Marketing Campaign of the Year ’ for the DIY Safe Antifouling initiative . This was launched in January 2017 at the London Boat Show and was a joint initiative with the RYA and British Marine . The campaign consisted of a dedicated website www . safeantifouling . com , posters , a tri-fold leaflet , a comprehensive guidance document and a YouTube video to inform and educate DIY antifouling paint users as to how to use the paint safely , and remind them to consider the impact of their activities on the environment .
One of the objectives of the initiative was to highlight to the authorities the group ’ s belief that antifouling paints can be safely used by members of the public , by using the correct precautions , especially by wearing the appropriate Personal Protective
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Equipment . This in turn supported members in their preparation of the biocidal product authorisation dossiers for their antifouling paints based on copper , which were due to be submitted under the BPR before the end of the year . Related to this , the BCF issued an important statement at the end of the year clarifying the legal situation , as there was mis-information on the impact of the BPR on paint availability being circulated within the market .
The other main highlight was a meeting with the HSE in September , when members from the BCF and experts presented concerns over the proposed approach being taken by the authorities with regard to Environmental Risk Assessment of antifouling paints , including the development of new models and PT 21 Product Authorisation Manual guidance by ECHA and the member states . It became apparent at the meeting that the authorities had not recognised the real threat that the very conservative approach would have on the assessments , and that effectively all the current optimised paints for use on leisure boats would fail the authorisation procedure if this was strictly followed . A key issue within this was the choice of scenario the authorities would make for the leisure craft sector ( inside the marina rather than just outside ). The BCF continued to engage with various government departments on this topic to try and ensure the continued availability of antifouling paints for leisure craft , both applied professionally and by DIY enthusiasts . Agreement was made to use the special issue fund to cover a study into how valid the new models are and whether they reflect the real-life data that has been reported .
Other topics discussed included the issues surrounding microplastics , marine standards ( the BCF is now a member of BSI ’ s Marine committee SME / 32 ) and the EU and global issues ( through CEPE Marine Sector Group participation ).
BCF ANNUAL HANDBOOK 2018 / 19