Non-CE Marked Agricultural Buildings A Criminal Offence
by Patricia Montgomery, LincsMag Writer.
Date: 28 March 2013
Farmers are being strongly urged to repair or replace their agricultural buildings ahead of upcoming changes to the law. New legislation will mean buildings that are not CE marked will leave many famers likely to find themselves without insurance cover in the event of a collapse.
After the widespread collapse of over 5000 farming buildings in the UK during the heavy snowfall of winter 2010/11 and with recent adverse weather conditions growing more unpredictable, Timmins agricultural are warning that farmers should act now in order to keep their insurance cover in the event of a roof collapse.
Tony Hutchinson, national secretary for the Rural & Industrial Design & Building Association (RIDBA) stressed in Farmers’ Weekly that farmers shouldn’t take the changes lightly.
"After 1 July 2014 it will be a criminal offence to supply non-CE-marked frames for the construction of a building," he warns. "As such, it is unlikely insurance companies will pay up for the rebuilding of a collapsed or damaged building where the frame is not CE marked - or for damage to livestock, grain or machinery as a result of the collapse."
Health and Safety Laws
Edward Timmins, of Timmins, says: "The CE mark is a sign of quality assurance and means that a product conforms to essential health and safety laws. We’re one of only a few companies in the UK that carry this mark according to the Construction Products Directive and we’re proud to provide the highest quality agricultural buildings available.
"Many of the recent collapses occurred because of substandard material, poor design and poor construction and could easily have been avoided with better craftsmanship. As we’ve been designing and building agricultural and industrial buildings since 1975 and with almost 40 years experience, we are one of the leading providers of steel frame buildings, crop drying solutions and building repairs and refurbishment.
"We urge any farmers who haven’t already done so to give us a call and arrange a consultation to make sure all your buildings are up to code before the changes come into effect. We organise, design and oversee every aspect of the installation process to ensure the very highest quality. And as our products bear the CE mark, you can rest assured that your insurance will cover you in the highly unlikely event of our buildings succumbing to the elements."
Local farmers can contact Timmins on 01427 788009 or visit their website at www.timminsagricultural.co.uk
