The question of whether an approval deviation is significant or not cannot be answered in a blanket manner. I will try to shed some light on this.
Approvals for building materials are generally formulated very precisely. They define the planned applications down to the smallest detail, because the building materials are precisely designed for these applications.
But what happens if there is an application for which the description of the approval no longer fits 1:1? Do you immediately need a project-related type approval for this?
The distinction
This is exactly the point where a distinction must be made between a significant deviation from the approval and a non-significant deviation. But how is the decision made and who can make this decision?
Decisions can only be made on a case-by-case basis. It is best decided by the manufacturers of the construction products discussed, with the support of experts.
In the case of non-significant deviations, the manufacturer usually provides an additional declaration of conformity and has this confirmed by experts through assessments or reports. The documents are then handed over to the construction management.
However, if decision-makers come to the conclusion that the application is a significant deviation from the approval, a project-related type approval must be issued.
In any case, advice should be obtained from experts on which options and risks should be considered. But also which alternatives to the planned solution should be examined.
An example
In this example pictures you metal sheets with deviations in their surface. If there is an approval (or another proof of usasge) aquired for the left sheet you need to figure out if a change in surface may have an influence on the slip resistance.
If there are changes made in the ingredients composition or in sheet metal thickness they must be clarified in the scope of the approval.
more informations
You want to know more about this topic or approvals in general? Book a consulting appointment or take a look into our FAQs. You will be surprised about all the answers you get. You will be surprised about all the answers you get.