CB Scheme Transition Period for Battery Products Ending Soon

Up to 1^st May 2012 it was permitted for CB Scheme Test Labs to accept UL1642 for batteries. But, from 1st May all rechargeable Lithium and Nickel based battery cells and battery packs used within battery powered products requiring CB Certification are required to comply with IEC 62133.

This policy currently excludes equipment falling under the category of audio/video, information equipment and communication technology (IEC 60065, IEC 60950-1 & IEC 62368-1) but does apply to categories such as medical (IEC 60601), laboratory, control and measurement equipment (IEC 61010) and household appliances (IEC 60335).

We anticipate that products covered under IEC 60065, IEC 60950-1 & IEC 62368-1 will be included once the IEC standards development committee have finalised new revisions of these standards.

How can we help?

TÜV SÜD has extensive expertise in the testing and certification of battery cells and packs to facilitate market entry of your products around the world, including:
  -       CB Scheme

  -      TIS  (for Thailand)

  -      CTIA (Network operator driven certification for wireless devices in North America)

  -      International transportation requirements including UN Manual of Test and Criteria.

  -       PSE (for Japan)   

Testing to IEC 62133 and UL 2054 whilst taking advantage of the  TÜV SÜD Mark means that one simple test programme gives you immediate access to the key markets around the world and guarantees your battery cells and battery packs acceptance for products requiring CB Scheme certification.

Our TÜV SÜD Mark gives you, your customers and the market confidence that you meet all necessary requirements and that on-going consistency in production is assured.

TÜV SÜD: rules apply to cyclists and motorists

Running red lights, cycling against the flow of traffic or using the pavement as a cycle track – as the number of cyclists increases, so naturally do the numbers of those ignoring the rules. In the face of this development, German Minister of Transport Peter Ramsauer has called for higher fines for reckless cyclists. But is this the right way? Certainly the best solution for all road users is to show consideration for others. TÜV SÜD gives tips on how to ensure safety on roads, cycle routes and pavements. 

Motorists, delivery vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians – the roads in our cities are becoming increasingly crowded. And this list does not even include new means of transport such as Pedelecs. Take Munich, for example: in the capital of Bavaria on the River Isar, the percentage of cyclists among road users is now at 17 per cent although cyclists still accounted for 14 per cent of road users one year ago, and for only ten per cent ten years ago. By way of comparison, motorists currently make up just under 30 per cent of road users. Where space is at a premium, tolerance drops and dangerous situations occur more frequently. Clear rules governing road use can remedy this situation. However, to be effective, these rules must be known to all road users. According to TÜV SÜD, all road users have some catching up to do in this area – particularly as three years ago Germany relaxed the regulations governing the use of cycle routes. Also new: if there is no cycle traffic light, cyclists must obey the car traffic light and not the pedestrian signal. An increasingly important aspect as traffic grows denser: "Pedestrians, cyclists and motorists all have equal rights on the road", says Eberhard Lang, TÜV SÜD. "For protection, cyclists should always wear a safety helmet."

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People & Technology – Issue 1/2012

Be honest – just how often do you think about your health? When did you last go and see your physician for a checkup? Even though health checks play an important role in the early diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, they are frequently neglected. This newsletter is dedicated entirely to health. TÜV SÜD's experts explain which medical checks should be regularly performed, give tips on home remedies for common ailments and explain what to look out for when choosing a hospital.

The People & Technology Newsletter can also be accessed on the Internet at www.tuev-sued.de.

Heidi Atzler, Tel. +49 (0) 89 / 57 91 - 29 35, heidi.atzler@tuev-sued.de

Topics in this newsletter

•  Health checks ― to live well and live longer  Page 2
•  Basic home remedies for common ailments  Page 3
•  Patient self-determination: How to choose the right hospital  Page 4

To read the full article, please click HERE

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TÜV SÜD Academy: Continuing education's five biggest mistakes and how to avoid them

Munich. While "lifelong learning" is a buzzword in education today, it often receives little more than lip service. This may be because continuing professional development, although important for both companies and their workforces, often takes second place to everyday business. Kai Probst, CEO of TÜV SÜD Academy explains the five biggest mistakes encountered in continuing education – and how to avoid them!

1.    Booking the next best seminar merely because the dates are convenient.

"Continuing education should not be used as a form of escapism from work, but should benefit your career. Given this, in-depth analysis should precede the choice of a seminar or training course and be the basis for the final decision", explains Kai Probst. What point have I reached in my career? Where do I want to go? What specialist knowledge will be essential in my company or sector of industry in the coming years? What direction are today's developments in technology and the associated standards and rules taking? How can I realize my career opportunities, and what additional qualifications do I need to do so?

2.    Booking a seminar with a no-name training company.

Education and training need to be targeted and technically sound to be effective. However, the continuing education and training market is not always clear-cut. Learners looking for a renowned and expert training provider should consult various specialist media or online portals to check out suppliers that can provide the requested qualifications. The number of courses and dates offered can also be an indicator of the training company's experience. The best solution in all cases is to seek out well-founded consultancy and ask friends, colleagues and supervisors for personal recommendations.

3.    Making 'lowest cost' the key selection criterion for a seminar.

Continuing education is expensive. However, investing in continuing education and training that provides little and inadequate knowledge transfer is even more costly. Given this, quality and the aimed-for qualifications should be critical factors in choosing continuing education: Is a single seminar more suitable for me, or should I choose a longer-term training scheme with training modules that build on each other? Is a certificate of attendance sufficient for me or do I need to gain specific qualifications or accredited personal certification? Incidentally, demand for the latter is rising, particularly for management representatives or international activities.

4.    Attending continuing education and training without prior preparation.

"Learners who start to think about the subjects of a seminar or training course well in advance reap greater benefits from their attendance", notes continuing education expert Probst. What do I expect from this seminar, and what am I particularly anxious to learn and know about the subject? Do I have general questions concerning working methods or self-management, or general technical questions? And how does this subject interface with my daily work in my company? How can I apply my new knowledge at my workplace or even pass it on to my colleagues after the seminar?

5.    Not attending any continuing training or education at all.

Kai Probst spells it out that "The biggest mistake of all is not to attend any continuing education at all. Given the speed of technological change and the increasing pace of development, it is imperative that employees constantly update their skills and knowledge. Today, technological expertise in particular comes with an expiry date, and experts who fail to keep up to date will not progress in their careers. When it comes to continuing education, lack of decisive action may mean missing out on the opportunity for a new, exciting job or expanding your sphere of responsibility – with the attendant pay rise."

TÜV SÜD: Improved safety through dynamic testing of securing of cargo

Packaging, lash points, body structure – securing of cargo is one of the central issues in TÜV SÜD's portfolio of services for the logistics industry. From mid-2012 onwards, the service provider will also offer dynamic road testing of the securing of cargo, thus contributing to improved safety in the areas of logistics, distribution and transport. By adding this new test method, TÜV SÜD is further expanding its services for the logistics industry, aiming at assisting companies in making the most of their economic and ecological resources.

The logistics industry is a high-growth sector. Heavy-duty transport in particular has increased continuously over recent years. Forecasts estimate that the number of trucks on German roads will increase markedly by 2030. More heavy-duty transport automatically also means more road safety hazards, with incorrect loading of cargo heading the list of problems. According to Germany's Ministry of Transport the cargo on up to 70 per cent of the trucks on German roads is not or only inadequately secured. New more practice-focused requirements such as the dynamic road test, which is part of the revised EN 12642 standard on body structures of commercial vehicles and comprises braking manoeuvres, lane-change tests and various tests of entering and exiting a roundabout, are designed to counteract this trend. Dieter Roth, Senior Project Manager Truck Services at TÜV SÜD: "Heavy-duty transport has been steadily rising for years. Given this, we now plan to expand our services for the logistics industry more widely in order to offer our clients, from logistics to forwarding and commercial vehicle rental companies, even better support in the future. Central issues in this context are securing of cargo and the associated load distribution plan."

The service targets international logistics companies, manufacturers of vehicles and body structures, fleet owners and truck drivers. The range of services extends from consulting, weakness analysis, testing and certification of various load securing aids, including belts or fastening elements, to repeat tests and expert witness reports for submission to courts and authorities. TÜV SÜD's experts provide product-related training and refresher courses to keep truck drivers up to date with the latest developments. This applies to all persons in a company who are involved in transport.

The range of services related to the body structure of commercial vehicles extends from testing of the body structure and lash points to dynamic road tests and certification of single components, including tarpaulins, in accordance with the EN 12641-1/-2 standard. The EN 12642 standard defines the minimum loads that body structures of commercial vehicles and trailers with a gross vehicle weight rating of over 3.5 tonnes must withstand. The services surrounding securing of cargo also include review of the relevant standards, process analysis, process optimization and quality management.

Securing of cargo is not only addressed within the context of the service portfolio of logistics companies. TÜV SÜD will also showcase this new service in addition to its entire service portfolio for technical safety and improved efficiency in heavy-duty transport at its stand at the 2012 IAA Commercial Vehicles exhibition, held from 20 to 27 September in Hanover (www.iaa.de).

New requirements in the chemical and process industry

The chemical industry is undergoing far-reaching changes as complex process systems, global sourcing and modern materials are introduced. TÜV SÜD Chemie Service offers integrated sourcing strategies, active risk prevention and dependable life assessment aimed at ensuring safe, reliable and cost-effective systems and installations. At ACHEMA 2012, held in Frankfurt am Main from 18 to 22 June 2012, TÜV SÜD's experts will showcase their comprehensive service portfolio for the chemical and process industry (Hall 9.1, Stand C39).

Manufacturers from the Asia Pacific region play an increasingly important role in global sourcing in the chemical and process industry. They offer plant components, including process engineering equipment and pressure vessels, at attractive prices and progressively improved quality. "However, thorough supplier selection and evaluation, 'watertight' specification of product characteristics and detailed quality assurance are imperative in global sourcing", says Kurt Schumacher, global sourcing expert and member of the management team of Plant & Equipment Integrity at TÜV SÜD Chemie Service GmbH. These aspects must be considered to ensure that initial cost savings will not be used up by expensive rework or delays in delivery later on. Compliance with the relevant laws, codes and standards of the country of destination is a particularly important consideration. Kurt Schumacher warns, "Since it's often the little things that cause problems later on, statutory testing alone is not sufficient." Examples of particularly critical aspects include traceability of materials and completeness of the required documents such as drawings, plans and documentation.

Improving safety with hazard and operability studies (HAZOP)

The hazard potential inherent in process systems and the physical properties of materials is becoming increasingly complex. New approaches to risk qualification and failure-probability classification have been developed in recent years. "HAZOP studies offer the possibility of systematically and actively improving plant safety", explains Klaus-Dieter Peschel, Head of Plant Safety & Inspection at TÜV SÜD Chemie Service's location in Dormagen. These studies are conducted by a multi-disciplinary team of internal and external experts led by an experienced TÜV SÜD facilitator. Possible hazards associated with the operation and modification of the plant or installation are identified, their causes and consequences evaluated and corrective actions developed. The multi-stage approach considers technical and organizational hazards, potential human error and external influences, permitting targeted differentiation between safety measures that are actually necessary and those that are less useful, as well as identification of the best solution for the functional safety of process control components. "This approach improves the level of safety, reduces downtime and avoids unnecessary investments", explains Peschel. Effectively implemented, a HAZOP study also impacts favourably on the overall approval procedure and the insurance terms applicable to a process-engineering or chemical plant.

Using plastics reliably and permanently

In the chemical and process industry, high-performance plastics are increasingly replacing steel components. These innovative plastics are lightweight, highly resistant to chemical and mechanical stresses and cost-efficient. "Both the quality of the base material per se and the quality of the joining and welding of, say, plastic pipes and tanks are steadily improving", says Franz Hingott, who works in the Materials Technology department of TÜV SÜD Chemie Service. As high-performance plastics or FRP systems resist higher pressures and temperatures over longer periods of times, the requirements made on life assessment and testing are also changing accordingly. "For reliable determination of long-term performance, components must be assessed in the overall context of manufacturing, processing and subsequent operating conditions", says the TÜV SÜD expert. By applying this approach, the experts can select the test process that best fits the relevant code or standard.

The experts at TÜV SÜD Chemie Service operate at international level and are familiar with the various markets from their long experience and work on numerous projects. Clients benefit from their one-stop on-site services. The accredited testing organization is also recognized as Notified Body and Approved Body, which ultimately facilitates the placing on the market and putting into service of systems and components. TÜV SÜD's testing laboratory offers test stations with heating ovens and pressure equipment that are also suitable for the testing of higher-strength plastics.

Technical talks by TÜV SÜD at ACHEMA 2012

-          Monday, 18 June, 2 pm: HAZOP – A review on 40 years of application, trends and challenges in a changing community and legal environment (Rainer Semmler, Harmonie 2, CMF)

-          Wednesday, 20 June, 12:30 pm: Global sourcing of pressure vessels for chemical and petrochemical plants (Kurt Schumacher, Illusion 1, CMF)

-          Thursday, 21 June, 11:00 am: Damages of PTFE expansion joints (Franz Hingott, Illusion 2, CMF)

Further information about our services is available at www.tuev-sued.de/chemieservice.

An update to the R&TTE Directive Harmonised Standards List (11.4.12)

ETSI continues to update standards on a regular basis.  Remember that if you are continuing to place products on the EU market and the original harmonised standards against which you had the product tested have been superseded (i.e. they no longer provide a presumption of conformity), then you are obliged to update your Declaration of Conformity and your technical file.  This may or may not involve additional testing, depending on the changes within the standards. 

You should also note that a standard is not actually harmonised unless it is listed in the latest EU Official Journal, even if the front cover of the issued standard states that it is a “Harmonized European Standard”.

We always publish the latest lists (Official journal) of harmonised standards on our website.  You can bookmark this page for future reference: http://www.tuvps.co.uk/home_psuk/company/news_and_downloads/legislation_downloads

Please click HERE to see the R&TTE Directive Harmonised Standards list  as published in the Official Journal of the European Communities (OJ) on 11th April 2012.

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TÜV SÜD becomes a Corporate Affiliate Member of Trading Standards Institute

Due to increasing levels of work TÜV SÜD Product Service has been undertaking in the last two years on behalf of the Trading Standards Institute (TSI), it was decided to formally associate ourselves with the TSI.  TÜV SÜD Product Service is now pleased to announce that as of 8^th March 2012 it has been officially accepted as a Corporate Affiliate Member of the TSI.

Through this action we enhance our relationship with TSI,  further support them in their market surveillance activities and are able to better advice TÜV SÜD clients on the requirements for placing products into the UK marketplace.

In the recent years TÜV SÜD Product Service has undertaken a large number of projects on behalf of TSI covering a wide range of products from radio control toys to chain saws, working closely with TSI branches all over UK.

TÜV SÜD Product Service will be also exhibiting at TSI Conference on 27th June 2012 and hosting a mini theatre on “Consumer Products- Managing Risk” and will be presented by TÜV SÜD’s Retail Laboratory Manager, Mark Penton, at 9:30-10:00am in Theatre Number 3.  The presentation will look at the issues facing retailers importing consumer product manufactured outside the EU, the risks associated with these products and the steps that can be taken to ensure that the risks are minimized and compliance can be demonstrated.

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Five tips on how to safely tow a trailer

Long queues in front of DIY store car parks – particularly on Saturdays – are a sure sign that the gardening season is in full bloom. The queues are often made even longer by trailers, a highly practical solution if motorists with a standard driving licence want to transport soil, grit or wood. And if you own a car with trailer coupling but no trailer, most DIY markets now even offer trailers for hire. However, motorists planning to tow a load of gardening supplies must consider a few aspects, including gross vehicle weight rating, driving licence and speed. TÜV SÜD's experts give a brief summary of these aspects.

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Leaders in EMC Testing , Environmental Testing, Safety Testing, Radio and Telecoms Testing, CE Marking, Vibration Testing, Climatic Testing, Certification, Training and Consulting.