Single-source database

A single source for health and safety information on construction products is being developed by the Construction Products Association (CPA) and construction information provider Barbour Index.

The electronic database, already receiving praise from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), is designed to detail the risks associated with products throughout their entire life cycle.

"It will be a kind of filing system where the user can find health and safety information on any product at any stage of its life cycle. At the moment you cannot go to just one source to obtain this information - it is contained in various places and in many different formats," explained CPA industry affairs director John Tebbit.

"If a specifier wanted to find out the risks associated with a particular flooring system in an enclosed space, then he can simply tap into the index and obtain the information," said Tebbit.

A three-month pilot scheme looking at roofing, sealants and adhesives has just commenced.

"Once the pilot is completed we will have some idea of what it will cost to run the database, how easy it is to classify the risks and how to get information on to the system, and we'll then draw up a business plan," said Tebbit.

"It might prove to be unprofitable but a great public service so we would therefore need government funding to run it. Or it might prove viable and will cover its own costs. We're not looking for it to be a big money maker - we want it to be something that will benefit the industry - but obviously for Barbour it has to be commercial," said Tebbit.

HSE principal inspector of construction Andrew East told CJ: "We fully support the idea, and hope the pilot is successful."