Awareness campaign launched by QPA at Hillhead

The Quarry Products Association (QPA) and the Institute of Quarrying have today (Tuesday) launched a campaign to raise awareness of changes in aggregates standards that come into force on 1 January 2004.

"The introduction of new European Standards for aggregates across construction could cause widespread confusion throughout the sector unless all producers, specifiers and users of aggregates for construction purposes are aware of the changes to the existing standards and are able to respond in time," warned the QPA.

From 1 January 2004 the current British Standards for aggregates used in the construction sector such as BS882, BS1199/1200 and BS63, will be replaced with a new series of European Standards for concrete, mortar, asphalt or in their unbound and hydraulically bound forms.

Speaking at the launch at Hillhead 2003, QPA director Simon van der Byl said: "Unless everyone understands the detail of the new Europeans Standards and how they impact across construction products it could result in confusion and disruption to contracts."

"In the UK next year our customers will buy 275m tonnes of aggregates, so it is essential that we get the information out to all stakeholders and everyone is prepared for the changes when they come in at the beginning of next year," he added.