Due diligence for installations [EMC Regulations]

The Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 1992 as amended are enforced in the UK by Local authority Trading Standards Services, which number approximately 202 at present, not including Northern Ireland. They vary in size and responsibility, however they provide a comprehensive service over a range of 100s of Acts of Parliament and subsidiary Regulations, of which EMC is but one. In some Authorities such as Warwickshire we operate in specialist units looking at particular legislative areas. EMC falls into our Safety Division which ensures compliance with all “CE” Marking legislation and we advise and enforce this legislation for an estimated 500 companies based in the County that either produce or import EMC products. Other authorities operate on a geographical or business sector basis in which the officers deal with a smaller number of businesses for a wider range of legislation. The effect is that there is a difference in the level of knowledge about all types of legislation including EMC around the Country. However we recognise this problem and have introduced a co-ordinating body called LACOTS to help uniformity of advice and enforcement throughout the UK