ANNEX VIII

Requirements for TABs

TABs shall be able to fulfil the following tasks and requirements:

Competence

Description of tasks

Requirement

1.	Analysing risks

Identify the possible risks and benefits for the use of innovative products in the absence of established/consolidated technical information regarding their performance when installed in construction works.

A TAB shall be established under national law and have legal personality. It shall be independent from the stakeholders and from any particular interests.

A TAB shall have staff with:

(a)	objectivity and sound technical judgement;

(b)	detailed knowledge of the regulatory provisions and other requirements in force in the Member States where it is designated, concerning product families for which it is to be designated;

(c)	general understanding of construction practice and detailed technical knowledge, concerning product families for which it is to be designated;

(d)	detailed knowledge of specific risks involved and the technical aspects of the construction process;

(e)	detailed knowledge of the existing harmonised standards and test methods within product families for which it is to be designated;

(f)	detailed knowledge of this Regulation;

(g)	appropriate linguistic skills.

The remuneration of the TAB personnel shall not depend on the number of the assessments carried out or on the results of such assessments.

2.	Setting technical criteria

Transform the outcome of the risk analysis into technical criteria for evaluating behaviour and performance of the products regarding the fulfilment of applicable national requirements;

provide the technical information needed by those participating in the building process as potential users of the products (manufacturers, designers, contractors, installers).

3.	Setting assessment methods

Design and validate appropriate methods (tests or calculations) to assess performance for essential characteristics of products, taking into account the current state of the art.

4.	Determining the specific factory production control

Understand and evaluate the manufacturing process of the specific product in order to identify appropriate measures ensuring product constancy through the given manufacturing process.

A TAB shall have staff with appropriate knowledge of the relationship between the manufacturing processes and product characteristics related to factory production control.

5.	Assessing the product

Assess the performance for essential characteristics of products on the basis of harmonised methods against harmonised criteria.

In addition to the requirements listed in points 1, 2 and 3, a TAB shall have access to the necessary means and equipment for the assessment of the performance for essential characteristics of products within product families for which it is to be designated.

6.	General management

Ensure consistency, reliability, objectivity and traceability through the constant application of appropriate management methods.

A TAB shall have:

(a)	a proven record of respect of good administrative behaviour;

(b)	a policy and the supporting procedures to ensure confidentiality and protection of sensitive information within the TAB and all its partners;

(c)	a document control system to ensure registration, traceability, maintenance, protection and archiving of all relevant documents;

(d)	a mechanism for internal audit and management review to ensure the regular monitoring of the compliance with appropriate management methods;

(e)	a procedure to manage objectively appeals and complaints.