SCHEME RULES 1

1 (10)

Approved by the Finnish Certification Board for DH pipes on February 23th, 2010 Supersedes rules of April 3rd, 2006
ET

Valid from 1st of March, 2010

Main changes - New and updated standards, FEI recommendations and transition from national LT-mark licences to European EHP-certificates taken into account

This is a translation from the original text in Finnish language

QUALITY ASSURANCE AND CERTIFICATION SCHEME FOR PREINSULATED DISTRICT HEATING PIPE SYSTEMS
CONTENTS
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Introduction Object Scope General rules Administration, organisation Application Certificate Certification procedure 7.1 Type tests 7.2 Manufacturer's quality surveillance 7.3 External inspection 7.4 Quality of delivered products Modifications to materials, products, production methods Test laboratories Use of Certificate, requirements for product marking Actions in case of non-compliance, non-conformity, misuse of certificate Suspension of certificate Withdrawal of certificate Communications, publications Responsibility for product quality Documentation, records Appeals against Executive Committee decisions Complaints of product quality Confidentiality Costs and fees Supplementary requirements of FEI Recommendation L2/2010 to EN 489 Joints of preinsulated pipes, manufacturer's type test, items, test methods and activities Application for Certificate Pattern of certificate for joint construction Pattern of certificate for joint PUR insulation Pattern of email communicating lists of certificates Fees related to certificates

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Annex A Annex B Annex C Annex D Annex E Annex F Annex G

FINNISH QUALITY ASSURANCE AND CERTIFICATION SCHEME FOR PREINSULATED DISTRICT HEATING PIPE SYSTEMS

0 INTRODUCTION The Finnish Quality Assurance and Certification System for District Heating Pipe Systems is based on an agreement between Finnish Energy Industries (FEI) representing users (energy companies) and Finnish Plastics Industries Federation (FPIF) representing manufacturers. According to the agreement FEI administers the system and carries out the day-to-day operations. FEI recommends it's member companies to buy and use only certified products (pipes and fittings: EHP-certificate, joints: national certificate; see clause 2). Product certification is recommended to be part of requirements in tender documents of the energy companies. When nevertheless uncertified products (which fall under the scope of this scheme) are offered by the bidder, this shall clearly be stated in the bid to avoid confusion. 1 OBJECT

The purpose of the Scheme is to provide a voluntary certification system which is economical, beneficial for both suppliers and users and provides users an easy way to obtain required assurance of the sufficient quality of the products (Certificate, Quality mark). The aim is to ensure the required quality of products mentioned in "Scope" to be delivered to Finnish market and to avoid unsound price competition at the expense of quality. These Scheme Rules deal with practicalities involved in operating the Certification Scheme, e.g. how to obtain and maintain certification, use of quality mark and procedures and processes to be followed.

2 SCOPE

The scope of the Scheme includes following products and their production: - preinsulated district heating pipes, straight lengths and fittings covered by EN 253, EN 448, EN 488, EN 15698-1, 14419 and Recommendation L1/2010 published by FEI
NOTE: Certification of pipes and fittings, both single and twin pipes, is from 2010 taken care by Euroheat & Power on a European level (EHP-certificate and quality mark)

Joint constructions and materials covered by EN 489 and Recommendation L2/2010 published by FEI Ball valves covered by EN 488 and Recommendation L4/2003 published by FEI (for ball valves there is a separate scheme rule no. 3, so they are not dealt with in this document).

Quality assurance and certification of pipes and fittings is based on above mentioned standards and specifications and Euroheat Certification Guidelines for DH pipes (see http://www.euroheat.org/Certifications-of-Pipes-61.aspx).

Quality assurance and certification of joints is based on above mentioned standard and specification and these scheme rules. Annex A gives the supplementary requirements of the above mentioned FEI Recommendation L2/2010 to EN 489.

NOTE!

FROM THIS ON THIS DOCUMENT ONLY DEALS WITH CERTIFICATION OF JOINTS. RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR CERTIFICATION OF PIPES AND FITTINGS ARE DESCRIBED IN ABOVE MENTIONED EUROHEAT CERTIFICATION GUIDELINES.

3 GENERAL RULES All suppliers have even access to certification on same financial and other conditions. The system is run on a non-profit basis. 4 ADMINISTRATION, ORGANISATION The governing Board is responsible for and controls the performance of certification, e.g. finances, operation of executive body, investigations of complaints and updating these rules. The Board has four members, two appointed by FEI and two appointed by FPIF. The day-to-day operations are taken care by Executive Committee (ExCo) which consists of one person appointed by FEI. The ExCo is entitled to employ external experts making inspection visits and taking samples for type and spot tests. 5 APPLICATION A manufacturer, who wishes to obtain a Certificate, shall submit an application to the ExCo on a special form (Annex C). The same form shall be used to apply for an extension of scope of existing certificate and in case of changing the place of manufacture of the product. The application shall be enclosed with a description of the quality control plan, including manufacturer's surveillance and inspection procedures, frequencies and documentation (models of inspection/test reports, control charts...). 6 CERTIFICATE After acceptance of application and on satisfactory completion of type tests the ExCo grants the supplier a Certificate. A Certificate without a right to use a quality mark is granted to joint constructions/materials and joint foams.

Joint materials, e.g. heat shrinkable sleeves might be used in different joint constructions, either certified or not, and hence joint materials/components shall not be quality marked. A Certificate covers the products and joint constructions and production units mentioned in the Certificate. For heat shrinkable sleeves a joint construction with PE joint casing + narrow sleeves and joint constructions with broad sleeve are considered as different joint constructions. Extension of a Certificate to cover other production units and/or joint constructions calls for the same procedure (application and type tests). The Certificate can't be transferred to another production unit or another company. The validity period of a Certificate is one year at a time. In the case of amendment or revision to the relevant EN standards, FEI recommendations or these Scheme Rules a supplementary inspection and/or type testing may be required to prove compliance with the changed requirements in order to re-issue the Certificate. Patterns of Certificates are given in Annexes D and E. 7 CERTIFICATION PROCEDURE Testing and inspection procedures in order to obtain and maintain Certificate include: - initial type tests - manufacturer's quality surveillance - external inspection - check of quality reclamations (follow up of field quality) 7.1 Type tests Type testing is performed to obtain initial validation of joint constructions and materials. Type tests shall demonstrate that the joint construction and materials conform to all requirements for the characteristics given in Annex B. Type tests shall be performed in an accredited Test Institute. The supplier is responsible for sending the samples to the Test Institute and for the related costs. A test performed not more than four years before the date of application and according to a standard valid during application, is accepted. The type test for joint constructions and joint materials has to be renewed every 5 years. For joint constructions this test is done according to EN 489, but for flexible joints (other than welded joints) on only one test sample (instead of three in the initial type test). For joint foams the test is done according to type test requirements in EN 489 with the exception that only one PUR test specimen (instead of three in the initial type test) is taken from both joints of the sample for each PUR-test. A test performed in an accredited Test Institute not

more than one year before the date when the ExCo asks for a renewed test, is accepted. This renewed type test is performed as kind of compensation for the fact that, unlike pipes and fittings, annual external inspections of manufacturer's quality surveillance are not performed for joints. If all the results of the initial or renewed type tests are not satisfactory for obtaining certification, the applicant should apply corrective actions. After that those parts of tests considered necessary by the ExCo shall be repeated. 7.2 Manufacturer's quality surveillance The manufacturer shall undertake surveillance to ensure that the required quality level is continually maintained. No minimum requirements of surveillance (characteristics and test frequencies) are given. The tests and measurements can be performed by the manufacturer itself or they can be outsourced to a subcontractor or test laboratory. All surveillance tests and measurements shall be documented, giving the information of the samples, results, dates and name of controller. These documents together with documents on manufacture and received materials and components shall be maintained for at least 5 years and the ExCo shall have access to them. 7.3 External inspection External inspection is performed in order to evaluate the certificate holders continued compliance with all the specified requirements for Certification, especially the minimum extent and proper functioning of the manufacturer's quality surveillance. This inspection may include sampling of products for spot tests. A written report on the results of every inspection is prepared by the ExCo and sent to the certificate holder. At need the ExCo is allowed to make an inspection visits to joint material manufacturers, with or without advance notice. When requested, the manufacturers of joints materials are required to send certificates of their quality surveillance and results of the surveillance in the extent specified by the ExCo. 7.4 Quality of delivered products Feed back is gathered by the ExCo from the field in order to follow up the quality of the delivered products. The certificate holders shall keep record of the quality reclamations they receive from the field and the actions they have consequently taken. These records can be checked e.g. during external inspection visits.

8 MODIFICATIONS TO MATERIALS, PRODUCTS, PRODUCTION PROCESSES The certificate holder is obliged to notify the ExCo of any significant modification made to the product (joint construction and materials, joint foam and receipt) or production process having possible effect on either the compliance of the finished product with the relevant EN standards and FEI recommendations or on the validity of the Certificate. The ExCo decides whether or not this effect exists. In positive case new type tests are required in total or to the extent judged by the ExCo. 9 TEST LABORATORIES Accredited test laboratories can be employed to perform type and spot tests. 10 USE OF CERTIFICATE In addition to bidding processes Certificates may also be used in marketing and advertising of certified products. This must not cause confusion between certified and non-certified products of the manufacturer. 11 ACTIONS IN CASE OF NON-COMPLIANCE, NON-CONFORMITY, MISUSE OF CERTIFICATE Any non-compliance on the part of the manufacturer in the application of these Scheme Rules or any non-conformity of the products with the specified EN standards and FEI recommendations, may result in one of the following actions: - corrective action by the manufacturer, specified by the ExCo, e.g. remark and correction claim, external inspection and/or additional spot tests in an accredited Test Institute at the cost of the manufacturer - reduction of the scope of products on the Certificate - public warning (notified to the members of FEI) - suspension of the Certificate - withdrawal of the Certificate 12 SUSPENSION OF CERTIFICATE Suspension of the Certificate may be initiated by the ExCo in cases required corrective actions have not been taken as referred or do not have desired effect, and if total withdrawal is not required. The ExCo notifies the certificate holder of the suspension with justification in writing. The certificate holder is entitled to appeal against the decision within two weeks of notification. 13 WITHDRAWAL OF CERTIFICATE Withdrawal of the Certificate may be initiated by the ExCo in the following cases:

immediately in case of deceit in reporting and documentation of manufacturer's surveillance, e.g. results recorded without making tests or measurements if the manufacturer, regardless of required actions and warnings, does not correct basic defects in quality control equipment, performance of surveillance or it's documentation if the manufacturer has not ordered the tests required by the ExCo and delivered the test samples to the test institute within one month if the products after corrective actions do not meet the specifications set with respect to basic properties in additional tests.

The ExCo notifies the certificate holder of the withdrawal with justification in writing. The certificate holder is entitled to appeal against the decision within two weeks of notification. The Certificate terminates when the appeal period is up or in case of appeal when the Board has confirmed the withdrawal. In case of deceit the withdrawal takes effect immediately after notification of the decision of the ExCo. The Board has the right to notify these cases to the members of the FEI. 14 COMMUNICATIONS, PUBLICATIONS The ExCo publishes on its internet site (http://www.energia.fi/fi/kaukolampo/kaukolampojohtojen_laadunvarmistus/tied otteet) lists of Certificates once a Certificate is granted or withdrawn, and in January-February every year. In the latter case these lists are also emailed to all member companies of FEI, all certified suppliers and all authorised DH pipe contractors. Pattern of this communication is given in Annex F. 15 RESPONSIBILITY FOR PRODUCT QUALITY The certificate holder is responsible for the quality of certified products and for seeing to it that these products meet the relevant specifications of the standards and recommendations stated in the Certificate in all respects. The ExCo and the governing Board has no financial or other responsibility on product quality.

16 DOCUMENTATION, RECORDS The manufacturer shall maintain for a minimum of 5 years records necessary to confirm that the quality surveillance continually conforms to the requirements. The Board and the ExCo shall maintain records of their decisions. 17 APPEALS AGAINST EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DECISIONS Appeals against decisions of the ExCo shall be forwarded within one month to the ExCo. Appeals will be investigated by the Board as soon as possible. 18 COMPLAINTS OF PRODUCT QUALITY The certificate holders shall keep record of all quality complaints and remedial actions to the products covered by the Certificate. This record shall be available to the ExCo e.g. during inspection visits. 19 CONFIDENTIALITY The information obtained by the ExCo and the Board during certification activities is confidential. 20 COSTS AND FEES The manufacturer is responsible for the costs associated with type tests and spot tests in accredited Test Institutes, inspection visits by the ExCo and for the fees according to Annex G. The fees cover part of the costs of maintaining and running the daily operations of the Scheme. On this basis the fee level is annually determined by the Board.

Executive committee for quality assurance

ANNEX A

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SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS OF FEI RECOMMENDATION L2/2010 TO EN 489 The basis of the FEI Recommendation L2/2010 is the requirements specified in EN 489. Following list gives the supplementary requirements of the Recommendation regarding technical properties of the products. - Shrink sleeves (as shrunk) shall overlap both joint casing and pipe casing at least 100 mm. - PE joint casing and galvanised steel sheet joint casing shall overlap pipe casing at least 30 mm. - Wall thickness of PE joint casing (non shrinkable) shall be min. 3 mm. - Wall thickness of galvanised steel sheet joint casing shall be min. 0,5 mm.

ANNEX B (normative)
FINNISH ENERGY INDUSTRIES RECOMMENDATION L2/2010 APPENDIX 2

JOINTS OF PREINSULATED PIPES, MANUFACTURER'S TYPE TEST, ITEMS, TEST METHODS AND ACTIVITIES

Item Joint construction Flexible joints: Soil stress (sand box test) All joints: Water impermeability Welded joints: Stress crack resistance PUR Composition and material properties Cell structure Voids and bubbles Closed cells Density Compressive strength Water absorption Ageing resistance

Test method EN 489

Activity / procedure Inspection of type test report

EN 489

Inspection of type test report

EN 489

Inspection of type test report

EN 489/EN 253

Inspection of documentation

EN 489/EN 253 EN 489/EN 253 EN 489/ISO 4590 EN 489/ISO 845 EN 489/ISO 844 EN 489/EN 253 EN 489

Inspection of type test report Inspection of type test report Inspection of type test report Inspection of type test report Inspection of type test report Inspection of type test report Inspection of type test report

ANNEX C
APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE Please forward your application to:
ET

Finnish Energy Industries Veli-Pekka Sirola P.O.Box 100 FI-00101 HELSINKI veli-pekka.srola@energia.fi

Applicant

Company Post address Phone Contact person Place of manufacture Fax e-mail

Manufacturer (to be filled, if not the same as applicant)

Company Post address Phone Place of manufacture Fax

Product information

Product group Documents

Joint materials/constructions for DH pipes 1. EN 489 2. Finnish Energy Industries Recommendation no L2/2010 3. Scheme Rules for Quality Assurance and Certification

Product (trade name, type, description, production range...)

Engagement

We have studied the Scheme Rules for certification of the products mentioned in this application. Should the certificate be granted to us, we comply with the rules mentioned as well as other instructions concerning certification given by the Board for Quality Assurance for DH Pipes in Finland.

______________________, ___/___ _____, ___________________________________________________ Place Date Signature / Name clarification

ANNEX D

Executive Committee for Quality Assurance

CERTIFICATE NO 2/20xx

ET

P A T T E R N

CERTIFICATE The Executive Committee for the Finnish Quality Assurance System for District Heating Pipes grants this certificate based on type tests carried out in independent laboratories. Product: Manufacturer: Applicant: Type test report: The Executive Committee verifies that this product complies with the requirements for joints of preinsulated district heating pipes given in EN 489 and recommendation L2/2010 published by Finnish Energy Industries. This certificate is valid from 31st of January 20xx for one year at a time provided that the extent, functioning and results of the manufacturer's quality surveillance and periodic testing of samples meet the specified requirements. This certificate supersedes certificate no 2/20yy. Joint construction / product

Helsinki, January 31st 20xx EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE

N.N

ANNEX E

Executive Committee for Quality Assurance

CERTIFICATE NO 3/20xx

ET

P A T T E R N

CERTIFICATE The Executive Committee for the Finnish Quality Assurance System for District Heating Pipes grants this certificate based on type tests carried out in independent laboratories. Product: Joint PUR insulation - mixing ratio, polyol/isoc. xxx/yyy (vol.)

Manufacturer: Applicant: Type test report: The Executive Committee verifies that this product complies with the requirements for the PUR foam in preinsulated district heating pipe joints given in EN 489 and recommendation L2/2010 published by Finnish Energy Industries. This certificate is valid only for PUR foam with above mentioned mixing ratio. This certificate is valid from 31st of January 20xx for one year at a time provided that the extent, functioning and results of the manufacturer's quality surveillance and periodic testing of samples meet the specified requirements. This certificate supersedes certificate no 3/20yy.

Helsinki, January 31st 20xx EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE

N.N

ANNEX F

Veli-Pekka Sirola

COMMUNICATION Lxx/20xx Finnish Energy Industries, District Heating 31.1.20xx

To member companies

P A T T E R N
Ref: ET-district heating binder 2/11 QUALITY ASSURANCE OF DH PIPE SYSTEMS, CERTIFICATES 20xx

Enclosed list gives the certificates that are valid 31.1.20xx. Each certificate defines which product or construction they cover. Heat shrinkable sleeves and other joint materials (which can be used in different joint constructions) must not be quality marked, instead they are granted a quality certificate. Finnish Energy Industries recommends its member companies to buy and use only certified products. Product certification is recommended to be part of requirements in the invitation to tender documents. When nevertheless uncertified products are offered by the bidder, this should clearly be stated in the bid. This communication will be emailed to those concerned in the beginning of every year. In the meantime the certificate lists are kept up-to-date in internet, http://www.energia.fi/fi/kaukolampo/kaukolampojohtojen_laadunvarmistus/tiedot teet. Further information: Veli-Pekka Sirola, Finnish Energy Industries, tel. +358 9 5305 2303, e-mail: veli-pekka.sirola@energia.fi.

Veli-Pekka Sirola

APPENDIX List of certificates / 31.1.20xx

Executive Committee for Quality Assurance

ANNEX G

FEES
ET

FEES RELATED TO CERTIFICATE

The fees associated with the scheme are determined by the Board. Basic application fee No application fees are invoiced. Annual fee Annual Certificate fees are invoiced per product in the beginning of the year. The annual fee 2010 is 350 . Inspection and testing fees The certificate holder is responsible for meeting all the costs associated with type and spot testing and any special inspection or testing where necessary (e.g. when dealing with non-compliance to the scheme rules or complaints), invoiced by the ExCo or Testing Institute, as applicable.