The lead sheet industry has introduced a new EN-norm. The new standard, EN-norm 12588, is a development of the previous standard, but with additional criteria resulting from recent scientific findings and an updated assessment of market requirements.

As the common standard for all European rolled lead sheet manufacturers, the new EN-norm ensures consistent and reliable product quality.

Improvements in the new standard are particulary apparent in the fields of durability, safety and environmental protection:

Durability:

Research carried out by the highly respected, independent Dutch research institute TNO identified that a higher tin content improves resistance to surface corrosion. Reduction of corrosion will clearly improve durability, and result in an extension of the already long lifespan of sheet lead. For this reason the chemical composition of the new standard has been amended, raising the standard tin content from 0.005% to 0.05%.


Safety:

The weight of lead sheet demands careful handling. To minimise the risk of accidents the new EN-norm provides clear guidance on how to handle sheet lead in the working environment, with specific instructions on manual lifting.

Environmental protection:

Studies by the environmental consultancy Enviros Aspinall have proven that the recycling rate of lead sheet is in excess of 90%. The new EN-norm includes recommendations on how to effectively manage both surplus material from construction work and recovered material from building demolitions.

"The new EN-norm reflects our ongoing commitment to improve the entire product life cycle of lead sheet", states David Wilson, Secretary of the European Lead Sheet Industry Association (ELSIA).

(CL)