Construction Products Resources

Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is one of the most widely used types of cement in the construction industry valued for its strength, versatility and reliability. OPC is the primary binding material in concrete, mortar, and plaster. The product is used for building foundations, slabs, walls, bridges, and many other uses in building and civil engineering. This PIP provides information on terminology, the manufacturing process, applicable standards, health risks, CE/UKCA marking, labelling and Declaration of Performance (DOP).

Plywood is a composite, engineered wood product made by stacking and gluing together thin layers (called "plies") of wood veneer.  Plywood can be made from softwood (e.g., pine, cedar, redwood) or hardwood (e.g., maple, oak, mahogany), or a blend of both. The choice of wood and glue affects the final product’s properties. There are various types, including marine plywood (waterproof, for wet conditions), fire-retardant plywood, moisture-resistant plywood, and decorative plywood for aesthetic applications. Plywood is one of the most popular and versatile building materials in construction, used for both structural and non-structural applications. This PIP provides information on terminology, the manufacturing process, applicable standards, CE/UKCA marking, labelling and Declaration of Performance (DOP).

Float glass is a type of flat glass produced by floating molten glass on a bath of molten tin. This process results in glass with uniform thickness, flatness, and high optical clarity. Float glass is fundamental to modern construction, serving as the base material for many architectural and industrial applications in in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings for fixed and operable windows, skylights, shopfronts, and curtain wall systems. This PIP provides information on terminology, the manufacturing process, applicable standards, CE/UKCA marking, labelling and Declaration of Performance (DOP).

A smoke alarm is a self-contained safety device designed to detect the presence of smoke, typically as an indicator of fire. It consists of a smoke sensor and an audible alarm. When smoke is detected, the alarm sounds to alert occupants, giving them time to escape or take action. There are different types of alarm e.g. battery powered, mains-powered, and some types can be interconnected. Within residential buildings UK Building Regulations mandate at least one smoke alarm on every storey with habitable rooms. This PIP provides information on terminology, the manufacturing process, applicable standards, CE/UKCA marking, labelling, electromagnetic compatibility and Declaration of Performance (DOP).

OPSS offers Local Authorities access to internal OPSS expertise; including technical, scientific and risk associated with construction products.

Guidance providing practical information for placing construction products on the GB market.

Guidance providing practical information for placing construction products on the Northern Ireland market and unfettered access provisions.

How to place CE marking on your product, how to identify UK requirements relating to construction products, and how to apply to be a UK Notified Body or Technical Assessment Body.