When purchasing equipment for use on construction sites, safety professionals often look for the CE mark as a sign of compliance. But did you know there’s a deceptively similar logo that could be putting your site at risk?
What Is the CE Mark?
The Conformité Européenne (CE) mark is the European Union’s mandatory conformity mark for goods sold within the European Economic Area (EEA). It confirms that the manufacturer has assessed the product and it meets essential EU safety, health, environmental and quality standards.
Importantly, it’s a self-declaration by the manufacturer – but this must be supported by proper documentation and testing.
The Dangerous Lookalike: Chinese Export
There is a near-identical logo known as “Chinese Export”, sometimes used unscrupulously by manufacturers to imply CE compliance. It often appears on sub-standard goods, especially tools and lithium batteries, and can be very misleading.
🔍 How to tell the difference:
- Genuine CE mark: The letters “C” and “E” are spaced correctly, with a clear gap.
- Chinese Export mark: The letters are placed closer together and may appear slightly different in shape or proportion.
Why It Matters – The Lithium Battery Risk
Many unsafe lithium battery products carry the fake mark. If a single cell within a lithium battery becomes damaged, it can trigger a chain reaction known as thermal runaway:
- A damaged cell heats up, damaging the next one
- The reaction continues from cell to cell
- This leads to temperatures of over 600°C
- And a very real fire and explosion risk
💥 A lithium battery pack can contain thousands of individual cells, making this a critical safety concern.
✅ Takeaway:
Always verify the CE mark and buy from trusted suppliers. When it comes to site safety, particularly with tools and power sources, don’t be misled by a logo. If in doubt, check the spacing of the letters – or ask the supplier to confirm conformity documentation.
🎓 Want to learn more?
We cover this topic and more in our accredited CPD sessions for construction site professionals.
👉 Book your CPD session today – it’s a great way to keep your team informed and compliant.
📩 Contact us now to arrange a session at a time that suits you.
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