DIBt approval: A comprehensive overview
What is the general building approval (abZ)?
The general building approval (abZ), also known as DIBt approval, is a central component of German building regulations. It is issued by the German Institute for Building Technology (DIBt) and certifies that construction products and types of construction meet the safety, environmental and health standards laid down in Germany. This approval is particularly relevant if there are no harmonized European standards (EN) that regulate the properties and use of the product. A general building approval (abZ) is particularly essential for innovative and new products that do not yet have any established standards.
The historical development and significance
DIBt approval has its origins in the building regulations of the German federal states, which aim to ensure the safety of buildings. Since the 1960s, approval has served as a legal framework to ensure that products used in construction projects meet all the necessary requirements. Over time, the requirements for construction products have been tightened, particularly with regard to environmental friendliness and energy efficiency. Since 2017, the abZ has been supplemented by the general construction type approval (aBG), which focuses on the planning, dimensioning and execution of construction types.
For which products is DIBt approval required?
- Innovative building materials and systems: Products that are new to the market often require an abZ before they can be used.
- Fire protection products: Fire protection coatings or glazing require an abZ to ensure that they are effective in an emergency.
- Safety-relevant products: Fall protection and special insulation materials must also be tested and approved.
Legal regulations and framework conditions
The legal basis for the abZ is laid down in the Model Building Code (MBO) and in the building regulations of the individual federal states. These regulations stipulate that construction products without an abZ or similar certificates may not be used in construction projects. In addition, the ordinances regulate the obligations of manufacturers, who are responsible for compliance with all technical requirements. Once approval has been granted, it is generally valid for five years and can be extended on application.
The admission procedure
The approval procedure is a complex process that involves several steps. Manufacturers must submit an application to the DIBt and provide extensive technical documentation. These documents contain detailed information about the material properties, test reports and planned applications. Based on this information, the DIBt develops individual test plans and works closely with recognized testing institutes to ensure approval.
Advantages of DIBt approval
The abZ offers numerous advantages for all those involved in the construction industry:
- Safety guarantee: Thanks to the comprehensive test, the abZ guarantees the usability and safety of a building product, which significantly reduces the risk of structural damage.
- Easier market access: Products with an abZ are highly regarded by construction companies and authorities and enjoy broad acceptance.
- Legal protection: Manufacturers and building owners are legally protected by the abZ, as the product demonstrably fulfills all legal requirements.
- Promoting innovation: For innovative products that do not meet harmonized standards, the abZ offers a way for innovative products that do not meet harmonized standards to be legally approved on the market.
Practical implementation in construction projects
In practice, building owners and planners must ensure that only approved construction products are used in order to comply with legal regulations. Manufacturers benefit from close cooperation with the DIBt and recognized testing institutes, which help them to provide the necessary evidence. Even after approval, the manufacturer remains responsible for carrying out regular tests to ensure that the products continue to meet the requirements.
Conclusion
The general building approval (abZ) is an indispensable instrument for ensuring quality and safety in the German construction industry. It guarantees that construction products that are not covered by European standards meet the highest standards in terms of safety, health and environmental friendliness. For manufacturers, the abZ is the key to successful market entry, while for construction companies and building owners it is an indispensable safeguard.
The importance of approvals such as the general building authority approval (abZ) becomes particularly clear when you look at companies such as LUX-top® that are active in safety-critical areas such as fall protection. LUX-top® develops and sells fall protection systems for roofs and façades where compliance with the highest safety standards is essential. Products in this area, such as fall protection systems, are subject to strict legal requirements as they directly affect people’s lives and health. DIBt approval for these products guarantees that they have been comprehensively tested and approved for use in safety-relevant construction projects. DIBt approval is a general type approval (aBG). In contrast to the abZ, this proof of usability does not focus on the material properties of the construction product, but on the approval for a specific type of construction.
Before a fall protection system can be used in construction projects, it must prove that it meets the high safety requirements confirmed by the DIBt approval. This is particularly important in Germany, where strict building regulations apply to protect employees and third parties on construction sites. The approval not only provides legal certainty for planners and builders, but also gives end users confidence that the product used is safe.
LUX-top® uses this approval as a seal of quality to show customers that its products meet the strictest standards. The abZ gives them access to the German market and signals to construction companies and authorities that LUX-top® fall protection systems are reliable and compliant.
