Contribution to the panel discussion on 'International developments in standards, rules and codes for pressure vessels'

This contribution to the discussion describes the legal system for technical installations in its existing form in the Federal Republic of Germany. The standardization of technical requirements to meet EC Directives and European Standards requires an adjustment, to a limited extent, of the appurtenant legal prerequisites. Given the trend away from tried and tested control mechanisms in the form of third party inspection, there is imminent danger of a reduction in quality. This compels us to consider how to maintain nonetheless the level of safety that has already been reached. (orig.)