2001/148/EC: Commission Decision of 21 February 2001 on the application of Article 3(3)(e) of Directive 1999/5/EC to avalanche beacons (Text with EEA relevance) (notified under document number C(2001) 194)

Commission Decision
of 21 February 2001
on the application of Article 3(3)(e) of Directive 1999/5/EC to avalanche beacons
(notified under document number C(2001) 194)
(Text with EEA relevance)
(2001/148/EC)
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Directive 1999/5/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 1999 on radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment and the mutual recognition of their conformity(1), and in particular Article 3(3)(e), thereof,
Having regard to the Resolution of the European Parliament on the avalanche disasters in the Alps(2),
Having regard to the proposal of the Commission,
Whereas:
(1) Avalanche beacons contribute to the efficient rescue of people submerged by snow following an avalanche.
(2) The success of rescue actions would seriously be affected if such beacons could not be detected due to technical incompatibilities.
(3) There is a substantial installed base of beacons, conforming to ETS 300 718. This standard ensures interoperability and operation under harsh conditions but contains requirements beyond the scope of Directive 1999/5/EC and thus needs to be reviewed.
(4) There are doubts, that market forces would ensure the continued compatibility of avalanche beacons if the Community would not impose features ensuring access to emergency services.
(5) The measures set out in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Telecommunications Conformity Assessment and Market Surveillance Committee,