PRODUCT CERTIFICATION

Third party product certification provides confidence that the product is fit for purpose, is manufactured using a defined quality system and links factory production with what was tested by the fire laboratory. The various schemes for third party certification of products vary slightly according to who is providing them but all evaluate most or all of the elements below:

• Factory production control via an initial factory inspection and routine surveillance visits
• Initial type testing of the product
• An appraisal of the product test and assessment evidence against a ‘technical schedule’ to ensure that the certification gives the widest scope of application
• Traceability of the product from raw material to factory to site
• Labeling of the product to give confidence to end-users and to assist traceability

The ASFP only recommends third party product certifications schemes that have been accredited by UKAS

INSTALLER CERTIFICATION

Third party installer certification provides confidence that the product will be installed professionally. As with product certification, the schemes vary according to the supplier, but most will contain the following elements:

• Verification of the skills and training of management, designers and estimators
• The use of materials and products which have been shown by certification, testing or assessment to have the appropriate fire performance
• Operatives and supervisors to be assessed for competence
• Random inspection of sites to monitor the quality of work
• Provision of a ‘Certificate of Conformity’ for completed work
• Provision of an audit trail

The ASFP only recommends third party installer certifications schemes that have been accredited by UKAS

Product third party accreditation schemes for passive fire protection products are run by the following organisations:-

BRE Certification Ltd - go to www.brecertification.co.uk

Chiltern International Fire – go to www.qmark.info

FM Approvals go to www.fmapprovals.com

IFC Certification Ltd - go to www.ifccertification.com

Intertek Testing & Certification Limited - go to www.intertek.com

Underwriters Laboratories UK Ltd - go to www.ul.com

Warrington Certification Ltd - go to www.warringtonfire.net