At the United Kingdom Testing and Certification (UKTC), we are committed to enhancing the standards of fire doors and fire door sets through third-party certification. This process involves repeated testing by an independent body coupled with an annually audited quality management system.
What is Third-Party Certification for Fire Doors?
Third-party certification is a thorough process that involves evaluating a fire door's design and performance. Third-party certification schemes use various mechanisms to evidence a product's quality, including Initial Type Testing (ITT), manufacturing process, and quality assurance of procedures and supporting documentation.
Key components of third-party certification include:
Initial Type Testing
Full-sized constructions are subjected to fire tests in accordance with the appropriate fire test standard, such as BS 476: Part 22 or BS EN 1634-1, at a UKAS-accredited test facility. These results are vital to generate the scope of certification. UKTC is a UKAS-accredited testing laboratory No. 21542 able to conduct tests under BS 476: Part 22 or BS EN 1634-1.
Factory Production Control (FPC) Inspection
Manufacturing companies are independently assessed by their chosen UKAS-accredited product certification body. This ensures consistent management and manufacturing processes for fire door production.
The Audit Test
Regular scrutiny of the fire door is essential, with periodic testing on standard products to ensure the declared performance can be achieved consistently.
Why is Third-Party Certification Essential?
Third-party certification brings several benefits:
Visibility and Traceability: It offers clear tracking of a fire door's pathway through the construction supply chain.
Compliance and Compatibility: It ensures that the original fire certificate and specification can be sourced for compliance checks and replacement of compatible parts.
Assurance of Quality: It ensures that fire doors are manufactured or modified to consistent standards.
Demystifying Third-Party Certification
With third-party certification, fire doors are tested appropriately, and consistent standards are maintained through:
Sampling: Products for initial type testing are sampled from the factory to ensure traceability.
Initial Type Testing: This determines the fire resistance of a door assembly.
Factory Production Control Inspection: This ensures consistency in the manufacture of the fire door.
Regular Audit Tests: This ensures that declared performance can be achieved consistently.
The Future of Fire Safety through Third-Party Certification
Third-party certification is vital in providing traceability and assurance that fire doors are fit for purpose. It aligns with the forthcoming requirements in the Building Safety Bill, promoting greater accountability in every stage of the construction process.
At UKTC, we are dedicated to ensuring that third-party certification remains a robust and reliable solution for the construction industry. Contact us to learn how we can help you comply with upcoming legislation and ensure the highest fire safety standards in your building.
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