Opting for third-party fire certification or accreditation stands as the most reliable method for securing confidence when seeking out and installing fire doors and passive fire protection products. This choice grants you the certainty that suppliers have undergone independent verification, undergo regular audits and possess the necessary competence. Moreover, it assures adherence to fire safety standards.
This emphasis on certification following the Grenfell Tower Tragedy serves as a pivotal step towards enhancing safety, and providing much-needed peace of mind for the product purchaser, installer and occupants of a building.
In this article, we will outline what a third-party fire certification is, why you should be looking for them when buying fire door and passive fire protection products, and provide an overview of the process leading to a certification.
What is a third-party fire certification and accreditation?
A third-party fire certification and accreditation is a process by which an independent organisation will assess and verify that a product or system meets specific fire safety standards and regulations. This certification is conducted by a third-party entity that is not directly involved in the design and construction of the product to ensure a fair and accurate test.
Third-party fire certification may be relevant for businesses that need to demonstrate that their products comply with fire safety regulations. These certifications can cover a wide range of fire safety aspects, including the fire-rating of a product, durability and smoke sealing performance.
This certification can help establish trust and confidence that your fire safety measures are effective and reliable should a fire occur.
Why are third-party fire certifications important?
Third-party fire certifications are important for several reasons:
Objectivity:
Third-party certification involves independent assessors who are not affiliated with the entity being certified. This impartiality ensures that the evaluation process is free from any bias or conflict of interest, making the certification more credible.
Compliance Assurance:
Fire safety regulations are often complex and subject to change. Third-party certification helps manufacturers ensure that they are compliant with the latest safety standards.
Confidence and Trust:
Having a third-party certification demonstrates that an organisation takes fire safety seriously and has taken steps to ensure that their products are reliable. This can enhance trust and reputation.
Legal Requirement:
In some cases, regulatory authorities may require third-party certification to demonstrate compliance with fire safety regulations. Failing to obtain such certification could result in legal consequences.
Quality Assurance:
Third-party certification often includes regular audits and ongoing monitoring, ensuring that fire safety measures are maintained at a high standard over time and as things change.
What process do fire certifications follow?
Fire certifications typically follow a structured process that includes the following steps:
1. Test Evaluation
Third-party testers select the tests that are most relevant for the product and determine the conditions that the product should meet.
2. Factory Audits
An inspector from the certification body will conduct an on-site inspection of the facility. During this inspection, they assess the factory conditions and evaluate the production process of the product.
3. Product Testing
A physical inspection of the product is conducted by qualified inspectors. The type of inspection and testing will differ for each product, however, each test aims to discover what the manufacturer is claiming e.g. the fire rating of a product.
4. Product Certificate
Based on the results of the assessment, the certification body will make a decision on whether to issue the certification. If everything is in compliance with the requirements, they will award the certification.
Any products that we stock that hold a third-party certification such as Certifire, will be available to view and download directly from the product page.
5. Ongoing Testing
After certification is granted, the product will then be tested again in a few years to ensure all standards continue to be met.
Explore our range of certified passive fire protection products
In summary, third-party fire certifications play an important role in ensuring that fire safety measures are reliable, compliant with regulations and capable of protecting lives and property.
To access third-party certificates, simply click on the "Downloads and Datasheets" tab while viewing individual product pages.
Should you have any queries about our products, do not hesitate to contact our technical team at [email protected] or call 02920 857 959.
