92 SAFETY & SECURITY


THE BUILDING SAFETY BILL IS YET TO PASS THROUGH PARLIAMENT, BUT IT’S CLEAR THAT IT WILL FOCUS ON TRACEABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY


The test results are used to produce the scope of certification.


 Initial manufacturing process audit: BWF Fire Door Alliance members are audited by their chosen UKAS accred- ited product certification body. This provides reassurance and confidence that the correct management procedures, manufacturing processes and systems are in place to ensure consistency in the manufacture of the fire door.


 Audit testing: The fire door is subject to regular scrutiny, with frequent testing on sampled products to ensure that the initial test was not a one-off result.


 Further manufacturing audits: The manufacturer’s or processor’s management procedures,


manufacturing processes and systems are regularly audited.


WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT? With the Building Safety Bill and the introduction of the golden thread on the horizon, third-party certification provides vital visibility and traceability for building owners and managers of a fire door’s journey through the construction supply chain. This means that a label or plug with


a unique identification number is fixed to the door, allowing for full traceability, as well as access to information related to the door’s specification and production records. Importantly, for large residential


properties, it allows access to the original fire certificate, and the scope of certification. This is critical to the fire door’s ongoing maintenance throughout its lifespan as it enables inspections to be carried out against the door’s original standard. For maintenance purposes it is also important, as it allows replacement components to be sourced which are compatible with the certification so that compliance is maintained. Passing this level of building safety


information through the supply chain, particularly for residential properties, can


result in the difference between a fire door that is fit for purpose and one that does not hold back smoke and fire. The Building Safety Bill is yet to pass through Parliament, but it’s clear that it will focus on traceability and accountabil- ity. By specifying third-party certified fire doors now, housebuilders and developers can take a proactive approach to compli- ance with the upcoming legislation, and benefit from the knowledge that their fire doors will perform as stated in the event of a fire.


Helen Hewitt is CEO of the British Woodworking Federation (BWF)


WWW.HBDONLINE.CO.UK


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