FOCUS
Third party certification
in that product. As described in ISO 17065, this aims to provide confidence in the compliance of the product, and adds value to the process of certification by having independent assurance that the product has been constructed correctly according to the scheme requirements and against a recognised normative performance standard appropriate to the product. Other requirements of third party certification
schemes such as marking the product, factory production control records and ongoing inspections and audits have other benefits related to fire risk assessment activities, maintenance and repair, and insurance. For example, a fire resisting construction product, such as a fire door, is considerably easier to identify as a performance product if it is labelled with a recognised third party certification label. This will assist with fire risk assessment activities related to protecting escape routes and compartmentation. In the absence of such information and, depending on the competence of the fire risk assessor and/or age and condition of the door, the findings of the risk assessment may be to replace the door or to seek specialist advice. Additionally, the label will provide provenance to the original manufacturer and/or installer, which is useful for ongoing maintenance activities, particularly when replacing components such as damaged hardware, intumescent strips or glazing. Certification bodies are accredited by their national accreditation bodies (eg UKAS in the UK). National accreditation bodies are typically appointed by their government to carry out this role. All certification bodies that provide third party certification for products, processes and services will be accredited against ISO 17065, which requires
38 MARCH 2018
www.frmjournal.com
impartiality, competence, probity, confidentiality, openness and professionalism to be considered as part of the structure of the organisation.
Building regulations
Given the key benefits of third party certification, such as reduced levels of risk and improved levels of assurance, why is it still under specified and misunderstood? The answer is closely linked to the various options available for different materials and systems to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of Regulation 7 of the Building Regulations 2010 regarding materials and workmanship. Regulation 7 requires building work to be carried out using adequate and proper materials in a workmanlike manner, with Approved Documents and other relevant guidance documents and codes of practice stating the properties and performance that the materials or systems should meet. In Approved Document 74
, the state
approved guidance document for meeting the requirements of Regulation 7, there are two sections that deal with materials and workmanship. The guidance in section 1, which provides different ways of establishing the fitness of materials, is summarised as follows: ◊ If the product is a standardised one that is covered by a European Harmonised Standard (hEN), it will be CE marked by the manufacturer and placed on the market with a declaration of performance. For fire resisting products, this will involve notified certification bodies and notified test laboratories. Whilst CE marking is a market
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
