TESTING&CERTIFICATION
What is the difference between
testing and certification, and is it
important to have both done by
the same organisation? Why?
Products are tested on one occasion to
check whether they meet certain industry
standards. This is a snapshot in time,
whereas achieving certification demonstrates
that this is repeated to check for ongoing
consistency, either through regular audit
testing, surveillance of a factory and systems,
or a combination of all. It is not mandatory
for the same organisation to test and certify.
Certification bodies should accept test results
which have been carried out by other UKAS
or equivalent test laboratories providing they
have been tested on identical products, to the
same standard.
Specifically, when it comes
to fenestration – why is
BSI so important?
BSI’s comprehensive range of testing
and certification services for windows and
doors can give complete peace of mind
to manufacturers of windows and doors,
window installers, organisations that source
quality products, as well as the end user.
A systems house or fabricator can gain
proof of performance for products so
that they can tender for new business
opportunities and get products to market
more effectively. This is particularly valuable
when a new product is launched in the
market, giving confidence.
Specifiers can be confident the products
they procure are high quality and reliable, by
specifying the BSI Kitemark certification.
Window and doorset installers can
demonstrate quality workmanship, as well
as a commitment to customer service by
achieving the BSI Kitemark for Window
Installation. This includes verification that the
product they install meets the requirements
in Approved Document Q, in Building
Regulations and brings security to the
forefront by providing guidance on security in
new homes.
We can assist with notified body services
to enable CE marking and third-party
certification with a BSI Kitemark to British
and European standards, Publicly Available
Specifications (PAS) or technical specifications
(such as TS 007 Security Standard for
Replacement Lock Cylinders and Protective
Door Furniture) as well as a fully equipped
testing Centre of Excellence based in Hemel
Hempstead.
Our dedicated team of professionals (our
certification managers, auditors, laboratory
technicians and business development
managers) support the certification process
with in-depth regulatory knowledge
combined with product development
expertise. We have a thorough understanding
of the intricacies of the testing process and can
help you every step of the way.
At what stage of the process should
BSI get involved in a product?
Ideally at the project planning stage. Testing
and certification is often overlooked in the
race to get products to market. Whilst much
of what we do is a specific test or tests with
a result and a test report, we also work with
clients to provide development days where
a number of different product iterations can
be tested to assist the client in arriving at
investment decisions.
How has (if it has) BSI
changed fenestration, its
products and standards?
During the last two decades much has
changed in the services BSI offers, particularly
where legislation has driven the change.
In the 2000s, it was the thermal
performance of replacement windows being
covered by the remit of Building Regulations
via Approved Document L (a document that
provides guidance on the conservation of fuel
and power), which led to Window Energy
Ratings and Competent Persons Schemes.
Whilst the last decade saw the introduction of
The Construction Products Regulation which
led to windows and doors being CE marked.
Have changes in fenestration/construction
affected the way BSI has had to work?
During 2019, BSI launched two new
fenestration schemes with a new Kitemark for
Building Hardware as well as an Approved
Document Q Verification Certificate for
installers. Equally, when new materials arrive on
the market, or when consumer demand changes
the popularity of particular materials such as
aluminium or the appetite for bi-fold doors, we
are here to help our clients prove the credentials
of these new developments. In 2017 we built
a brand new ‘Internet of Things’ laboratory to
support clients looking to test the security of
their products, including smart locks.
What services does BSI offer to
manufacturers/fabricators in fenestration?
BSI has a full programme of developments
and improvements for 2020. The first of
which is the new K Schulten weathertest rig,
which is reported to be one of the largest of
its kind in the UK. It becomes operational at
a time when the fenestration market is seeing
continued growth in lifestyle products and in
particular sliding doors including, bi-folds,
slide and swing, patio and lift and slide.
It can accommodate a single test sample 6.5m
wide and 4m in height, including anything in
between. Testing to the latest weathertightness
standard BS 6375-1:2015+A1:2016 Performance
of Windows and Doors, manufacturers will be
able to prove performance to their maximum
sizes for growth products (bi-folds, slide and
swing, patio, and lift and slide doors).
The new K Schulten weathertest rig follows
on from BSI’s investment in 2017 to expand
its existing enhanced security test rig to enable
products to achieve PAS 24:2016 Enhanced
Security Performance Requirements for
Doorsets and Windows in the UK up to 6m
in width and 3m in height.
What have been the major changes
in Testing & Certification?
Testing and certification is still seen
by many as purely a route to mandatory
compliance. However, this approach usually
means a product achieving the minimum
requirements for it to continue to be placed on
the market. Choosing third party certification
such as the Kitemark demonstrates an ongoing
voluntary commitment to raising the
bar and offering a clear alternative against
competitors, which helps drive continual
improvement to make excellence a habit.
www.bsigroup.com
CLEARVIEW-UK.COM » JUN 2020 » 37