TESTING & CERTIFICATION |
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24 assessor must be among the most fun jobs in the world .
But Secured by Design accreditation also looks well beyond just the products themselves , and this is where the vital third-party certification element comes into the equation .
UL ’ s approach to PAS 24 and the relevant fit-for-purpose standards is not just about mechanical and manual checks on the product but also the scrutiny of the factory and manufacturing processes . If all is well , UL Solutions will issue a certificate to the manufacturer , allowing it to promote its products as ‘ certificated ’ to PAS 24 . There is an ongoing annual audit to confirm that the product continues to meet the PAS 24 requirements . It ’ s proof that the PAS 24 compliance was not a one-off .
From dual certification to multi certification
So that ’ s security . However , in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy , awareness has also risen that , in some cases , enhanced security features added to doors can directly impact their fire safety , and particularly the performance of flat entrance doors .
Therefore , dual certification of these doors was introduced
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a few years ago . Basically , this approach says that for all Secured by Design projects , doorsets and door assemblies must now be certified for both enhanced security and resistance to fire by the same certification body . The specification and specimen to be tested must be identical – there ’ s no scope to swap around anything on either the door type , size or design , or the associated hardware . Additionally , there is no sample that has been engineered to pass one of the tests , which may be detrimental to the other test .
Responsible door manufacturers welcomed and adopted this approach . And off the back of this successful initiative , the trend is now for a multi-certification approach .
For example , from June this year , Secured by Design projects have also required smoke testing for doorsets or door assemblies to BS 476-31.1 ( Methods for Measuring Smoke Penetration through Door Sets and Shutter Assemblies ), or BS EN 1634-3 ( Fire Resistance and Smoke Control Tests for Door and Shutter Assemblies , Openable Windows and Elements of Building Hardware ). This is important because , as SBD ’ s guidance explains , incorrect smoke seals
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or badly fitted smoke seals will impact how a fire doorset performs .
UL ’ s certification scheme includes smoke control testing alongside fire and security , conducted at the UL Solutions fire safety facility in Telford . And it ’ s worth noting that this will involve much more than just checking for smoke seals or intumescent strips . Fire and smoke testing are entirely different , but both are very rigorous .
Unfortunately , the fact remains that smoke , fire and security standards can sometimes work against each other . It ’ s a major challenge for clients , designers and contractors to find a design and specification that works for these multiple priorities , let alone also meeting required industry standards for operation , weathering , thermal transmittance , acoustics and accessibility .
The different testing standards for doors and windows are also very varied and complex , so early engagement with your chosen testing and certification organisation is critical to get the right combination of tests and certifications .
UL Solutions is the partner of choice for many UK and European door and window
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manufacturers in their quest for excellence .
Our Telford UKASaccredited test and third-party certification facilities support customers that want to make a strong market entry . Independent assessment for the police-backed SBD scheme and fire door certification allows manufacturers to demonstrate that their products and procedures meet accepted standards for security .
With end-users demanding high levels of quality and safety in their homes , manufacturers and builders must respond and align their products with the SBD scheme or risk losing a competitive advantage . For companies based outside of the UK , this level of certification also demonstrates a commitment to supplying high-performance products that meet demanding local standards .
Learn more about UL ’ s
security , dual and multicertification
services , or
contact the UL Solutions Built
Environment team in the UK at
EU . BuildingLifeSafety @ ul . com .
A complimentary on-demand
webinar explaining third-party
testing and certification of
building products is also
available .
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