Clearview National March 2019 - Issue 208 | Page 12

PROUD SPONSOR OF INDUSTRY NEWS INDUSTRYNEWS A QUICK WIN FOR CREDIBILITY AND COMPETENCY At the end of January, the BFRC (British Fenestration Rating Council) hosted its first ever Fabricators’ Forum. And, despite looming weather conditions – with snow and ice taking hold of the south west – the Royal Berkshire Conference Centre was heating up; especially with the panel discussions that followed each of the five key presentations, which formed the backbone of the event. » » ONE PARTICULAR TOPIC, THAT caught the attention of Mark Swanborough Associate Director of Certification at Wintech Testing & Certification, was a talk hosted by Dr. Gary Morgan. Addressing issues of testing and certification, Dr. Morgan highlighted the importance of credibility when it comes to certifying products, competency, objectivity, and the potential repercussions of making false claims… “We treat each of our customers as individuals to fully understand their needs and requirements,” explains Mark. “This puts us in the best position possible to offer the services that they need, whether that is testing, certification or a combination of them both. “Testing products, particularly new products before they launch, as well as testing during the research and development phase, provides the peace of mind that the design specifications of the window or door product meets the standards surrounding common issues concerning security, weathertightness and operational performance. “To ensure our customers’ products meet these standards, we offer PAS 24:2016 testing for security, and BS 6375 for operational and 12 » M AR 2019 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M weathertightness testing. PAS 24:2016 testing is also required to satisfy Building Regulations Approved Document Q. “Certification can be key for our customers to demonstrate that their products and processes have been independently assessed to prove their credibility, and the competency of the company’s manufacturing systems as a whole. Not only this, but our UKAS Accredited WinMark Certification Scheme for the Enhanced Security of Windows & Doors opens customers up to tender for the increasing number of developments which now specify third-party certification. Our WinMark scheme is recognised by the police-led Secured by Design initiative, and is another path to Approved Document Q compliance.” » » WINTECH TESTING & Certification has been ensuring window, door and façade systems are compliant with industry regulation for almost 25 years. Throughout the construction industry, consultants, architects and clients demand products of the highest quality and performance. Testing is an integral part of demonstrating product performance and reducing risk. Often testing can be a time-consuming process and delays with laboratory scheduling can have a knock-on effect with construction timetables and product launches. Wintech Testing & Certification is able to provide a UKAS accredited testing service utilising the test facilities owned and operated by façade fabricators and manufacturers. Using a dedicated window and door testing laboratory, home to three PAS 24 testing rigs, six cyclic rigs, and weathertightness testing rig, Wintech can undertake testing in accordance to PAS 24:2016, BS 6375-1 Weathertightness, BS 6375- 2, durability, BS 6375-3, security and closure against obstruction. PAS 24 is a requirement for Building Regulation Approved Document Q, whilst a suite of all the above tests are required for compliance with Secured by Design. Allied to the testing pedigree, Wintech is also a UKAS Accredited Certification Body, offering the unique WinMark Certification Scheme for the Enhanced Security of Windows and Doors. Our scheme is recognised by Secured by Design and is another route to compliance with Approved Document Q. So, if you’re after a quick, smooth and painless certification process; it can be provided. Customers can also transfer existing certification over to Wintech. All that is required is the current certification documentation and Wintech will do the rest to ensure the transfer is quick, smooth, and efficient. Find out more by visiting www.wintechtesting.com, email [email protected], or call 01952 586580