Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 106 THE door industry journal summer 2024 Doorsets, Fire Doors, Safety & Security The Importance of Third-Party Certification Owen Jones, technical director at Distinction Doors, the stockist and distributor of the fds (fire door systems) fire door range explores the role third-party certification plays in the UK composite fire door market. By the time you read this, the UK will, in all likelihood have a new Prime Minister. While the new incumbents settle in and take up the mantle of leadership, the British public and many businesses will be eager for proactive decision-making and action. As a stockist and distributor of composite fire doors, we are more than aware of how hesitancy and inaction can impact progress. I’m talking more specifically about the former government’s reluctance to mandate quality standards for the UK fire door market. We believe the right direction for fire protection and safety in new build and refurbishment projects is the mandatory use of third-party certification schemes to provide additional assurances. Legal requirements Currently, the only legal requirement is to meet the standards outlined in the associated Building Regulations. A high-performance composite fire doorset must be independently tested to BS 47622:1987 or the more demanding European test method BS EN 1634-1:2014 - both are currently accepted for Building Regulation compliance and prove 30-minute minimum integrity. The onus is then on building inspectors and clients to approve and manage the use of compliant composite fire doorsets. Third-party certification schemes are not a legal requirement. They are simply recommended by the Government and Building Regulations. We firmly believe there is sufficient evidence and backing to support the formalisation of the belt and braces approach afforded by UKAS accredited third-party certification schemes. Above and beyond These schemes exceed the basic legal requirements and offer additional assurances of consistent quality and
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