Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk THE door industry journal winter 2024 Doorsets, Fire Doors, Safety & Security For facilities managers, specifiers, and building owners/managers, using third-party certified installers offers numerous benefits. Rather than viewing certification as a cost, it should be seen as a cost-saving measure. From a business perspective, the primary benefit is risk mitigation. Using a company with third-party certification for installation, such as Warringtonfire’s FIRAS scheme, provides stakeholders with assurance that PFP products installed in their buildings will offer the necessary fire protection, safeguarding escape routes and minimising damage in the event of a fire. The advantages of using third-party certified installation companies are clear, ensuring better building safety as standard. Opting for reputable, certified installers enhances safety standards nationwide and improves traceability. Golden Opportunity Achieving third-party certification is a rigorous process, which is why these schemes are highly regarded in the fire safety industry. Under the Warringtonfire FIRAS scheme, there are eight forms of acceptable evidence for demonstrating product performance, including: • Fire test evidence • Classification report in accordance with EN 13501 standards • Technical assessment of fire performance (test laboratories and independent assessment/consultancy bodies) • Technical assessment of fire performance (manufacturers) applicable for penetration, linear joint seals, and cavity barriers products only • Fire performance certification scope of application • The associated technical documents and relevant installation instructions that are issued with a CE/UKCA marked product covered by a scope of application given within a European Technical Assessment (ETA) that is linked to a valid Declaration of Performance (DoP) • The associated technical documents and relevant installation instructions that are issued with a CE/UKCA marked product, which has been placed on the market in conformity with a harmonised/designated product standard. The product must be linked to a valid Declaration of Performance (DoP) • Following the agreed specific design details for a project at which the installation work is to take place The list of acceptable forms of evidence ensures the products have suitable supporting data and can be used as part of the evidence trail that follows the principle of the ‘golden thread’. Guidance issued by the UK government stipulates you must keep a digital record of information about a building if you are: • A client, principal designer, or principal contractor working on a project that involves a higher-risk building • An accountable person or principal accountable person responsible for a high-rise residential building This helps relevant parties comply with their legal duties and manage building safety. Having a traceable record of how PFP products have been installed and the certification used to evidence this makes sure the ‘golden thread’ is being observed. A better standard for all Widespread adoption of independent UKAS accredited third-party certified PFP product installations depends on stakeholders and installation companies working together. Through a mutual understanding of the importance of accurate and reliable installation when it comes to PFP products, certification can become an accepted practice in the industry – bettering outcomes for all involved in ensuring building safety. Reputable certification schemes like FIRAS have a track record of successful accreditation. The Warringtonfire scheme is now celebrating its 30th anniversary and has awarded over 1,300 companies with FIRAS certification, resulting in over a quarter of a million projects completed under certification to date. If you want to join the over 1,300 companies that have achieved FIRAS certification, please visit www.warringtonfire.com/certification-services/fire-certification/firas For more information about Warringtonfire’s FIRAS certification, please visit www.warringtonfire.com/-/media/files/warringtonfire/firas/ewcqugd080-overview-of-firas-passivescheme-issue-1-21052024.pdf 1 Building Safety Act 2022 (legislation.gov.uk) 2 Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 3 The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (legislation.gov.uk) 4 Keeping information about a higher-risk building: the golden thread - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 5 Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety: final report - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 109
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