BM TRADA Don't take the risk

INSIST ON THIRD PARTY CERTIFICATION AND MITIGATE YOUR RISK

CERTIFICATION

Third party certification sets out a scope of approval that products meet specific requirements or standards, and is carried out by independent, UKAS-accredited certification bodies like BM TRADA.

WHAT IS THIRD PARTY CERTIFICATION? Third party certification ensures that a manufacturer or installer has undergone a specific appraisal to confirm the quality of manufacture, installation or maintenance so architects, specifiers, contractors, owners and facilities managers can be confident products will perform as required for the duration of a building’s life cycle.

It is acknowledged in Approved Document B that building control bodies may accept certification under such schemes as evidence of compliance with a relevant standard, providing the building control body establishes before the start of the building work that a scheme is adequate for the purposes of the Building Regulations.

To attain third party certification, a manufacturer will have to undergo a rigorous audit process, with subsequent audits required on a regular ongoing basis. The manufacturer must ensure they have documented product specifications, installation instructions, and a factory production control system in place, all of which integrate with an approved quality management scheme such as ISO 9001.

The third party certification process also includes evaluation of the products that the manufacturer is looking to obtain certification for. This includes independent sampling of the test specimens constructed for generating the initial type test evidence, testing to the relevant test standard for the performance characteristic being evaluated and having a field of application prepared by experts in the field of fire testing that defines the permitted scope for the product family, based on the suite of test evidence.

that can achieve the required performance over time, as well as providing feedback on the components’ and materials’ behaviour in test conditions.

The marking requirements of third party certification schemes assist with identifying the provenance of the installed products which has direct benefits for fire risk assessment and maintenance activities.

WHY SPECIFY THIRD PARTY CERTIFICATION? Ensuring life safety in buildings is of paramount importance. Recent developments in the built environment sector, such as the Fire Safety Act 2021, which amended the Regulatory Reform (fire Safety) Order for England and Wales, have highlighted the need for having confidence in the performance of the fire safety provisions within the building and being able to identify and demonstrate the performance of those elements.

THE BENEFITS OF SPECIFYING THIRD PARTY CERTIFICATION •

Provides confidence in the manufacturer/ installer of a performance critical product

•

Assures consistency of quality

•

Reduces the risk of product failure

•

Increases life safety

•

Reduces risk of loss and business disruption

•

Demonstrates due diligence and improves reputation

•

Provides traceability throughout supply chain

The test evidence and field of application supports the performance of the products and is used by the certification body to check product compliance during the auditing process. Third party certification also requires periodic audit testing, to verify that the manufacturer is capable of making products

Building assurance in the minds of our customers and offering solutions for a complex world underpins everything that we do. To consistently deliver on our promise, we work to three guiding principles: technical excellence, operational excellence and customer excellence.

BMTRADA.COM

WHY SPECIFY BM TRADA Q-MARK CERTIFICATION? BM TRADA Q-Mark is a quality mark awarded to a manufacturer of a product or range of products, identifying the product(s) as having been assessed against specified performance levels through independent accredited tests. It also shows that every product manufactured will offer the same level of performance through integration with an approved quality management scheme. Continuous performance and production are also checked through regular audit testing and inspections.

ADDITIONAL REASONS TO SPECIFY •

Operated by one of the UK’s leading certification bodies

•

A recognized and widely accepted quality standard

•

Independently accredited by United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS)

•

Expertize in the field of doors, windows, glass and fire resistant products

•

Rigorous eligibility and on-going membership criteria

•

Audits conducted by full-time customer specific auditors with a manufacturing background

•

Consistency in auditing procedures

•

Regular factory audits conducted to ensure consistency in product manufacture

•

Regular sample testing to ensure consistency in product quality

•

Regular witness audits to ensure consistency in product installation quality

•

Continuous review process to ensure scheme operates to highest standards

To be confident the product you specify will perform as expected, make sure you include the following clause in your specification: All (product type) must be fully manufactured and installed under the appropriate BM TRADA Q-Mark Scheme.

CERTIFICATION PROCESS Manufacturers stated product family Test program established Test specimens sampled Initial test requirements Documented specifications Installation instructions Factory production control requirements

Initial audit visit

Periodic audit tests

Periodic audit visits

Marking of certified products

THE BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH BM TRADA •

Globally recognized, highly respected and fully accredited certification business, which means certification from us is readily accepted by specifiers.

•

With 30 years’ experience, deep technical knowledge and industry leading standard of service, we have thousands of certified customers in more than 70 countries around the world.

•

Our auditors are selected for their industry experience, local knowledge and ability to work collaboratively alongside clients, giving you peace of mind.

As a division of Element Materials Technology, one of the fastest growing and a top 10 global Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) business, we offer true end-to-end certification solutions, including independent certification of an organization’s management systems, supply chain, product and personnel to internationally recognized and accepted standards.

FOR FURTHER INQUIRIES

please contact: info.highwycombe@bmtrada.com BM TRADA +44 (1) 01494 569 750

BMTRADA.COM

BM TRADA