Third-party certification. What does it mean, and does it matter?

Construction projects are at the mercy of an eyewatering number of variables that impact their success – from the weather to logistics. While you can’t stop it from raining, there are two variables you can control: the quality of the materials and labour used to complete the project.

Successful construction projects are underpinned by the integrity of their elements – which is typically dependent on two factors: the materials/products making up that element and the standard of workmanship used to install/construct the element.

To ensure this integrity, proactive project managers engage with construction products and services that have achieved third-party certification.

Benefits of third-party certification

Third-party certification reassures project managers that the product/service has been inspected and endorsed by an accredited, independent third party to determine that it complies with specific safety, quality, and performance standards – and the benefits are compelling:

·       Remain compliant by meeting regulatory requirements.

·       Achieve operational efficiencies through better processes.

·       Reduce financial risk exposure.

·       Reduce the risk of reputational damage.

·       Gain competitive advantage.

Certification process

To ensure the product/service complies with the necessary standards, the certification process typically includes three comprehensive steps:

·       An inspection and/or review of the element that is being certified.

·       An assessment of associated paperwork to make sure that it is accurate.

·       Periodic inspections and audit tests to verify ongoing performance.

Third-party fire door certification

Third-party certification tests and verifies a fire door’s design, performance, and manufacturing process, and provides quality assurance of procedures and supporting documentation.

This typically involves meeting specific criteria:

·       The fire test: The fire resistance of a door is determined by subjecting it to one or more tests in accordance with the appropriate fire test standard.

·       Auditing the manufacturing process: The manufacturer is independently audited by a UKAS-accredited product certification body to ensure that appropriate management and manufacturing processes and systems are in place.

·       The audit test: The door is subjected to ongoing scrutiny to ensure the initial test was not a one-off result.

·       Traceability: A unique, traceable labelling system allows the door to be linked to the test report and for manufacturers, door processors, installers, inspectors, and clients to check the history and use of the door. This also provides traceability through the supply chain, so the manufacturer can be contacted if information on the door is required.

Third-party accreditation

Reputable organisations that provide third-party certification services of construction products/services are accredited themselves. This is typically undertaken by the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS), the UK’s only national accreditation body that’s recognised by the government – but independent of it – to certify against internationally agreed standards.

UKAS has been appointed by the government to assess and accredit organisations that provide services including certification, testing, inspection, and calibration. It works in the public interest to determine the technical competence and integrity of such organisations.

Doorview

We are accredited by third-party schemes and industrial bodies that guarantee the quality of our products and services, contact us to find out more.#safety #quality #firedoors #buildingmangement #firesafety