In the evolving landscape of fire safety and building regulations, a significant shift is occurring in the standards governing fire door testing. As we delve into the nuances of this transition, it's essential to comprehend the implications for manufacturers, builders, and safety professionals.
Understanding the Current Standards: BS 476-20
The BS 476 series has been a cornerstone in fire testing elements of construction in the UK. This standard specifies methods for determining the fire resistance of elements of construction, including fire doors. However, since 2014, the British Standards Institution (BSI) has ceased maintaining BS 476-20 and the downstream standards, meaning these standards will not be updated in the future. Whilst it has not been officially withdrawn, due to its legitimate need in non-EU markets, the foreword in BS 476-20 does state it has been superseded by BS EN 1363-1 and BS EN 1363-2. This stagnation poses a significant concern for the industry as it may lead to outdated testing methods that don't align with current safety needs or advancements.
The Shift to EN 1363: A Proactive Approach
In contrast, the European Standard EN are increasingly being recognised as a more comprehensive and up-to-date standards for fire resistance testing elements of construction. These standards focus on determining the Integrity, Insulation and Loadbearing Capacity of elements of construction. With the UK construction industry moving towards more European standards, the relevance of EN 1363-1 is more pronounced than ever.
The Case for Transition
The cessation of updates to BS 476-20 and the looming possibility of its exclusion from approved documents in England, Wales, and technical standards in Scotland underscore the urgency of transitioning to EN 1363-1 and EN 1363-2. Moreover, with the growing legal requirement for construction products to be CE/UKCA marked, testing to EN 1363-1 and EN 1363-2 is not just a matter of choice, its likely to become a serious matter of compliance.
Protecting Investment and Ensuring Compliance
For manufacturers and stakeholders in the fire safety industry, the shift to EN 13631 and EN 1363-2 is not merely a regulatory hoop to jump through. It represents a commitment to quality, safety, and future-proofing investments in fire safety products. Testing to EN standards ensures that products are evaluated against the latest safety criteria, offering peace of mind and a competitive edge in a market increasingly focused on compliance and reliability.
UKTC’s Experience in EN Testing Projects
The transition from BS 476-20 to EN 1363-1 and EN 1363-2 is a clear indicator of the industry's move towards more robust, current, and harmonised standards. While this shift may present initial challenges, it is a necessary step in ensuring that fire safety products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. UKTC currently supports a multitude of clients carrying out their EN testing projects.
Are you looking to find out more information? Contact us at info@uktestcert.com or call us on 01355 433122; our experienced team will be happy to help.
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