What is Third-Party Certification?

Third-party certification is a process of testing and verifying a fire door’s design, performance, manufacturing process and quality assurance of procedures and supporting documentation. A company that seeks third-party certification is independently audited to ensure that the management and manufacturing processes, and supporting systems, are in place to ensure consistency with the fire door / fire doorset that was initially tested. The product is also subjected to regular scrutiny, with periodic testing taking place on standard products to ensure that the test wasn’t just a once-only event.

For BWF Fire Door Alliance members, third-party certification involves meeting specific criteria:

1. The Fire Test: The fire resistance of a door assembly is determined by subjecting full-sized constructions to one or more tests in accordance with the appropriate fire test standard, BS 476: Part 22 or BS EN 1634-1 at a UKAS accredited test facility, the results of which are used to generate the scope of certification.

2. Auditing the Manufacturing Process: BWF Fire Door Alliance member companies are independently audited by their chosen UKAS accredited product certification body (via Warringtonfire Testing & Certification Limited trading as Warringtonfire for Certifire, or BM TRADA for Q-Mark). This ensures that appropriate management and manufacturing processes and systems are in place to provide consistency in the manufacture of the fire door.

3. The Audit Test: The fire door is subjected to regular scrutiny, with frequent testing taking place on sampled products to ensure that the test was not a one-off result.

4. Traceability: All fire door and doorset manufacturers and licensed processors identify their products by a unique labelling system which defines the member’s name contact details, the certification number, a unique serial number for each door and the rating.  A traceable labelling system allows the door to be linked to the test report and for manufacturers, door processors, installers, inspectors and clients to check on the history and correct use of the door.  It also provides a safety net.  By listing this information, the label provides traceability through the supply chain, ensuring the manufacturer can be contacted if information on the fire door is required.