Safety experts UL Solutions and the UK Fire Protection Association (FPA) have opened a new fire resistance testing laboratory for building products and systems.
Funded by UL Solutions, the new lab will help building product manufacturers test their products and achieve compliance with fire safety regulations.
Located in Blockley, Gloucestershire, the facility includes BS 8414 test rigs complimented by two of the largest fire resistance test furnaces of their kind in the world. BS 8414 is the British Standard for Fire performance of external cladding systems.
In the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy of 2017, manufacturers, specifiers and contractors are now required to provide detailed test data for their projects.
The developers say the new lab will provide additional independent testing capacity in the country and help ensure better fire safety compliance for a wide range of construction products and systems.
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Karine Johnfroe, vice president and general manager of the Built Environment group at UL Solutions, said: “This new laboratory offers much-needed extra capacity for fire resistance testing, and we’re delighted to have worked with the FPA on this project.
“The partnership between the FPA and UL Solutions demonstrates our shared mission of working for a safer world.
“With the Blockley laboratory and by offering services to help meet regulatory and code requirements, we are able to provide trust and confidence to code authorities while supporting contractors and building owners that building products they use to meet regulatory and code requirements.”
Jonathan O’Neill OBE, the FPA’s managing director, added: “The FPA is delighted to be part of this dynamic collaboration with UL Solutions that will further enhance capacity and capabilities at our Blockley site.
“A UL Solutions Certification is universally recognised as providing trust and confidence to code authorities that products meet code requirements. Now, as a result of our work together, manufacturers and system providers will not only have access to the tests and certifications required by U.K. regulations but will also be able to satisfy the requirements of regulators around the world.”
Image: Blockley furnace grand opening (credit: UL Solutions)
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