In response to the Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, cladding testing has now become of paramount importance. Currently, the UK has few facilities for this test to be conducted and even when a slot is available, it can take months to receive results – the vital evidence needed to satisfy Building Control.
The Fire Protection Association’s (FPA) easily accessible sites at Moreton-in-Marsh and Blockley in Gloucestershire, now offer a comprehensive range of testing facilities, providing results that often exceed legislative guidelines – and today has received accreditation from UKAS to carry out the BS8414 tests.
FPA managing director, Jonathan O’Neill, said: “We’re proud to announce that the Fire Protection Association is now accredited by UKAS to carry out BS8414 testing. We have been instrumental in guiding legislation in the pursuit of thorough cladding testing and use of non-combustible materials, so this accreditation is vital to highlight our expertise. Our experienced laboratory staff are able to guide our customers through the testing process, while providing independent and impartial results.”
The FPA has built two rigs for commercial 8414 testing, which evaluates the effectiveness against fire of external cladding on buildings. These can test Part 1 (cladding attached to a concrete wall) and Part 2 (cladding attached directly to a steel structure). We also offer a half-sized rig to test bespoke elements surrounding a cladding test, for example the addition of a window or other opening to more closely replicate a real-life situation.
Jonathan continued: “As we have only just received accreditation we are able to offer availability for urgent testing requirements at competitive prices, as the FPA is a not-for-profit organisation. We also pride ourselves on fast reporting turnaround times, usually providing the 8414 report within two weeks of testing.”
