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Product Conformity Certification Scheme for Fire Protection Products – Technical Requirements for Fire Partitions

Fire Group

PRODUCT CONFORMITY CERTIFICATION SCHEME FOR FIRE PROTECTION PRODUCTS TECHNICAL REQUIREMETNS FOR FIRE PARTITIONS FG-TG003

MARCH 2006

__________________________________________________________________________________________ The Fire Group, The Hong Kong Institute of Steel Construction FG-TG003 p.1


FOREWORD The Fire Group of The Hong Kong Institute of Steel Construction was established in 2002. It aims to provide a technical platform for various professionals in the construction industry, including architects, building surveyors, engineers, contractors, fire-fighting personnel, and fire-product suppliers to promote advanced and cost-effective fire safety engineering of structures. The Committee of the Fire Group consists of: Dr Y L Wong Dr S W Yuen Dr M C Luo

Chairman Vice Chairman Vice Chairman

Ir C K Cheung

Mr Raymond Cheung Ir C C Choy Ir Prof. K F Chung Mr Samson Ho Ir C K Lau Ir Y W Mak Mr C K Wong Dr C K Yuen Dr L D Zhao

This document “Product Conformity Certification Scheme for Fire Protection Products – Technical Requirements for Fire Partitions” is the third technical guide on fire protection products compiled by the Fire Group. It shall be read in conjunction with the “Product Conformity Certification Scheme for Fire Protection Products – Administrative Procedures”. This document serves as a reference document for the local construction industry to establish appropriate technical requirements for fire doors under the Product Conformity Certification Scheme for fire protection products, and it was compiled between July and November 2005 by a Task Group consisting of the following Committee Members: Mr Raymond Cheung Ir C K Cheung Ir Prof. K F Chung Dr S W Yuen __________________________________________________________________________________________ The Fire Group, The Hong Kong Institute of Steel Construction FG-TG003 p.2


Contribution from the following professionals was gratefully acknowledged: Mr Vincent Chu Mr McKey Ho Mr M C Hui Mr Chris Miles Dr Otto Lau Mr James Lee Mr T C Lok Dr Andrew So Mr Kevin Tse Mr Fox Young

Disclaimer No responsibility is assumed for any injury and/or damage to persons or properties as a matter of products liability, negligence or otherwise, or from any use or operation of any methods, products, instructions or ideas contained in the material herein.

Copyright 2005 © reserved by: The Hong Kong Institute of Steel Construction (HKISC) All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the HKISC. Further information about the HKISC can be obtained at the official website: http:/www.hkisc.org. __________________________________________________________________________________________ The Fire Group, The Hong Kong Institute of Steel Construction FG-TG003 p.3


SYNOPSIS This Product Conformity Certification Scheme for Fire Protection Products aims to promote the quality of manufacture and supply of fire protection products. The Scheme ensures that all the certified products are quality controlled at various critical stages of manufacture and supply, from auditing of quality management system of production plants, initial prototype testing of products, technical inspection of manufacturing process, and subsequent surveillance visits and continual audit testing of products. It should be noted that in many advanced countries, most government departments, local regulators and authorities as well as national agencies require mandatory certifications of fire protection products for reasons of safety, health, environmental protection, fraud prevention and market fairness. Such requirements are often stipulated in their project specifications and procurement contracts. The Scheme adopts ISO 9001 for quality management system, ISO 17020 for inspection and ISO 17025 for testing schemes into one coordinated audit, ensuring conformity of the products at various critical stages of manufacture and supply. All the certified products are entitled to bear a certification mark together with relevant technical product description. This Scheme carries the following advantages: •

An independent assurance on fire protection products is achieved that the products are manufactured and supplied under an effective system of testing, inspection, conformity control and regular monitoring by an independent accredited certification body.

•

The purchasers of the products are assured that each individual product is certified to be in compliance with both the stringent administrative procedures and the relevant technical requirements of the Scheme.

•

The Scheme is able to identify certified products with a certification mark which enhances the reputation of the products as well as the manufacturers, and hence, their competitiveness in the market.

•

All certified products enjoy the benefits of protection against competition from sub-standard products and misrepresentation.

•

The Scheme is highly effective in improving production efficiency with reduced wastage and rejects.



It should be noted that a complementary document, namely, Technical Requirements is compiled for each type of fire protection products, which includes all technical requirements on material specifications, testing methods and procedures and fire performance of finished products against relevant standards. Moreover, as the ISO/IEC Guide 65: 1996 “General requirements for bodies operating product certification systems” specifies that the scope of certification system shall be coupled with production surveillance / assessment and surveillance of the Applicant’s quality management system, the framework of this Scheme is established against the following international guidance: i) ii)

IAF Guidance on the Application of ISO/IEC Guide 65, and IAF Guidance on the Application of ISO/IEC Guide 62.

In view of the local practice and the normative reference in fire protection products in Hong Kong, the HKCAS Supplementary Criteria No. 2, in particular, Clause 4 about product certification procedures is adopted which form a very rigid base for this Scheme to build up both the administrative procedures and the technical requirements. The workflow of the Scheme and all relevant procedures of certification audit, surveillance visits and renewal audits are outlined in Appendix A for easy reference.



Content Page 1. Introduction

7

2. Definitions

7

3. Quality Management System

10

4. Quality Responsibilities of the Participant

11

5. Quality Requirement Planning

12

6. Delivery of Fire Partitions

15

7. Quality Control of Purchased Constituent Materials

16

8. Production Control

17

9. Conformity Control of Fire Partitions

18

10. Training of Staff

20

11. Quality Management System Review

21

12. Quality Records

21

13. Reference

22

Appendix A Guideline for Fire Performance Assessment in lieu of Fire Tests

23



1.

Introduction

1.1

This Scheme aims to promote the quality of manufacture and supply of fire protection products. The Applicants/ Participants participated in this Scheme shall meet all the specified requirements stipulated in this document.

1.2

This Scheme requires all the Applicants/ Participants to operate a Quality Management System complied with ISO 9001: 2000. Alternatively, while the Quality Management System is not required to comply fully with ISO 9001:2000, all the essential quality elements relevant to the manufacture and supply of the products shall be followed (HKCAS Supplementary Criteria No. 2, Issue No. 1 dated August 2003).

1.3

This document sets out the technical requirements of the Scheme for fire partitions and shall be read in conjunction with the Product Conformity Certification Scheme for Fire Protection Products – Administrative Procedures (FG-TG 001).

2.

Definitions For the purposes of this Scheme, the following terms are defined as below: Auditor A person who possesses the competence as required by ISO 19011:2002 to conduct an audit. CB A certification body accredited by the Hong Kong Accreditation Services (HKAS) to execute this Scheme. Fire partition A non-loadbearing wall designed to provide vertical separation when exposed to fire from one side only or from either side.


Product Conformity Certification Scheme for Fire Protection Products Technical Requirements for Fire Partitions

Fire resistance An ability of a component of a building to satisfy for a specific period of time against specific performance criteria as given in the relevant Part of BS 476. Glazing material A material that provides a bedding for the glass and produces a joint between it and the surround. Initial Type Testing A method under which a sample of the product is selected in the certification audit and tested according to a prescribed test method in order to verify full compliance with the relevant Technical Requirements. Insulating glass A glass which, when subjected to test in accordance with BS 476:Part 22, satisfies the insulation criterion for the duration specified in the application. Insulation The performance characteristics stated in term of elapsed time to the nearest minute, between the commencement of heating and the time of failure. It measures the temperature rise of the unexposed face for evaluation of the insulation in accordance with Clause 10.4 of BS 476: Part 20: 1987 for both mean temperature rise and the maximum temperature rise. Integrity The performance characteristics stated in terms of elapsed time to the nearest minute, between the commencement of heating and the time of failure. It monitors the unexposed face of the specimen for evaluation of the integrity in accordance with Clause 10.3 of BS 476: Part 20: 1987.

__________________________________________________________________________________________ The Fire Group, The Hong Kong Institute of Steel Construction FG-TG003 p. 8


Lead Auditor An auditor has additional knowledge and skills in audit leadership, as required by ISO 19011: 2002, to facilitate efficient and effective execution of the audit. Major Nonconformity A deviation from the Scheme Requirements, or absence of, or failure to implement and maintain one or more required quality management system elements, or a situation which will, on the basis of available objective evidence, raise significant doubt to the conformity of the products (IAF Guidance on the Application of ISO/IEC Guide 65: 1996, Issue 1 dated 27 March 1999). Minor Nonconformity A failure to comply with the Scheme Requirements which is considered not to affect seriously the quality management system of the Applicant/ Registrant or the compliance with the Scheme Requirements. Participants A company, business or person that is either an Applicant or a Registrant as defined in the complementary Administrative Procedures. Product Classification The classification of fire partitions that is described in term of fire rating period (FRP) as a measure of fire test performance. The figure after the term FRP (either integrity or insulation) means the elapsed time between the commencement of heating and the time of failure in the fire performance test. Purchaser An individual or a company that purchases the product.



Quality Management System The organizational structure, responsibilities, procedures, processes and resources for implementing quality management regarding the manufacture and supply of the products. Scope of Certification A range of products that an Applicant applies for the product conformity certification under this Scheme. Test evidence Fire performance test evidence performed by a HOKLAS accredited laboratory and conducted in accordance with BS 476: Part 22:1987. This evidence is acceptable as the basis for fire performance assessment reports.

3.

Overview of Technical Requirements

3.1

The Participant shall demonstrate full compliance with all the technical requirements listed in this clause in each certification audit, surveillance visit and renewal audit.

3.2

A quality management system shall be established, documented and maintained in accordance with relevant requirements of ISO 9001: 2000 related to the certified product, and be certified by an accredited certification body. In addition, the quality management system shall cover the following aspects: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h.

Quality responsibilities of the Participant; Quality requirement planning; Delivery of fire partitions; Quality control of purchased constituent materials; Production control; Conformity control for fire partitions; Training of staff; Quality management system review;



i.

Quality records.

These aspects shall be read with Clause 4 to Clause 12 for details. 3.3

Technical procedures different from the Technical Requirements may be accepted but subjected to the approval of the CB that same degree of quality assurance of the product can be achieved. However, the alternative technical procedures shall be fully documented and be made available to the CB for consideration.

4.

Quality responsibilities of the Participant

4.1

The Participant shall delegate authorities and responsibilities to appointed staff as its representative for implementing and ensuring that the requirements of ISO 9001: 2000. Alternatively, while the quality management system is not required to comply fully with ISO 9001:2000, all the essential quality elements relevant to the product production shall be followed, as well as all the technical requirements listed in Clause 3.1 are met. He must have: witnessed at least one fire performance test on the product; and fully understand the technical requirements of the Scheme.

4.2

The Participant’s staff shall be technically competent for their duties and functions in their organization. Moreover, they shall be fully aware of the effects of their duties and functions in the Quality Management System (refer to Clause 10 for details).

5.

Quality Requirement Planning

5.1

Purchaser’s quality requirements

5.1.1

The Participant shall supply fire partitions meeting the purchaser’s quality requirements, the quality requirements of a specified standard (e.g. BS 476: Part 22: 1987 or other standards) as well as the quantity as ordered by the purchaser.



5.1.2

Information as supplied by the purchaser The following essential information of the partitions is required in a purchaser’s order: a. b. c.

5.1.3

The product classification, include the rating of fire resistance; The quantity required; and The size and number of glazed openings if applicable;

Review on purchaser’s specifications and orders The Participant shall appoint a competent person to review systematically the purchaser’s specifications and orders, relate these requirements to the type of fire partitions and incorporate these requirements into the production. Such specifications, orders, and any subsequent agreed modifications shall be documented so that the production plant can carry out the production accordingly.

5.1.4

Information from the Participant to the Purchaser The following information of the partition shall be given by the Participant to the purchaser prior to delivery of the product whenever appropriate: a. b. c.

The rating of fire resistance; The quantity required; and The size and number of any glazed openings;

A typical example of a fire partition is: PCCS-FP FRP 60 (Integrity) & FRP 30 (Insulation), a fire resisting partition satisfying integrity criterion for 60 minutes and insulation criterion for 30 minutes. 5.2

Requirements for constituent materials All constituent materials including studwork, mineral wool (both thickness and density), fire rated boards (include the thickness of boards), fire rated glass panels, stainless steel cladding and structural steel members, etc shall be tested or checked against the supplier’s certificates for material conformance against the prevailing testing standards.



5.3

Fire partition design The fire partition shall meet the specific quality requirements as given by the purchaser. The design system shall enable the Participant to maintain a full set of data to meet the nominal specifications over a full range of fire ratings for each type of fire partitions available at each production plant. The design process shall be based on fire performance tests and technical assessments over a full range of known fire ratings. The original test results are then presented in graphical or tabulated forms for each of the required integrity and insulation criteria. These results shall allow the Participant to identify immediately the necessary performance that meets the Purchaser’s requirements.

5.3.1

Fire performance test and technical assessment All fire performance tests shall be conducted and reported in accordance with BS 476: Part 22: 1987, or other international / national standards by a HOKLAS accredited laboratory. Each certified product must have at least one fire performance test report issued by a HOKLAS accredited laboratory, together with a report confirming the required period of fire resistance in full compliance with the prevailing testing standard. Attach additional surface temperature measuring thermocouples at weak point positions other than those specified, e.g. near board joints and the top edge of the specimen, etc to determine the temperature at any point on the surface that the temperature rise is likely to be higher than elsewhere due to lower level of insulation, and which may be required for evaluation of the maximum temperature rise. For additional temperature measuring thermocouples near joints, they should be located at positions not exceeding 15 mm as measured from the joint to the center of the thermocouple. In addition to the fire performance test reports, each certified product will usually be subjected to a technical assessment report which summarizes the permissible variations for that partition type in accordance with Appendix A. This assessment shall be compiled only on the basis of the fire performance test result and by an



independent expert with qualification as given in Appendix A. The assessment report shall consider the probable expansions and movements of the partitions due to heating, together with possible deformations and excessive stresses due to changes in material properties at elevated temperatures. The effect of transient differential heating of components should be taken into account. The assessment should ensure adequacy of fixing arrangements in relation to probable distortions as well as the presence of wall construction. Where a fire partition is of an insulated design, the assessment should ensure that the insulation performance and the fire partition integrity performance are not adversely affected by changes in design arising from dimensional changes or any changes in the configurations of the fire partition. The assessment should establish that the proposed maximum dimensions of a fire partition of a specified design can, with a reasonable degree of certainty, be considered to give a fire performance equivalent to that required by BS 476: Part 22, when installed in practice. For the evaluation of a particular type of glass for use in one or more proprietary framing system, the assessment principles shall cover the following aspects: a. b. c. d. e. f. g.

The ability of a particular framing system to support the glass(es) for the required fire resistant period. The ability of the glass to remain in position for a given fire resistance period when suitably glazed. Compatibility between the glass and partition assembly. The ability of a given pane size to achieve a specific fire resistance period and the ability of the transom to support it. The effects of aspect ratio. The ability of the assembly to accommodate shared transoms and mullions. The possibility of alternative ancillary items such as glazing gaskets, pointing mastics, decorative trims, etc.

For the evaluation of a particular type of mineral wool and fire rated boards for use in one or more proprietary framing system, the assessment principles shall cover the following aspects: a.

The ability of a particular framing system to support the mineral wool and fire



b. c. d.

5.3.2

rated boards for the required fire resistant period. The ability of the fire rated boards to remain in position for a given fire resistance period when suitably installed. Compatibility between the mineral wool and partition assembly. The ability of a given thickness of fire rated boards to achieve a specific fire resistance period and the ability of the studwork to support it.

Product specification The product specification defines the manufacturing parameters that have a bearing on the fire test performance of the fire partitions. It includes manufacturing drawings, material specifications, dimensions and tolerances. The product specification should contain the following minimum information: a.

b. c.

Material specifications of all components of the partition including in-filled material like mineral wool (thickness, density, shot content, binder content and moisture content), the board cladding, the framing system, fire rated glass panel, studwork systems and fixing systems, etc. Manufacturing drawings showing profiles, fixing details, component positions and dimensions of all components, etc. If applicable, approved glazing details and maximum aperture sizes for the partition type.

6.

Delivery of fire partitions

6.1

Site handling and storage Delivery should be planned so as to reduce the storage time on site to the practical minimum. Where partitions have to be stored, they should be protected at all times from rain and sun, preferably in a ventilated environment. Any protective wrappings should be retained as long as possible.

6.2

Identification Correct identification of finished fire partitions is vital for the purchasers and



regulatory authorities to know accurately the product status. Note: The Certification Mark, using RFID - Radio Frequency Identification Device (optional) or other alternatives, shall be inserted near the top corner of the fire partition containers for clear identification whenever possible or at a location on the partition reachable and observable by the installer or the purchaser. 6.3

Delivery of fire partitions Before delivering the fire partitions to the Purchaser, the Participant shall provide the Purchaser with a preprinted delivery ticket for each product type detailing the following information: -

name of the production plant as audited and certified by the certification body for this partition; serial number of delivery notes; the product classification of the fire partitions; the quantity of the partitions; the quantity of any glazed openings, if appropriate; the name of purchaser; the name and the location of site; the name of the partition installer, if appropriate; and declaration of conformity with reference to the specifications in accordance with the product conformity certificate.

Also, the installation instructions together with a technical data sheet provided to the partition installers. The means of relaying this information will depend on the distribution channels used. For example, where partitions are to be sold by a distributor or a wholesaler from stock, then the relevant data shall be supplied with each partition sold. Conversely, where the bespoke fire partitions are supplied directly to site then a sufficient number of data sheets shall be provided with each delivery of fire partitions to ensure that all the partition installers receive a copy with acknowledgement. The data sheet should provide the following details: -

Provision on storage and handling. The specification of any components not supplied as part of the assembly but



-

required to produce an assembly. The installation instructions, etc.

The Participant shall ensure that the installation instructions of the fire partition comply with the purchaser’s requirements.

7.

Quality control of purchased constituent materials

7.1

All the purchased constituent materials shall be inspected or verified on delivery by the Participant. Whenever a non-conformity of incoming materials is identified, such non-conformity records shall be documented.

7.2

In-use mineral wool, stainless steel and structural steel from an approved source shall be checked or tested by the Participant according to Clause 5.2.

7.3

All external testing of materials shall be performed by an independent HOKLAS accredited laboratory or an oversea laboratory under the HOKLAS’s Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA); and their test reports shall be documented. If the Applicant has the resource and capability which includes an accredited in-house laboratory to relevant test standards, tests can be performed in-house and shall be witnessed by the Lead auditor / Auditor against all requirements in ISO/IEC 17025 and relevant testing documents.

7.4

All field and laboratory testing for production control shall comply with the Purchaser’s requirements and the specified testing standard (e.g. EN, BS). Whenever external testing services are required, these tests shall be performed by an independent HOKLAS accredited laboratory or an oversea laboratory under the HOKLAS’s Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA).

8.

Production control

8.1

General The production procedure contains details of the processes involved in the manufacture of fire partitions under the Scheme. The Participant shall carry out



routine inspection and monitoring of the equipment and machinery at least at weekly intervals to ensure production consistency. These quality records shall be maintained for three years. 8.2

The Participant shall establish and implement systematic controls on fire partition production at the plant in accordance with the Purchaser’s specification and this Scheme.

8.3

All the fire partitions shall be subject to production control under the responsibility of the Participant. Production control comprises of all necessary measures to maintain conformity in the property of the fire partitions against specified requirements in this Scheme. It includes: a. b. c. d. e.

Selection and installation of constituent materials; Initial type test (fire performance test against BS 476: Part 22: 1987 which is performed in the Certification Audit); Audit testing (fire performance test against BS 476: Part 22: 1987 which are performed in surveillance visits and renewal audits); Routine inspections and tests; and Conformity control as given in Clause 9.

9.

Conformity control of fire partitions

9.1

Fire performance test and fire performance assessment of fire partitions All fire performance tests shall be conducted and reported in accordance with BS 476: Part 22: 1987 by a HOKLAS accredited laboratory. Each certified product must have at least one full scale, HOKLAS accredited, test report achieving the required period of fire resistance and in full compliance with the testing standard. Each Participant shall carry out at least one fire performance test for each product type within every 36 months or every produced quantity of 1.5 million m² in measured surface area of each type of the fire partitions, whichever is the more stringent condition. As these fire performance tests will normally be held during



audits, the audit results serve as the basis of verifying the conformity control of fire partitions. The first audit test shall be performed during the first year of registration. The CB will advise the Participant whenever more frequent tests are required. Prior to initiating changes, either alterations or modifications to the fire partitions, the Participant has to inform the CB before any production starts. The CB has to review whether fire performance test or fire performance assessment needs to be carried out in a special surveillance visit within four weeks of notification of changes submitted by the Participant and refer to Appendix A for the rule on fire performance assessment in lieu of fire performance tests. A special surveillance visit is required for any substantial changes to the products. 9.2

Sampling and testing

9.2.1

Sampling and testing shall be performed on individual product type, including each component of the partition. For example, to test the shot content and binder content of the mineral wool. In respect of the testing plan, the conformity criterion of each individual product type will be set. The measured results in the initial audit test shall be benchmarked with that obtained in subsequent audit tests.

9.2.2

Initial audit test covers the production of the first 1.5 million m² in measured surface area of each type of the fire partitions.

9.2.3

Continuous production is achieved when at least 1.5 million m² in measured surface area of each type of the fire partitions are produced over a period not exceeding 36 months. During the continuous production, the Participant shall adopt the sampling and testing plan as well as the criteria of fire performance tests.

9.2.4

Sampling and testing plan If a Participant wishes to extend certification scope of an existing product with an additional type or a new model manufactured in the same plant and to the same, or different standard, a written application shall be submitted to the CB. Under such cases, test samples of the new model of the product shall be submitted for independent fire performance tests, and the CB may decide whether a full scale audit or a partial audit is required. The conformity criteria of the test and necessary actions in the event of failure in fire performance tests are given below:



AR = Audit result, judged by its time to failure (in minutes) for both integrity and insulation. RR = Reference result obtained during the initial type test in the certification audit, judged by its time to failure (in minutes) for both integrity and insulation. PR = Performance requirements given by the Purchaser, judged by its time to failure (in minutes) for both integrity and insulation. For example, FRP 30 (Integrity) denotes a fire partition being able to resist integrity failure for 30 minutes.

9.3

Conformity criteria

Result and implications

AR ≥ RR

Product is satisfactory

AR ≤ RR and AR > PR

Product is acceptable See note 1

Audit test performance and actions in the event of failure in fire performance tests Conformity criteria

Result and implications

AR < RR and AR < PR

The product is rejected. See note 2 and note 3

Note: 1.

Whenever possible, the Participant shall establish reasons for the reduction in fire performance.

2.

The cause of failure must be established within an agreed time frame.

3.

It is important that the cause of any reduced performance can be identified and eliminated. It is also recognized that fire performance test failure occasionally occurs as a result of factors beyond the control of the door manufacturer. However, the cause of reduced fire performance shall be investigated and appropriate action shall be taken. The CB shall randomly select one more



sample for re-test that is performed at the Applicant/ Participant’s expense. If the fire performance of the fire partition in the re-test is found to be unacceptable, it shall lead to suspension of registration. Upon suspension of registration, the Applicant/ Participant shall suspend the manufacture and supply of the product, and announce publicly his suspension and cease to use the Certification Mark on the concerned type of fire partitions. Resumption of the registration shall be verified in a renewal audit with additional audit testing to ensure the fire performance of the product meet the required standard / specification.

10.

Training of staff

10.1

All personnel concerned with the production, the delivery and the quality management system shall have sufficient education background and suitable training to demonstrate competence in performing their duties. In particular, knowledge, training and experience of personnel involved in production and product conformity control shall be appropriate to the type of fire partitions. Records of training and experience of the personnel involved in the production and supply of fire partitions shall be documented and maintained.

10.2

The performance of staff shall be controlled through routine monitoring / close supervision by their superiors.

10.3

Fire partitions shall be produced by operators who are sufficiently trained and possess adequate competence in such operation.

11.

Quality management system review

11.1

The quality management system related to the product established in accordance with this Scheme shall be reviewed to ensure continuity and consistency of on-going quality management practice.

11.2

Quality management system review shall be carried out at least once a year.



11.3

Records of review, including other relevant information, shall be maintained and documented.

12.

Quality Records Records shall be maintained to ensure effective operation of the Quality Management System, as well as to confirm both the quality and the quantity of fire doors. The records shall be retained for a period of at least three years and shall cover the following information: a. b.

Quality requirement planning Order processing

c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j. k.

Data to substantiate fire partition design for quality and quantity Production of fire partitions Delivery of products including delivery notes Equipment calibration and plant maintenance Materials purchase, usage and stocks Supplier’s test Certificates of materials Test results in production control Fire performance test reports and technical assessment reports Certification mark and concise product technical description.



13.

References

1.

BS 476: Part 22: 1987 Methods for determination of the fire resistance of non-loadbearing elements of construction

2.

BS 476: Part 20: 1987 Methods for determination of the fire resistance of elements of construction (general principles)

3.

BS 476-4: 1970 (1984) Non-combustibility test for materials

4.

ISO/IEC Guide 65: 1996 General requirements for bodies operating product certification systems

5.

ISO/IEC Guide 67: 2004 Conformity assessment – Fundamentals of product certifications

6.

IAF Guidance on the Application of ISO/IEC Guide 65, Issue 1 dated 27 March 1999 General requirements for bodies operating product certification systems

7.

ISO/IEC 17030: 2003 Conformity assessment – General requirements for third-party marks of conformity

8.

ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories



Appendix A Guideline for Fire Performance Assessment in lieu of Fire Tests

1. Introduction This Guideline is issued by the Fire Group of the Hong Kong Institute of Steel Construction. Its main objective is to provide guidance to accredited Certification Bodies in utilizing fire door performance assessments in lieu of fire tests when there are changes (either additions or deletions) to fire protection products which have been tested and certified. A fire performance assessment must be based upon fire test(s) of a prototype or a fire protection product of the original design. The fire test reports shall be issued by a HOKLAS accredited laboratory or its mutual recognition agreement partner (MRA) endorsed test reports. As an assessment is a technical expert opinion for a modified fire protection product as if it is subject to a fire test, it shall be carried out by technically competent personnel and reviewed by another competent personnel before the finding is formally issued in an assessment report. This Guideline also defines the requirements of the personnel for performing the assessment and review. 2. Rules for assessment for insignificant changes to approved partitions 2.1 Fire performance assessments can only be carried out and assessment reports issued under an organization which shall be a HOKLAS accredited laboratory or HOKLAS overseas Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) accredited laboratory. (For information on the updated status of the HOKLAS’s MRA partners, please access to the HKAS website at www.itc.gov.hk/hkas). 2.2 The assessment shall be carried out by an Assessor and reviewed by a Reviewer both of them are employers of the accredited laboratory who finally issued the assessment report. An Assessor for performing an assessment shall have a degree in engineering or related discipline with two years experience in fire testing. A Reviewer for reviewing an assessment shall have a higher degree in engineering or related discipline, or corporate membership of a recognized engineering institution with two years experience in fire testing. (Evidence of the qualification and experience of the Assessor and Reviewer shall __________________________________________________________________________________________ The Fire Group, The Hong Kong Institute of Steel Construction FG-TG003 p. 24


be provided by the accredited laboratory) 2.3 The assessment shall be within the Scope of Accreditation of the accredited laboratory. For example, an accredited laboratory can only be allowed to perform assessments to BS 476 : Part 22 : 1987 for non-load bearing fire protection products if they are accredited to this standard. This laboratory is not allowed to perform assessments to BS 476 : Part 21 : 1987 for load bearing structural elements nor allowed to perform assessments to AS, ASTM, GB, EN and ISO for non-load bearing fire protection products unless they are also accredited to these standards. (Evidence of the accredited Scope shall be provided by the accredited laboratory which issued the assessment report) 2.4 A fire performance assessment must be based upon fire tests of a prototype or a fire protection product of the original design which are of similar materials and configurations. The test results shall be contained in HOKLAS or its MRA partners endorsed test reports which are within its Scope of Accreditation. (Endorsed test reports mean that the report bearing the HOKLAS or its MRA partners Accreditation Mark or Logo). If interpolation of fire performance is really necessary in an assessment, it shall be based on more than one fire test results with clear evidences and solid arguments to show the validity of this interpolation. Extrapolation of fire performance is in general not accepted. 3. Assessment Report An Assessment report shall consist of the followings: (a) Reference to the full-scale test including a general description of the tested item and the specific results achieved relevant to the opinion; (b) Reference to other supporting information; (c) A detailed statement of the proposed variation(s); (d) A summary of the critical issues leading to the opinion, including the main points of the argument and any assumption made A statement of the formal opinion; (e) The name of the Assessor and the HOKLAS or it MRA Partners Accredited Laboratory who prepares the assessment report and holds full responsibility for making the formal opinion together with his/her signature and date; (f) The name of the Reviewer and the HOKLAS or it MRA Partners Accredited Laboratory who reviews the assessment report and holds full responsibility for the review together with his/her signature and date. (g) A statement shall be included in the assessment stating that it has been carried out in __________________________________________________________________________________________ The Fire Group, The Hong Kong Institute of Steel Construction FG-TG003 p. 25


accordance with this Guide. For laboratories accredited by HKAS for fire testing, HOKLAS Accreditation Mark may be used in the fire assessment report provided that the following statement shall be included in order to comply with the HKAS requirements. “The statements and interpretations expressed in this assessment are outside the scope of HOKLAS accreditation” (h) The signature page of the assessment report shall bear the following statement “This assessment report is not valid unless it is duly signed by the Assessor and Reviewer” 4. Significant Variations to Certified Fire Protection Products If the variations to a tested and certified fire product protection product are of significant nature, a full scale fire test shall be carried out as if it is a new model or a new fire product protection product to be certified.
