The Fire Protection Association (FPA) is delighted to announce that it has been awarded UKAS accreditation to carry out fire tests on watermist systems to BS 8458: 2015 Fixed fire protection systems - residential and domestic watermist systems - code of practice for design and installation.
automatic fire suppression systems
It is proud to be heading the way as one of the first UK fire testing facilities accredited to offer this important British Standard test.
The desire for automatic fire suppression systems has increased dramatically in recent months and years. It has also seen changes in the requirements in legislation, such as the mandate for automatic fire suppression systems in all new domestic premises in Scotland and Wales.
BS 8458 fire test
There were limited ways to purchase an approved domestic or residential Watermist system
The FPA recognized that there were limited test facilities third-party accredited to conduct BS 8458 fire test, meaning there were limited ways to purchase an approved domestic or residential Watermist system that had been tested by a competent certified laboratory.
The FPA decided to rectify this by becoming third-party certified by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) appointed by the government to verify integrity, impartiality, and competence.
UKAS-accredited certification
The announcement of receiving UKAS-accredited certification cements the view that this standard must be taken seriously. It underpins confidence that the service they provide meets the expectations of BS 8458 through a process that verifies integrity, impartiality, and competence.
FPA is also working with the BSI committee to provide additional clarification.
third-party testing and approval
Further ensuring that equipment is of the highest standard, staff are suitably trained, and procedures maintain the spirit of the standard.
This milestone for FPA is a hallmark for the future, not just for fire testing but for the wider fire protection sector. The FPA believes that third-party testing and approval is the best way to ensure the suitability of systems and protect people and property from the threat of fire.
Watermist
Dr. Jim Glockling, Technical Director at the FPA, commented, "Watermist is a complex fire suppression technology, and prospective purchasers need to seek the comfort of standards to ensure they will perform as intended when needed."
He adds, "This is an immensely proud moment for FPA to continue to push the standards of fire safety forward, creating industry benchmarks for the built environment."
