Random audit testing of fabricators’ products is being introduced to toughen up the BM TRADA Certification Q-Mark fire door quality assurance scheme.
From January 2005, fabricators applying for membership of the scheme will have to face the audit test of their products, as well as an audit visit to their factory by a trained fire consultant which has aways been an element of the scheme.
“By introducing an audit test as well, we are bringing fabricators into line with manufacturers [members of the scheme], by asking them to obtain evidence in their own right,” said product certification manager Simon Beer.
He added that fabricators are defined under the Q-Mark scheme as companies which source door blanks externally and then manufacture complete doorsets, while manufacturers “make the doorset from start to finish”.
This development of the scheme follows “close scrutiny of membership last year when some members were found to be unable to maintain the high standards of quality control and had to leave”.
