Fire resistance testing: Private company steps in
It is known that VKF ZIP AG will close the Dübendorf fire laboratory at the end of December 2018. For the time being, however, fire resistance tests will be offered until mid-2019 - by a private company.
Because of the consequences that could result from the lack of testing in Switzerland, the industry and the Federal Office for Buildings and Logistics (BBL) met for a "round table", as the VKF ZIP AG writes in its recently published communication. The conclusion of the intensive discussions is that, on the one hand, fire resistance tests and, on the other hand, inspections and certifications must continue to be carried out in Switzerland in the future. This could be done in a broad-based new organization that would offer all the activities of the previous VKF ZIP AG.
Fire kiln: future is unclear
Under the leadership of the FBL, a working group was formed to work out the necessary clarifications for a long-term, economic and solid continuation of the activities of VKF ZIP AG (testing, certification and inspection) in a new sponsorship. Since the associated clarifications and decisions would require a certain amount of time, VKF ZIP AG has agreed to carry out fire resistance tests at a company with a fire laboratory until mid-2019. Thanks to this measure, it is ensured that the tests and reports will continue to be prepared by an accredited and notified body and can be used for the further processes of the certification procedure of the client, according to the media release.
Inspection and certification also after mid-2019
Regardless of all decisions of the "Round Table", VKF ZIP AG as an accredited and notified body will continue the inspections/certifications and the implementation of the BBL manual "Type testing of fire doors and windows" also after mid-2019. The fire resistance tests can currently be guaranteed until mid-2019, as emphasized.
VKF ZIP AG also reports the following information on its website:
Fire resistance tests 2019: The test director Markus Jakob will start the scheduling for the following half-year 2019 in late fall 2018, taking into account the following criteria:
- Number of fire resistance tests;
- Number of EXAP and classification reports;
- desired months (for the whole 2019).
Application BBL manual "Type testing fire doors and windows":
The application of the BBL manual can only be applied by a Swiss, notified certification body. In this respect, VKF ZIP AG is currently defining the framework conditions. Examples will be used to quantify the time required and the costs. As a result of the application of the manual, a report will be issued to determine the product type. Together with the inspection report, this will serve as the basis for the issuance of the certificate (attestation of constancy of performance) by VKF ZIP AG. By the end of 2018, the framework conditions and costs will be defined. The implementation will start from 2019.
Inspections WPK: Regardless of the harmonization of the interior door standard prEN14351-2, the preparation and inspection of the WPK by the manufacturer can already be started today. In this field, VKF ZIP has already gained several practical experiences and can offer the necessary support in the preparation and inspection. Due to the short coexistence phase to be assumed, an immediate start of the activities is recommended. VKF ZIP AG immediately takes over the WPK initial inspection.
- see also previous articles on the subject
