Third Party Certification & The Q-Mark Scheme

What is third party certification? Independent process of certifying that a manufacturer continues to comply with the performance aspects of a specification for a product / product range For certain products, a mandatory requirement for the Police initiative ‘Secured by Design’ (SBD)

The benefits of specifying third party certification Provides confidence in the manufacturer of a performance critical product Provides confidence that the quality of the product will be consistent at all times Provides confidence that the product will be fit for purpose and will perform to the required standard Reduces the risk of product failure Enables your clients to make a commercially sound investment in performance critical products

BM TRADA Q-MARK Third Party Certification Operated by BM TRADA Certification one of the UK’s foremost certification bodies with over 35 years experience BM TRADA Certification has been UKAS accredited since 1991 Backed by the Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA) with over 75 years experience A recognised and widely accepted quality standard both in the UK and globally Only 3 manufacturers currently carry Q-Mark certification in Joinery (2 in UK)

BM TRADA Q-MARK High Performance Timber Window Scheme Enables specifiers to select high quality, high performance timber windows Offers performance levels in excess of that achievable by the majority of windows (of any material) Offers extended life span and ‘best value’ through reduced life time costs The scheme demands the highest standards in relation to: Design Performance Manufacture

Timber Window certification process Initial type test Documented Specifications & Installation instructions Periodic Audit Tests Initial Audit Visit Factory Production Control Requirements Marking of Certified Product Periodic Audit Visits Design Appraisal

Q-MARK Certification process - Step 1. Design appraisal A rigorous design appraisal carried out by TRADA Verifies that the window is designed for longevity Covers design issues including: –Water drainage and absence of water traps –Preservation –End grain protection –Protection of the sealed unit –Adhesives –Finish (appropriateness, application process, window design suitability)

Q-MARK Certification process - Step 2. Initial Type Testing Sample testing of a window’s key performance attributes including: –BS 644 ‘General performance’ –BS – ‘weather’ (highest category required) –BS 6375 – 2 - Operation, Strength and Durability –BS EN ISO Thermal performance –Cycling to 50,000 operations

Q-MARK Certification process - Step 3. Documented Specifications –Documented product specification to be in place for each window type –A set of documented installation instructions for each window type will need to be produced

Q-MARK Certification process - Step 4. Factory Production Control To ensure consistency of production manufacturers must produce a documented Quality Management System This needs to integrate with an approved Quality Management Scheme such as ISO 9001

Q-MARK Certification process - Step 5. Initial Factory Audit Factory audits are conducted by specialist BM TRADA auditors Auditors review the following: –Factory production control process (manufactured product consistently matches design specification) –Traceability –Glass & glazing – 3 rd party certification of sealed units to EN 1279 –Timber selection to BS EN 942 –Coatings adherence –Workmanship to BS 1186 part 2 –Installation instructions

Q-MARK Certification process - Step 6. Product marking / on-going audits Successful completion of the certification process is signified by: –Marking of the certified product with BM TRADA Q-Mark labels –Issuing of BM TRADA Q-Mark certificate On-going compliance with scheme requirements is ensured via: –Annual factory audits –Periodic sample testing

Q-MARK Certification process - Certificates Registration Certificate

Any Questions?