5/12/2024

The Efectis Nederland laboratory performs many fire and smoke tests every year. The laboratory is accredited according to EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017.

This standard includes requirements for independence and impartiality, as well as requirements for competence, consistent laboratory operation and continuous improvement. This ensures the accuracy and reliability of test results. To perform EN ISO/IEC 17025 accredited testing, a number of quality checks are carried out on a regular basis. This article provides an insight into the quality checks carried out for the intermediate scale test (ISO 13785-1 and NPR 6999).

The basic principle of validating the test result quality , is to perform tests in three different laboratories on identical materials to see if the measurement results are the same everywhere (also called Round Robin). We recently tested a 2.5-metre-high façade assembly with a 100-kW fire, the so-called intermediate scale test. We also performed exactly the same envelope test in the laboratories of Efectis France and Efectis UK/Ireland, to organise an internal round robin.

NPR 6999

The development of the Dutch Performance Guideline (NPR) 6999 for façade tests was an important reason for carrying out these identical tests in collaboration with two customers. The materials required to construct the façade frames were supplied by HF Woodprotect and Kingspan Insulation.

The assemblies were constructed from a fire-retardant timber façade and insulation material. Both the façade elements and the insulation material were supplied by a Dutch manufacturer. This construction was then tested according to NPR 6999. The test simulates a blazing fire where the flames enter the façade through a window frame.

Six tests passed

After a double test in Efectis Nederland’s own laboratory, the exact same façade assemblies were tested in our laboratories in France and Northern Ireland. We carried out a double test there as well. All test results and observations were then compared. All six tests were carried out successfully.

Equally important was the comparison of the test results. The results were also consistent. However, there were some differences in detail. The results do not have to be exactly the same, as long as you can interpret the observed deviations.

This interpretation is done by looking at the smallest details with colleagues to see how these differences can be explained. That is what is so valuable about this type of testing, you can use it to establish and guarantee the quality of your own laboratory and the other laboratories in the Efectis Group and show that you understand what you are doing.

Learning from each other

In addition to the demonstration of reproducibility necessary for the accreditation of the test method, the tests also provide valuable insights. We learn a lot from each other during these tests, notably,About the approach and working methods of colleagues abroad. In this way, we mutually increase our knowledge.

For more information, please contact Bauke Knottnerus