Structural steelwork protection testing with Warringtonfire

Warringtonfire undertakes structural steelwork protection testing at our UKAS-accredited laboratory in Warrington and our BELAC-accredited laboratory in Gent. Our steelwork protection testing capabilities support structural and non-structural elements in building, offshore, and marine applications for fire resistance and reaction to fire performance.

What is structural steelwork protection testing?

Structural steelwork protection testing is crucial to ensure that steel structures can maintains their integrity and loadbearing capacity long enough for occupants to safely vacate a building in the event of a fire. The specific testing requirements vary depending on the product and relevant BS or EN standards. Testing programs can be customised to effectively demonstrate the coating’s ability to maintain the maximum anticipated structural performance of the steel section, providing sufficient thermal data to cover the anticipated range of end-use for the products.

Key Benefits of Structural Steelwork Protection Testing with Warringtonfire

Meet Global Standards: based in Europe, our experts have international expertise and support clients globally. We test to all the main British, European and International standards, alongside country-specific standards. So regardless of where you are based, Warringtonfire can support you.
Supported Steel procurement and preparation: We can procure steel on your behalf and prepare it for test. Saving you both time and resources, ensuring you test right the first time around.
Comprehensive, End-to-End Testing solutions: Our laboratories cover a wide breadth of testing, including fire resistance and reaction to fire testing for structural and non-structural purposes in onshore, offshore, and marine applications. We provide an end-to-end solution, offering comprehensive pre-test to post-test services, along with product assessment and certification incorporation.
Accelerate time to Market: Accelerate the testing and validation process to bring your steel products to market faster and gain a competitive edge. Our industry-dedicated experts and streamlined testing, procurement, preparation and certification services help reduce lead times and ensure efficient project delivery.

Steel Procurement, Simplified

As part of your test program Warringtonfire can procure the correct steel specified in the standard(s) you are testing to.

This option offers you peace of mind, as you can be sure the correct steel specification will be utilized, ensuring you test correctly. An incorrect steel sample can negate your test results, and a re-test would be required. Warringtonfire carries stock of the most widely-used sizes, which reduces wait times and hassle associated with sourcing the correct yourself. If your test program requires a bespoke steel sample, our market access allows us to procure this for you within quick timeframes, with exact knowledge of what dimensions etc. are required.

By using steel procured by Warringtonfire, there is reduced risk of damage caused by transportation of your own steel sample. All our samples held on site have been through our rigorous quality control checks.

Full Pre-Test Preparation Services

Our experts can prepare the steel for testing on your behalf, ensuring this is conducted in accordance with the standards and type of test you are undertaking. Steel preparation options include shot-blasting, appending flanges and fixings, and adhering thermocouples.

Our experts can also arrange third-party product application if required. This ensures that you test right the first time around. Third-party sprayers have knowledge of international standards and the preparation requirements which may differ from BS standards. This is crucial as an incorrect application can result in invalid test results.

In addition to testing, you can assess and certify your product(s) with Warringtonfire. Our product certification process is accredited by UKAS in accordance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17065: 2012.

Third-party certification enables you, as a manufacturer of protective coatings, to demonstrate consistency in the quality of your product. In addition, voluntary certification such as Warringtonfire’s ‘CERTIFIRE’ scheme, a globally respected mark of quality, is increasingly specified by end-users and can help provide you with a valuable competitive advantage.

Warringtonfire’s Structural Steelwork Protection Testing Capabilities

Warringtonfire offers comprehensive structural steelwork protection testing capabilities to assess performance to reaction to fire and fire resistance for:

Intumescent paints
Cementitious sprays
Boards
Other protective materials.

Post Testing Support

Post-test, our experts can support you with technical assessments, taking into account the end-use of your products. Assessments are based on the fire testing evidence gathered during the test. For example, individual fire resistant elements might come into their own in harsh and hazardous offshore and onshore environments. It's critical that the structure retains its stability when exposed to these environmental factors, and products must fulfil their original fire protection tasks after a lifetime of environmental exposure.

Why Choose Warringtonfire?

Warringtonfire is fully equipped to guide you through the structural steelwork protection testing process from start to finish, through our end-to-end solutions, from preparation to certification.

Our commitment to adhering to stringent structural steelwork protection testing standards will demonstrate your products meet industry benchmarks, helping you gain a competitive edge.

To learn more about Warringtonfire credentials, please visit our About Us page. Contact an expert today to learn more about our capabilities and how we can help you meet your structural steelwork protection testing requirements.

BS 476 parts 20 and 21
EN 13381 parts 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10
EN 16623
EN 13501 parts 1 and 2
ISO 834 series
ISO 12944
EAD 350402-00-1106
EAD 350140-00-1106
NORSOK M-501

Warringtonfire has test laboratories and certification bodies across the EU and UK, we have solutions to act as:

A Notified Body to support your testing and certification requirements for the CE marking of your products for use in the EU and NI.
An Approved/Notified body (NI) to support your testing and certification needs for UKCA marking in the GB market, and CE+UK(NI) marking for the NI market.

Please note that since Brexit, Warringtonfire’s notified body status has moved to our sister company, Element Materials Technology Rotterdam B.V.(ERO) in the Netherlands; meaning that we are still, as a company, able to fulfil your notified body role.

Following the post-Brexit trade agreement, please contact one of our engaged experts to discuss your test, certification and market requirements such that we can offer a cost effective solution. Note that it is highly likely that the current acceptance of CE marked products in Great Britain will end on 30 June 2025, even so, it is critical you contact us in good time to ensure you are prepared for UKCA marking.

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