Historically, Exova (UK) Limited carried out a number of 'desktop assessments' of facade systems. A small number were also carried out by Warringtonfire Testing and Certification Limited (WTCL).
Such assessments involved giving a professional judgment as to the likely test performance of a facade system design, were that system to be built and tested. They were used either for manufacturer R&D or, in line with guidance at the time, as a 'route to compliance' in the context of the building control process.
Due to changes made to Building Regulations in 2018, such assessments ceased to be accepted as a 'route to compliance' for new projects. Furthermore, the data on which many such assessments were based, was shown to be unreliable, and desktop assessments based on such data were withdrawn accordingly.
In addition, broader concerns have been raised regarding the appropriateness of desktop assessments generally, and the robustness of the processes by which such assessments were produced by various providers including Exova. In the circumstances, Exova and WTCL have withdrawn the remaining such assessments, and taken a number of steps to contact customers accordingly.
In summary, desktop assessments produced by Exova or WTCL must not be relied on and, in particular, are not to be relied on for the purposes of conducting a fire risk assessment of external walls in accordance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 as amended by the Building Safety Act 2022. Prior reliance on desktop assessments should be reviewed.
If you are responsible for a building affected by one of these assessments, please contact technicalupdate@warringtonfire.com with any questions.