Why Warringtonfire Certification matters

This is why understanding fire safety standards and certifications and following the Joint Code of Practice for Fire Prevention on Construction Sites (JCoP) is essential when specifying and procuring products for construction contracts.

The importance of standards in construction

Our customers often ask us about our products’ fire retardancy credentials, which is understandable as careful consideration of safety standards is needed for construction projects, especially those involving high-risk environments. Fires in these sites have been catastrophic, often due to substandard materials or deviations from specified products. Therefore, compliance with fire safety standards is not just a legal necessity but a matter of public safety.

EN 13501 is a widely recognised European standard that classifies the fire performance of construction materials. It has provided a benchmark for fire resistance and safety across the EU for many years. From March 2025, EN 13501 will replace the National Classes 476 for reaction to fire and fire resistance testing standards in Approved Document B (Fire Safety). While EN 13501 offers a solid foundation, there are projects where more stringent fire protection is needed, especially for safety-critical builds. This is why we assure our clients of our products’ guaranteed fire performance through Warringtonfire testing and certification.

What is Warringtonfire certification?

Warringtonfire certification goes beyond the basics. Products tested and certified by UKAS-accredited Warringtonfire meet more rigorous standards than EN 13501, providing additional assurance for contractors and clients.

At Tufcoat, we offer products certified to TS62 for external use and TS63 for internal applications. These standards ensure superior flame retardancy, making them ideal for high-risk environments or complex projects where maximum fire protection is a must. Our products undergo independent testing, providing complete performance transparency and accountability.

Why Warringtonfire certification is superior

Warringtonfire certifications are seen as the gold standard for several reasons:

1. Superior flame retardancy

Products certified to TS62 and TS63 standards perform better in fire conditions. They’re more flame retardant than those just meeting EN 13501 requirements. In situations where every second counts; this enhanced performance can be life-saving.

2. Robust traceability

With Warringtonfire certification, you can clearly trace where and who conducted the flame retardancy testing. This transparency is vital for accountability and quality assurance.

3. Regular audits

Production processes for TS62 and TS63 certified products undergo regular audits. At Tufcoat, for instance, we meet with Warringtonfire representatives every six months to ensure our processes continue to meet their exacting standards.

4. Product control

Production is batch controlled, meaning that it can be quickly traced to a specific batch and resolved in the unlikely event of a fault. This level of control is crucial for maintaining consistent quality and safety.

If you require maximum fire resistance, Warringtonfire certification is the best choice.  It’s not just about ticking a box for compliance. It’s about providing peace of mind.  So, when you specify or procure these products, you know that they’ve been made under stringent controls and are subject to continuous audit.

Investing in safety

At Tufcoat,  we want to provide our customers with the highest level of safety and quality assurance, so we invest heavily in meeting standards like Warringtonfire and EN 13501. 

By doing this, we also help contractors to ensure compliance with the Building Safety Act 2022 and HSG168, the HSE’s fire safety guidance, as recently emphasised in the National  Access and Scaffolding Confederation’s (NASC) Safety Bulletin.

It’s also important to note that not all projects demand this level of attention, so we produce a range of products certified to different standards but with the same stringent processes. This allows you to choose products based on your project’s specific needs.

Making informed choices for fire safety

Fire certification can be complex, but understanding the different standards is crucial for making informed decisions about fire safety in construction.

When procuring safety-critical products, complete transparency is essential. Don’t take things at face value – ask about testing standards, frequency of testing, and independent test data. Yes, you may be able to find something cheaper, but there’s probably a reason why the product is cheaper.

Remember, when it comes to fire safety, cutting corners can have devastating consequences. Insisting on Warringtonfire certified products where appropriate is not just about compliance – it’s about protecting lives, property and your reputation as a construction professional.