BSI, the business improvement company has today launched a new Kitemark for Building Hardware used in Windows and Doorsets.
As the fenestration market continues to evolve and diversify, it’s becoming increasingly important that hardware suppliers can prove that their products meet industry recognised standards, such as the performance characteristics of the BS 6375 series of standards and the enhanced security requirements of PAS 24: 2016 as part of a system or finished product. This Kitemark has been developed to provide assurance to fenestration manufacturers that the hardware that is supplied for use on their products has been rigorously tested and will perform as it should when in place on the window or doorset.
Andy Butterfield, Product Certification Director of Built Environment at BSI said:
“Since the inception of Approved Document Q, many hardware suppliers are investing in performance testing of their products on completed windows and door sets. We’ve launched this Kitemark to help hardware suppliers demonstrate that their products have been independently certified against industry standards. Not only will this provide the fenestration supply chain and users of the product with reassurance that the product is safe and reliable – it will enable hardware suppliers to differentiate themselves from other organisations with non-assured products.
“The BSI Kitemark is recognised as a symbol of trust and we have a strong track record in promoting excellence when it comes to the safety and performance of products.”
In order to achieve the BSI Kitemark for Building Hardware used in Windows and Doorsets, organisations are required to be independently assessed at BSI’s Centre of Excellence in Hemel Hempstead against the following standards:
· BS EN 1670: 2007 Building hardware. Corrosion resistance. Requirements and test methods
- BS 6375-1: 2015 Performance of windows and doors. Classification for weather tightness and guidance on selection and specification
- BS 6375-2: 2009 Performance of windows and doors. Classification for operation and strength characteristics and guidance on selection and specification
- BS 6375-3: 2009 Performance of windows and doors. Classification for additional performance characteristics and guidance on selection and specification or PAS 24
- ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems requirements.
As with other Kitemarks, organisations holding the Kitemark will be routinely assessed.
For more details, visit BSI at the Fit Show, NEC Birmingham, 21-23 May 2019 on stand P30.