How to achieve SBD accreditation

By Richard Bate, Build Check.

In our previous columns we have covered PAS24 in terms of scope, requirements and testing; we considered PAS24 as a means to meeting a client specification and a potential marketing advantage; and we looked at testing preparations, processes and procedures, and how to get the greatest benefit from your testing programme.

We should not forget, however, that PAS24, like most British Standards, is a minimum requirement. You may well find that some projects also require Secured by Design accreditation, or indeed you may decide that Secured by Design accreditation would give you an even stronger marketing advantage or unique selling point in certain market sectors or geographical areas.

Secured by Design takes things to another level. As well as the security performance required by PAS24, the weather performance and operational fitness for purpose of fenestration products are also tested in order to gain Secured by Design approval.

Secured by Design (SBD) is the official police security initiative that works to improve the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings to provide safe places to live, work, shop and visit. SBD’s product-based accreditation scheme – the Police Preferred Specification – provides a recognised standard for all security products that can deter and reduce crime. SBD represents a powerful, trusted police brand that inspires greater public confidence in your products and is the only way to obtain police accreditation for security-related products in the UK.

SBD members acquire the right to use the SBD logo and agreed phrases in their promotional activities and are listed on the SDB website as licensed member companies.

So how does Build Check assist you in your quest to gain SBD membership and accreditation?

Firstly, we provide general project management advice and assistance, and then security testing to PAS24 as covered in our previous columns in this series.

Then we carry out weathertightness testing in our laboratory to BS 6375:2015 Part 1. Weathertightness testing is undertaken to determine a how efficient a window or door product is in terms of its air permeability, watertightness and resistance to wind loads.

We will also test your window and door products for compliance with BS 6375 Part 2, which specifies the performance requirements for the operation and strength of manually operated windows and internal/external pedestrian doorsets in their fully finished condition in terms of operating force (the effort required to operate windows and doors), impact resistance and mechanical strength.

All weathertightness and operational fitness for purpose testing is carried out in our Ukas-accredited in-house test laboratory and requires identical test specimens as supplied for the PAS24 security testing.

The assembled test evidence is then reviewed. We will then audit your factory processes, factory production control, and product certification will follow.

Should any non-conformances arise they must of course be resolved and then we will issue a certificate under our Enhanced Security Product Certification scheme.

Build Check Limited is a Ukas-accredited provider, and our Enhanced Security Product Certification is accepted by Secured by Design for Police Preferred Specification and will allow you to complete your membership application.

Comprehensive information regarding the Secured by Design initiative and the membership application process can be found at www.securedbydesign.com.

info@buildcheck.co.uk