Non-compliant doorset manufacturers at risk

Doorset manufacturers are being reminded about their responsibilities regarding third-party certification for emergency exit and external panic doorsets, as the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) clamps down on non-compliance.

The callout comes from Warringtonfire, a leading provider of testing, inspection, and certification services. It warns that many doorset manufacturers are not adhering to the correct procedures for third-party certification of their external doorsets, resulting in non-compliance. This follows recent scrutiny from industry bodies such as the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) and the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI), who have been informed of the situation by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).

It is the responsibility of manufacturers to ensure their products are correctly certified and have a Certificate of Constancy of Performance (CoCoP), which then allows the product to obtain a conformity marking (CE or UKCA). Without this, doors cannot be legally sold on the market, posing significant financial and reputational risks to manufacturers, as well as putting people at risk.

“Simply having third-party certification for individual elements and hardware of the panic or emergency exit doors is insufficient,” warns Michael Skelding, DHF’s general manager & secretary. “It is the responsibility of doorset manufacturers to ensure that the entire doorset, once assembled, is certified to meet compliance standards. Without this, manufacturers risk having their products pulled from the market by the OPSS, along with severe reputational damage.

“While the DHF and GAI have noted that many doorsets are non-compliant, we recognise that manufacturers are not deliberately breaking the law – it is more an issue of lack of awareness. It is now essential that the word is spread so that manufacturers can obtain third-party certification and prevent any repercussions.”

Obtaining third-party certification is a straightforward process. It requires a factory production control (FPC) audit from a UKAS-accredited laboratory, or an EU notified body, both of which Warringtonfire is qualified to conduct. The process includes witnessing the entire doorset in operation, with no additional testing required. This service can often be completed within a day by Warringtonfire, with the issuing of the CoCoP following shortly after.

Mark West, principal product assessor at Warringtonfire, said: “Ensuring that your doorsets are fully certified is not only a legal obligation but also a commitment to safety and quality. The certification process is designed to be quick and efficient, providing peace of mind for manufacturers and end-users alike.

“Here at Warringtonfire, we can offer third-party doorset certification at the same time as other services, enabling clients to ensure this important box is ticked on the same day that they receive other audits.”

For more information visit: https://www.warringtonfire.com/certification-services/fire-certification/ce-marking