Strengthened Consultancy team joins forces with Fire Testing


Fire Testing and Consultancy are increasingly collaborating to meet clients' needs for demanding test programmes.

Both the type and scale of the testing Chiltern International Fire is undertaking is continuing to evolve, resulting in the need to review the operational structure of the business, according to Mark Cummings, Head of Section – Fire Resistance Testing.‘ This new demand means that we need to work more closely than ever with our colleagues in Consultancy, to respond to our customers’ needs for solutions to ever more complex issues.’

Fire protection products are generally tested in a certain number of configurations to cover as many of the expected end uses as possible. In the past, specifiers and controlling authorities were generally prepared to accept ‘best match’ evidence of performance. However, as the complexity of the installation grows, then manufacturers more frequently have to step outside the bounds of their direct test evidence and use their products in non-standard applications.

‘The challenge for Chiltern International Fire has been to develop demanding test programmes, often replicating actual on site conditions, to meet these needs and to satisfy building control requirements. Similarly we have worked with our consultancy team to carry out testing or assessments to upgrade historic doors or screens, for example, to give modern day fire resistance performance,’ said Mr Cummmings.

In response to customers’ needs, he added, ‘we have expanded our team of consultants and have joined forces. This will enable us to jointly identify the appropriate solution and provide a swift response.’     

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