A question we often get asked is whether we offer inspections to verify that our products have been compliantly installed.
In short, we do not offer inspections as a third-party accreditor will typically carry this out.
Though it is essential to have great products and systems, designs, and early engagement, products are only as good as their installation. This makes inspection a vital process in ensuring that products are installed as per the test evidence.
At face value, there is only so much you can see. For instance, if a 10mm annulus is required around a CPVC sprinkler pipe, is the sealant simply painted onto the face of the fire batt or is it installed at full depth? This makes an inspector’s role quite difficult as they are faced with half a picture when visually inspecting an installation.
Thus, we suggest that where there is a requirement for inspection, it is down to the individual contract requirements. Ultimately, if there are independently tested products and certified installers, this highlights the need for independent inspectors.
As a manufacturer, we know our products well and how they should be installed, but we would be limited to how much of the installation we could see onsite. That is where a third-party accreditor would be beneficial with their progressive installation reporting – taking before, during, and after photos.
Going back to our earlier example, progressive installation reporting would help to determine whether the sealant is painted onto the surface or, in fact, installed at full depth of the fire batt.
To conclude, when it comes to inspection, it is more than just taking the product installation at face value. As we are not inspectors, it would fall outside of our competence to sign off on installations.
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
