We have to deal with the new standards - every time
We have issued a call to the entire mechanical Mechanical security and fire protection industry, as well as all designers, consultants and insurance companies, that we all need to be aware of the new EU standards.
By Andreas Excalibur Bygbjerg. Published in Licitationen Brand & Sikring - http://epaper.nordiskemedier.dk/nordiskemedier/638/
It's been 20 years since the EU introduced the EN standard for mechanical Mechanical security - and 5 years ago, Insurance and Pension (F&P) dropped their old classification. However, getting designers, consultants and insurers to adopt the new standards is still a big task.
For many years, F&P, with their own classifications, were behind the product standards for burglar-resistant products such as roller grilles and roller shutters. In 2001, however, a European standard called EN 1627-30 was introduced for doors, windows, shutters, grilles and blinds. After extensive testing with hydraulic pressure, swing pendulum and tool burglary tests at the Danish Technological Institute, the old F&P ratings could no longer keep up with the new EN standards.
New standards are here to stay
In 2015, F&P announced that the old approvals would be discontinued in favor of the new EN certifications according to EN 1627-30. However, it has been far from successful in getting designers, consultants and insurance companies to disregard the old, invalid certifications. This is according to Bill Torben Jensen, founder of Alux A/S, who has been working with mechanical Mechanical security for more than 30 years.
"It's to be expected that new standards come with an implementation period, but it's been many years since the change, so there has been plenty of time to prepare. The standards are here to stay, so we encourage everyone to use the new, current certifications rather than the old, discontinued ones," he says.
"You have to remember that when you test and certify, it's for all of us. Among other things, it gives certainty to builders that things are of the best quality and meet today's standards. I therefore believe that we as suppliers and manufacturers are responsible for meeting the requirements, as are the insurance companies, who unfortunately still use the old standards to a large extent. Let's get the new ones in use - it must be in everyone's interest," continues Bill Torben Jensen.
Fire safety standards matter to human lives
Mechanical fire protection is different in the fire sector. Fire protection is regulated by legislation according to building regulations, as human lives are at stake. Products must therefore comply with the requirements of the new standards that came into force in 2020 and be certified accordingly. Here, too, Bill Torben Jensen calls for a more consistent approach:
"It is illegal not to follow the new fire safety standards. However, there are situations where you can apply for an exemption, and some are perhaps a little more lenient than others, which is a discussion that is currently ongoing. My opinion is that when there are standards in place, it's important to follow them every time. That's also the way the industry is heading, it just takes too long to get there," he explains and continues:
"In addition to the EU standards in relation to the quality of the product, we also have the whole ISO 9001 part, which ensures quality in the way things are produced and assembled. Finally, I also think it's important to remember the soft values in the form of the companies' values, which should preferably match what the standards express. In this way, you make it clear to customers that they can trust the quality that is delivered." concludes Bill Torben Jensen.