Navigating the transition from BS476 to EN1634: What you need to know
At London Fire Solutions, we are committed to upholding the highest standards in fire safety. With the UK government phasing out the National Classes BS 476 fire testing standards in favour of the European EN 1634 standard, it's crucial for our customers and partners to understand what this means for their fire safety practices..
Why the Change?
The move from BS 476 to EN 1634 aligns with recommendations from the Hackitt Report, which called for clearer, more transparent, and effective fire safety testing regimes following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. This shift aims to standardise fire safety tests across the UK and Europe, enhancing the effectiveness of our approaches to fire safety.
What is the Transition Period?
The government has wisely introduced a five-year transition period. This means that products currently certified under BS 476 are still valid until the end of this period. This phased approach ensures minimal disruption, allowing time for retesting and certification under the new EN 1634 standard.
What are the benefits of EN 1634?
EN 1634 provides a more comprehensive fire resistance and smoke control testing framework. Adopting this standard not only streamlines the compliance process but also elevates the overall safety of fire door installations across various sectors.
How is LFS supporting its customers?
1. Continuous Information: We promise to keep you informed with regular updates as more details emerge and as we transition our products and practices to the new standards.
2. Expert Guidance: Our team is on hand to provide support and answer any queries you may have about the impact of this change on your existing and future fire safety solutions.
3. Enhanced Product Offering: We are carefully planning our product retesting processes to ensure that our offerings meet and exceed the requirements set out by the new EN 1634 standard.
What does the next step look like?
The transition to EN 1634 is a positive step towards more robust fire safety standards, reflecting our ongoing commitment to safety and quality. London Fire Solutions is here to navigate these changes alongside you, ensuring that your fire safety solutions remain effective, compliant, and up to date.
Stay connected with us for further updates, and feel free to contact our team with any questions or for more detailed guidance on this transition.