May 2 2006
The ETL SEMKO division of Intertek Group plc (LSE: ITRK), a global leader in testing, inspection and certification, today announced it has launched a tornado resistant product certification program according to applicable requirements of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA). The program will assist manufacturers in determining if products are fit for use in tornado prone areas of the United States. Intertek has issued the first certification of the program to Windsor Republic Doors.
Intertek is the first independent testing laboratory to introduce a certification program for tornado resistant product manufacturers. As part of the program testing will be conducted to applicable requirements of FEMA and the NSSA and will help to determine products’ wind pressure load resistance, debris impact resistance, structural integrity, and door and latching device capacity.
“Safeguarding consumers and their property is at the heart of what we do,” said Jeff Turcotte, vice president, Building Products, Intertek. “Introducing this program to product manufacturers ultimately provides consumers, buyers, and specifiers with much needed assurance of product compliance.”
As evidence of compliance to FEMA’s National Performance Criteria for Tornado Shelters and NSSA’s Standard for Design, Construction and Performance of Storm Shelters, Windsor Republic Doors’ Model 3070 Door Assembly and Model 6270 Door Pair Assembly bear Intertek’s proprietary WH Mark. The WH Mark is recognized by Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) such as fire marshals, inspectors, and code officials throughout North America.
“Windsor Republic Doors is dedicated to providing our customers with products that best meet their severe weather resistance needs,” said Jason W. Lisewski, director of product engineering, Windsor Republic Doors. “By partnering with the industry experts at Intertek we feel this program will help us to continue to meet that goal.”