Product Traceability
Fire Safety Compliance and Legal Protection
Traceability is the ability to share information about a product or system along its supply chain and lifecycle, across production, distribution, installation and maintenance.
The purpose is to ensure transparency, safety and efficiency.
This is especially relevant to fire-rated systems and products that have test data and evidence of suitability to ensure it is fit for purpose.
Key compliance and traceability requirements for fire-rated products in buildings include:
- Documentation & Record Keeping: A detailed register of all installations including product datasheets, batch numbers, test reports, certificates and maintenance.
- Third-Party Certification: Using products certified by accredited bodies to ensure that the supplied product is identical to the one tested.
- Product Tagging: Fire-rated products, particularly doorsets, must have permanent, mechanically attached tags to the door and frame, detailing the certifier, manufacturer and FRL.
- Regulatory Alignment: Products must comply with the National Construction Code (NCC), with evidence of suitability often required to prove they meet the necessary safety standards
- Baseline Data: Baseline data is required for ongoing maintenance to ensure the equipment or system is operating to at least the minimum standard required.
- Prevent Product Substitution: The use of specific, registered products prevents non-compliances or non-conforming substitutes from being used.
While this data might be compiled during the design stage, if the data is missing, hard to find or lost during handover, the chain is broken. This can lead to failed audits, insurance issues, safety risks and costly litigation.
An expert witness in construction litigation cases, often has to trace information back along the product and project timeline to ascertain validity and accountability.
Engage an expert you can rely on – Contact CJK Fire & Safety
https://cjkfireandsafety.com.au/services/expert-witness-legal/