What is an FM Approval?
In European projects we increasingly see that an FM certificate mark is requested. Understandable, because with an FM Approved product you opt for quality, safety and therefore for a reliable construction. The FM Approval is a product certification that is a globally recognized standard, which indicates that the product meets strict standards and requirements. We explain exactly what it represents and what you should pay attention to.
Three main reasons to choose an FM Approved product or assembly
- The FM Approval is a quality mark that proves that the product or assembly meets the highest possible safety and quality standards.
- For European projects, an FM Approval is often mandatory.
- The insurance premium at FM Global is lower for FM certified products and assemblies.
What is an FM Approved product or assembly?
FM Approvals is a global quality mark of the industrial insurance company FM Global. It represents top quality and (fire)safety of products and assemblies. The certificates are recognized worldwide by leading companies in the construction of roofs and facades. FM Approved products and assemblies are subjected to rigorous testing in the field of safety, fire wind load, and more. Building with FM Approved products is therefore beneficial for both the property owner and the insurer.
Why choose an FM Approved product or assembly?
Thanks to the high-quality standards that an FM Approved product or assembly meets, you are assured of construction certainty. An additional advantage is the lower insurance premium at FM Global, since with a safe and high-quality product risk is reduced. An FM Approved certification is mandatory for insurance with FM Global.
How are FM Approved products and assemblies tested?
In order to obtain the FM Approval and the associated certification, an initial test is carried out at FM Approvals' premises in Boston, USA. Guardian is responsible for creating the test setup, which is then subjected to the strict testing conditions that FM Approved products must meet.
After the FM quality mark has been issued, FM Approvals carries out two audits annually to check whether the products meet the standards. From factory conditions, production process, drawings to materials: everything is checked and must meet the standards on which the quality mark is based. Even the smallest changes and deviations require a new approval.
What value does the FM quality mark represent for us?
Meeting the requirements of the FM Approval quality mark means delivering a high-quality product and being able to issue the associated quality guarantees. And that is what Guardian stands for: high-quality products.
What is an FM Approved assembly?
An FM Approved assembly is a composition of different products that have been tested as a complete assembly and that in that composition meet the requirements set by FM Approvals. The specific products and processing instructions are included in a report that must be followed exactly when requesting an FM Approved assembly. These reports can be requested at RoofNav and Approval Guide.
If you are interested in an assembly with Guardian products, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to speaking with you personally.
How do you check whether a product or assembly is FM approved?
All worldwide FM Approved products and assemblies are stored in FM Global database. This is accessible to everyone, so you can search for a specific product or composition.
