Understanding the Role of Field of Application Reports in Fire Safety Compliance

By Andy Davies, Technical Manager

We’ve noticed several discussions arising around the purpose and significance of Field of Application Reports (FoA) in the context of fire safety regulations, particularly in relation to digital management systems.

The key question we have come across is whether digital management systems only acknowledge certifications and, if this is the case, where do Field of Application Reports stand if not considered certificates?

Are Field of Application Reports the Same as ‘Fire Certificates’?

It is important to clarify that FoA reports are not certificates, and the term “Fire Certificate” within the management systems of an asset can be misleading. Rather, these reports asses a multitude of tests and demonstrate the performance of proven design elements over required durations and classification periods. To demonstrate the link back to the primary test evidence, detailed test summaries are provided within a FoA report to enable the reader to see the products and designs which have been tested.

What do FoAs Tell Us About Conducted Tests?

Let’s be clear. Field of Application reports (or European Standard based Extended Field of Applications reports) are not a replacement for primary test evidence. Indeed, FoA and EXAP reports cannot exist without the primary test evidence upon which they are based.

Whilst primary test evidence remains the strongest way to demonstrate the performance of a particular doorset design or doorset product, it is not always the most practical option. Primary test evidence does not permit much variation from what was tested in one particular fire resistance test.

Without FoA reports every single doorset design may have to be tested for fire resistance, not to mention smoke control. Whilst in an ideal world this would be preferred, in reality, however, testing capacity and commercial constraints mean that this is not always feasible.

FoA reports play a crucial role in evaluating the performance of doorset designs by analysing various fire resistance tests. They are compiled by product assessors from approved bodies, following the principles of EN 15275 and best practices from the Passive Fire Protection Forum’s (PFPF’s) Guide to undertaking technical assessments of the fire resistance performance of construction products, based on fire test evidence, as requested by Appendix B, B4 of Approved Document B, Fire Safety.

These product assessors have a wealth of experience in fire resistance testing, the extrapolation of fire resistance test data, fire engineering and product knowledge.

The Purpose of FoAs in a Digital Management System

The purpose of the FoA is to amalgamate the relevant primary test evidence for a specific product (e.g. a door core) or product family into one document and with the definition of elements such as door leaf sizes, glazing, hardware and other essential components of the door system, as approved for use in accordance with the aforementioned standards and guidance.

Where a variance from the tested design is required, FoA reports written by approved bodies can be a sensible, robust alternative as all of the test data has been reviewed to establish the boundaries of the tested product or design and the impact of adding or removing tested elements.

Separately tested elements can also be permitted to be combined, as each combination permitted within a FoA will have been carefully considered and deemed to be suitably compatible and capable of the performance level required.

It’s essential to clarify these misconceptions, especially when dealing with regulatory authorities like Building Control, to ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulations.

In conclusion, Field of Application Reports are indispensable tools in evaluating the performance of doorset designs, offering a practical approach to compliance within the complex landscape of fire safety regulations.

The simple way to track and maintain building fire safety compliance, Halspan’s leading digital management system, Halspan Tracker, makes it easy for building owners and facility managers to ensure door systems and other fire safety assets comply with the relevant building regulations.

To discuss how you can keep up with, and meet, these evolving fire door regulations and their legislative obligations, call +44 (0)3300 563836 or email info@halspan.com