The next step is to pick a listing agency for your product. There are several in North America, including Southwest Research Institute, Intertek and Quality Assurance International. Each of these agencies will work with you to set up the listing and labeling program. One of the tasks they will help with is development of a quality assurance (QA) manual, which inspectors will use when they audit your facility.
Another requirement of the listing program is to fabricate the requisite test panels under the eye of an inspector approved by the listing agency. The inspector will label the panels so they can be identified at the testing lab. Afterward, the panels are shipped to the testing lab to undergo the appropriate tests. Once completed, the test reports become part of the listing.
The QA manual also includes a description of how the products are made and typical applications for the product. The manual identifies any raw materials used in production of the part, including the resin’s product name. More than one resin can be listed as long as testing is done on each resin being used. Depending on the listing agency, the glass fiber brand and type may also have to be listed.
After the listing is complete – with all of the test results and the QA manual – the listing agency will create a time table for follow-up inspections of the shop. Inspections may occur annually or quarterly. The follow-up inspections verify that the fabricator is following the procedures outlined in the QA manual and none of the materials have been changed. In some cases, inspections may include random testing of parts to confirm that no changes have occurred since the initial testing.
Once the listing is completed and the inspection schedule is set up, a label can be placed on any parts that are made under this listing. The label for all products sold under this listing will be designed and agreed on by the listing agency and the fabricator. The label assures code officials and architects that these parts meet the code requirements. They can look up the listing on the testing agency’s website to find details about the product.
While it can be a laborious process, listing and labeling is beneficial to fabricators. Once listed, you don’t have to supply test reports on your product to code officials or architects. You can simply tell them where to look up the listing of the product, which includes all of the test reports. It should help facilitate sales in the construction market, and that’s something we all like to see!
Disclaimer: Opinions, statements and technical information within the Best Practices column are that of the authors. ACMA makes no warranty of any kind, express or implied, with respect to information in the column, including fitness for a particular purpose. Persons using the information within the column assume all risk and liability for any losses, damages, claims or expenses resulting from such use.
