Intertek Launches Certification Program for Tornado-Resistant Products

The ETL SEMKO division of Intertek Group plc has launched a tornado-resistant product certification program in accordance with applicable requirements of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA). The program is designed to assist manufacturers in determining if products are fit for use in tornado-prone areas of the United States. The program's first certification was issued to Windsor Republic Doors.

Intertek says it is the first independent testing laboratory to introduce a certification program for tornado-resistant products. 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, according to the company.

"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."

Windsor Republic Doors' Model 3070 Door Assembly and Model 6270 Door Pair Assembly bear Intertek's proprietary WH Mark, showing compliance with FEMA's National Performance Criteria for Tornado Shelters and NSSA's Standard for Design, Construction and Performance of Storm Shelters.

"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 at Windsor Republic Doors. "By partnering with the industry experts at Intertek we feel this program will help us to continue to meet that goal."