Verifying Solutions

How do you know that a test result performance claimed by a supplier is correct? Unfortunately, there have been cases where suppliers have claimed results that are either incorrect or are referring to a testing process that does not meet recognised international standards.

The most obvious solution is to request a copy of the test certificate from the supplier, but having done so the following are a number of items that you can check against to satisfy yourself on the validity of the claim:

Ensure that the certificate confirms that the product has been tested to IWA14-1:2013, PAS68:2013 or ASTM 2656:2018 – these are the only accredited HVM testing standards.

Look to see if the product rating given is in the correct format for the testing standard that is quoted. For example, performance classification for:

- ISO22343-1 format is – ISO 22343-1 VSB Type V / 7200 [N1G] / 48 / 90 : 7.6 / 5.0

IWA14-2013 format is – IWA14-1:2013 Bollard V/7500[N2A]/80/90:0.0
PAS68:2013 format is – PAS68:2013 Bollard V/7500(N2)/80/90:0.0/3.6
ASTM 2656:2018 format is – F2656 C7:50-P3

See ‘Standards and Independent Testing’ for further information on product ratings.

A list of the instrumentation used in the test must be included in the report which should show that all the transducers and high-speed cameras used in the test were within their current calibration date for use at the time of the test.
There should be a selection of pre and post-test photographs of the product and the impacting vehicle, and preferably a sequence of “dynamic” stills through the test taken from the high-speed cameras used in the test.
The test house accreditation is valid for this type of test by accessing the quoted accreditation authority’s website and looking up the work scope they are accredited to ensure the test is listed within the scope.
The address of the test house in the report is the same as that shown on the accreditation authority’s website.
The product tested is that shown in the drawings that must form one of the appendices at the back of the report.
Check product name/number are the same in the report as on all of the drawings including the foundation drawing.
Check the foundations shown in the drawings as those shown in the photos of the installation that must be taken by the test house when installing the product.
Check the product shown in the pre and post-test photos is the same as detailed in the product drawing.