The program, launched by the ETL SEMKO division of Intertek Group, will assist manufacturers in determining whether products are fit for use in tornado-prone areas and whether they meet applicable requirements of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA
Intertek is the first independent testing laboratory to introduce a certification program for tornado resistant product manufacturers. 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.
"Safeguarding consumers and their property is at the heart of what we do," says Jeff Turcotte, vice president of building products for Intertek. "Introducing this program to product manufacturers ultimately provides consumers, buyers, and specifiers with much needed assurance of product compliance."
As evidence of compliance to FEMA's National Performance Criteria for Tornado Shelters and NSSA's Standard for Design, Construction and Performance of Storm Shelters, approved products will bear Intertek's proprietary WH Mark. The WH Mark is recognized by fire marshals, inspectors, and code officials throughout North America.
