CSA Group, a leading global provider of testing and certification services and a standards development organisation, successfully launched a fast and cost-effective safety approval service that can help open up markets across the Atlantic.

The service is intended for one-of-a-kind, limited-production, used or modified products and unlisted electrical equipment. The process is completed at the point of manufacturing, interim points of distribution, at the final installation site, or a combination of the above, as requested by the customer.

“Since we launched the service in 2013 in the UK, we have seen great demand from our customers. It’s a fast and cost effective way to help obtain approval to sell products in North America,” said Ian Rippin, Managing Director UK, CSA Group. “CSA Group-Sira continues to add local services to meet the growing needs of our clients, helping them gain faster and more efficient access to global markets.”

The Special Inspection & Field Evaluation Programs are an evaluation according to the safety requirements in Canada (Model code SPE-1000-13) and in the US (NFPA791) and can be completed in less than a week. CSA Group-Sira’s technical experts perform a review on site and upon successful evaluation units found in compliance are marked with the Special Inspection or US Field Evaluation label. These services are referred to as “US Field Evaluation” for the US market or “Special Inspection” Program for Canada.

Special Inspection & Field Evaluation Programs can be applied whether or not there are existing standards for the product. In cases where there are established standards, the companies now have the option to undertake the comprehensive process of a full certification or receive a faster approval through a special inspection or field evaluation. Companies can also request the CSA Group-Sira’s “Technical Information Service” which aims to inform them about the requirements for North America and identify any technical issues to be cleared before the products are finally field evaluated.

“We are now able to provide this service locally, which helps speed up turnaround times to meet your deadlines and reducing travel costs, while helping to ensure products are compliant with local regulations,” said Ian Rippin. “In the past, manufacturers typically had to have an inspector come from North America to conduct the inspection. CSA Group-Sira has an inspector in the UK who can provide this service, making the process faster for our clients.”

CSA Group-Sira is the UK market leader in hazardous locations testing and certification. In addition to US field evaluation and special inspections, CSA Group-Sira provides a range of services including: product assessment, testing and certification, installation and site surveys, risk assessments and personnel training and competence. Equipment can be tested to a number of UK, European and international standards.

About CSA Group

CSA Group is an independent, not-for-profit member-based association dedicated to advancing safety, sustainability and social good. We are an internationally-accredited standards development and testing & certification organization. We also provide consumer product evaluation and education & training services. Our broad range of knowledge and expertise includes: industrial equipment, plumbing & construction, electro-medical & healthcare, appliances & gas, alternative energy, lighting and sustainability. The CSA mark appears on billions of products around the world.

Contact

Allison Hawkins
Manager, Corporate Affairs
CSA Group
416-747-2615
[email protected]