Pre-testing a ‘valuable exercise’ for Polar NE

In 2021 the DiMHN and Watford-based built environment testing, research, training and standards organisation, BRE, officially launched what they believe is a ‘world-first’ testing scheme for construction products used in mental healthcare facilities. The Network’s editor, Jonathan Baillie, explains the background to the scheme, its aims, and the product types covered, and discusses with two personnel at Middlesbrough-based architectural glazing specialist, Polar NE, their recent positive experience taking one of their windows for ‘pre-testing’ at the BRE’s Science Park.

Before discussing what Polar NE gained and learned in January this year when it took one of its newer mental healthcare windows for a day of pre-testing within a special test facility at the BRE’s Watford Science Park, it is worth re-capping on the background to the jointly developed testing scheme, why it was felt it was needed, and the key areas it covers. Readers of The Network will, in fact, find considerable earlier coverage of the scheme and its development in previous issues

Jointly developed by DiMHN and the BRE, which has a global reputation for its built environment research, testing, knowledge, and training expertise – the Informed Choices testing scheme is complemented by a detailed guidance document, and offers an independent means – which both organisations say had previously been lacking – to comprehensively test a range of materials fixtures, and hardware for use within mental healthcare facilities on key performance characteristics such as their ligature resistance and ability to withstand sustained attack. Products tested are not awarded a ‘pass or fail’, but rather graded on these specific performance aspects. For a specifier, such as an NHS Trust Estates and Facilities manager, this testing methodology means they will be able to then directly compare any product tested with other alternatives on the market, confident that both items will have undergone identical mechanical testing, where the human element – such as the strength of an individual attacking, say, a secure window with a paving maul (as per the guidance in Annex B in the Department of Health’s Environmental Design Guide: Adult Medium Secure Services, first published in 2011) – is removed from the equation.