Purpose of FM Approval

• In the US, fire-fighting equipment is naturally required to acquire FM certification, similar to the fire safety certificate in Korea.
• Building materials, etc., have a high awareness of fire safety performance, so architects and owners often require FM certification.
• If insured by an FM insurance company, the insurance company requires the use of FM certified products, and some insurance companies may offer insurance benefits if FM certification has been acquired. (because FM certification is stricter than UL or other tests.)

Procedure

Initial factory audit

1. The manufacturer must have a quality assurance program in at least the following areas:

• existence of corporate quality assurance guidelines;
• Incoming quality assurance, including testing;
• In-process quality assurance, including testing
• ­Final audit and tests;
• Equipment calibration;
• Drawing and change control;
• Packaging and shipping;
• Handling and disposition of non-conforming materials

2. Documentation/Manual

As a criterion for the implementation and maintenance of the quality system, an accurate description of the quality management system should be provided. Also, sufficient records should be maintained, and the operation of the quality system should be demonstrated.

3. Records

The manufacturer must keep records of all quality assurance tests performed to ensure proper traceability of products and materials for at least two years from the date of manufacture.

4. Drawing and Change Control

The manufacturer must establish a product management system that does not allow unauthorized changes to products. Any changes to FM certified products or important documents must be reported to FM Approvals prior to said change.

Scope of technical guidance

1. Review of applicable standards

Upon reviewing the General Requirements, Performance Requirement, and Operation Requirements specified in Approval Standard for Pipe and Duct Insulation, Class Number 4924 (January 2013), applicable standards must be reflected in the company's certification process.

2. Manage progress of the FM certification project

From the FM Approvals application stage to the completion of the certification, follow up the requirements of the certification body and take necessary measures to ensure that the certification proceeds smoothly and successfully.

3. Prepare TCF guidance, including FM approval documents

Consult with the company so that all documents requested by the certification body (FM Approvals) can be well prepared, and provide guidance on preparing the Technical Construction File (TCF), including the FM approval documents.

4. Provide factory audit guidance

Provide guidance on the quality control program required for factory audit to make sure it well prepared, which is essential in receiving factory audits.

Cost (Sample)

※ Payment terms and other

1. 1. The above testing and certification costs are estimated and include initial factory audit costs.
   (However, airfares, lodging, and food expenses of the inspector (Singapore) are separate and calculated based on actual expenses during factory audit.)
2. 2. Testing and certification fees must be remitted to the certification body (FM Approvals) when the project is opened.
3. 3. The annual audit fee for maintaining the certification is USD 4,000, which includes man-hours, accommodation and airfare.
4. 4. For technical guidance, refer to the scope of technical guidance specified on item no. 3 on the previous page.
5. 5.

   Ministry of SMEs and Startups subsidy: KRW 43.2 million (over KRW 3 billion in sales) or KRW 50 million (up to KRW 3 billion won in sales)