About EGOLF
EGOLF provides a focus for fire testing issues in Europe. Membership is open to all independent, nationally recognised organisations that test, inspect or certify materials, components and products in support of legislation. Full membership is open to organisations geographically in Europe and organisations outside Europe can apply for associate membership.
The work of EGOLF members, and hence EGOLF activities, are mainly centred on passive fire protection. In the testing area this covers reaction to fire and fire resistance performance. The predominant sector is testing products and materials for the construction industry, but other key areas include textiles and transport (rail, marine, aerospace). Some members are also involved in active fire protection (design and testing of sprinkler systems, automatic extinguishing systems, smoke vents etc.). Additionally some members provide certification of products and services. For details of members click here, to search for laboratories which offer key European tests for construction products click here.
To view the EGOLF Statutes and the Internal Rules click here.
The cornerstone of EGOLF membership is quality. All laboratories must have accreditation to EN ISO/IEC 17025. There is also a series of Courses run by appointed experts for the key Euroclassification fire tests and attendance at these ensures that all members carry out the tests in a consistent manner. All laboratories have agreed to send technicians to courses before the end of 2008.
Organisation and management
- Plenary - this is open to all EGOLF members, it is where policy and procedural matters are discussed and decided, together with any matters referred to it by the Technical Committees
- Executive - this is the management group and is chaired by the President and is composed of three other elected persons
- Secretary General - undertakes the administration of the organisation
EGOLF members meet every six months and discussions take place in three technical committees. The main activities within the committees are:
- ensuring common understanding and use of European fire test methods
- organising round robins
- gaining common views on measurement uncertainty
- interpretation of EN ISO/IEC 17025 for fire laboratories
- additional workshops and special meetings are held as needed by members e.g. measurement of uncertainty, fire safety engineering, detailed discussions on specific test methods
Key documents agreed by EGOLF can be viewed under publications
External links - EGOLF works closely with other key bodies within Europe e.g. EC Expert Group on Fire, CEN, EOTA and industry groups. Also EGOLF provides the secretariat for the Group of Notified Bodies- Fire Sector Group, where matters of attestation for CE marking under the CPD are discussed.