conditions as well as their constructability. The ability to carry out this phase will be
dependent on locating suitable sites.
7.2 Product Accreditation
A performance assessment protocol is currently (April 2002) being drawn up under a DTI-led
project by HR Wallingford for stability and functionality testing of temporary protection
systems. Satisfactory assessment of performance is expected to secure certification of the
protection system for designated conditions. This will then assist users in selection of a
preferred system, and will in the longer term assist in the development of incentive and other
financial support schemes. To reduce cost, the product accreditation process may be
undertaken by the developer at the end of the design development process.
The recently formed Flood Protection Association (FPA) which is a trade association
comprising of manufacturers of flood protection systems within and away from protected
properties is represented on the DTI-led project currently developing the performance
assessment, testing and accreditation protocol. The prime objective of the FPA is to promote
best practice within the industry.
The testing regime is still being assessed, but will include as many of the attributes identified
in Section 7.1 above as possible, within practical and cost effective limits. These practical
limits may mean that the accreditation process will be limited to laboratory testing only,
although the testing process will include recording on the test certificate:
• whether the developer (or their designer) has undertaken design calculations and
• that they have produced an installation guide which describes information on standard
subject areas (in a similar way products include COSHH statements which address certain
subject areas).
It is envisaged that the system will either pass or fail the tests. If the product fails the tests,
then it may be necessary to review the designated conditions and or undertake further
development work as described in Section 7.1.