VdS-Approval procedure for installation companies
The totality of measures for development, installation and maintenance is referred to as installation. In order to ensure effective risk management, the installation of fire protection and security technology has to be undertaken by companies who can demonstrate the necessary specialist competence. They must be in a position to apply and implement the VdS planning and installation guidelines.
Installation companies for fire protection and security technology can acquire proof of specialist competency by applying for VdS-Approval. Proof of a certified quality management system according to ISO 9001 is a prerequisite for application.
After application, the level of knowledge of employees and personnel and technical furnishing, like for instance an adequate spare parts store, required installation and maintenance equipment, will be inspected. If this inspection yields positive results, approval will be issued, however, with a time limit (provisional approval). The duration of provisional approvals ranges from 12 to 30 months, depending on the type of installation. During the course of conditional approval, the quality of installations done by the installation company, are evaluated. Special attention is paid to compliance with the VdS-Guidelines for planning and installation by the installation company. Of course, VdS-approved companies have to guarantee that they utilise systems approved by VdS. If installations have been inspected without any objection, the installation company receives a certificate of final approval as installation company, based on the relevant procedure guidelines.
The duration of final approval lies between 3 and 4 years. During this time additional installations will be inspected. If no deviations are recorded during these inspections, the application for approval of the installation company is extended by another 3 or 4 years. VdS approval of the installation company lapses when approval conditions are no longer met, for instance if inadequate installations have been done or if the installation company does not request an extension of the approval.