Why the Warnock Hersey (WH) Mark Matters for Fire Safety in Buildings

Fire Prevention Week is an important reminder of the precautions needed to prevent fires, with building and construction products being one of the key ways to help improve fire safety in buildings. For 125 years, Intertek's Warnock Hersey (WH) Mark has been a trusted symbol of quality and safety in the building products industry. Manufacturers consistently recognize the WH Mark as the preferred certification for fire safety, helping ensure that the materials used in construction meet the highest standards for protecting people and property.

The WH Mark's Role in Fire Prevention

 Products with the WH Mark are designed to slow the spread of fires, giving people more time to evacuate and giving firefighters a better chance to control the fire. From fire doors and hardware to hearth products, the WH Mark is a visible symbol of a product's compliance with relevant building codes, association criteria, and product safety and performance standards. Recognized globally, including in the United States, Canada, the Middle East, North Africa, and South America, the WH Mark reassures inspectors, builders, and end-users that these products meet rigorous fire safety standards and will perform reliably in critical situations.

Intertek and the WH Mark

 We ensure the integrity of our WH Mark through a comprehensive process involving rigorous product testing, certification, and ongoing compliance checks. By streamlining the WH Mark certification process, Intertek helps manufacturers bring fire-safe products to market efficiently.

As a nationally recognized testing laboratory by OSHA in the United States, accredited as a testing organization and certified body by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) , and accredited by the International Accreditation Service, Inc. (IAS) , an International Code Council company, Intertek is a trusted authority in fire safety. With laboratories worldwide, we provide expert WH Mark testing and certification services to manufacturers around the globe.

After products pass our testing, they earn the WH Mark, signifying compliance with fire safety and regulatory standards. To maintain this high standard, Intertek conducts periodic inspections at manufacturing sites to ensure the continued safety and reliability of WH Mark-certified products.

As Fire Prevention Week highlights the importance of fire safety, choosing WH Mark-certified products is a proactive step toward protecting lives and property. These certified products can make the difference between a contained fire and a catastrophic event, reinforcing the essential need for safety in all building settings.

Click here to learn more about our WH Mark and how we can test your building and construction products.