FM 1951.docVIP

1.4 Basis for FM Approval FM Approval is based upon satisfactory evaluation of the product and the manufacturer in the following major areas: 1.4.1 Examination and tests on production samples shall be performed to evaluate: ? the suitability of the product ? the performance of the product as specified by the manufacturer and required by FM Approvals; and as far as practical, ? the durability and reliability of the product. 1.4.2 An examination of the manufacturing facilities and audit of quality control procedures shall be made to evaluate the manufacturer’s ability to produce the product which was examined and tested, and the marking procedures used to identify the product. These examinations are repeated as part of FM Approvals’ product follow-up program. 1.5 Basis for Continued Approval Continued Approval is based upon: ? production or availability of the product as currently Approved; ? the continued use of acceptable quality assurance procedures; ? satisfactory field experience; ? compliance with the terms stipulated in the Master Agreement; ? satisfactory re-examination of production samples for continued conformity to requirements; and ? satisfactory Facilities and Procedures Audits (FPAs) conducted as part of FM Approvals’ product follow-up program. Also, as a condition of retaining Approval, manufacturers may not change a product or service without prior authorization by FM Approvals. 1.8 Applicable Documents The following standards, test methods, and practices are referenced in this standard: ANSI/IEEE/ASTM SI 10-97, Standard for Use of the International System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System ASTM A6/A6M-02b, Standard Specification for General Requirements for Rolled Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes, and Sheet Piling ASTM A653/A653M-02, A635/A635M-02, Standard Specification for General Requirements for Steel, Sheet and Strip, Heavy-Thickness Coils, Carbon, Commercial Steel, Drawing Steel, Structural, High-Strength Low-Alloy,