Fire and building officials are confronted from time to time with the need for professional product, equipment, process or chemical testing, inspection and evaluation services. The model codes refer to the term “nationally recognized” testing laboratories, but give little selection guidance.
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) maintains a list of its “nationally recognized testing laboratories.” The labs on its list may be retained to determine that specific equipment and materials meet consensus-based safety standards. They can provide the assurance that these products are safe for use in the U.S. workplace.
Testing laboratories selected from the list also may be used to evaluate products, equipment, processes, materials or chemicals to verify compliance with model building and fire codes and standards. The code official has the authority to approve a testing laboratory from this list or other test facilities not on the list.
OSHA nationally recognized testing laboratories
| Testing laboratory | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Research Laboratories, Inc. | 305-624-4800 | |
| Bay Area Compliance Laboratories | 408-732-9162 | |
| Canadian Standards Association | 416-747-4000 | |
| Curtis-Straus LLC | 978-486-8880 | |
| FM Approvals LLC | 781-762-4300 | |
| International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials EGS | 909-472-4100 | |
| Intertek Testing Services NA, Inc. | 847-439-5667 | |
| MET Laboratories, Inc. | 800-638-5227 | |
| Nemko North America, Inc. | 760-444-3500 | |
| NSF International | 734-827-6837 | |
| QAI Laboratories, LTD | 604-527-8378 | |
| QPS Evaluation Services, Inc. | 416-241-8857 | |
| SGS North America, Inc. | 770-570-1800 | |
| Southwest Research Institute | 210-684-5111 | |
| TUV SUD America, Inc. | 978-573-2500 | |
| TUV SUD Product Services GmbH | +49.89.5008.4335 | |
| Underwriters Laboratories Inc. | 847-272-8800 |
May is Building Safety Month
 | Week 1 May 1-5 Partnering with code officials to build stronger, safer communities |
 | Week 2 May 6-12 Advancing Resilient Communities Through Science and Technology |
 | Week 3 May 13-19 Protecting Communities from Disasters |
 | Week 4 May 20-26 Safeguarding Our Water |
 | Week 5 May 27-31 Improving Education and Training Standards for a Safer Tomorrow |
Action step to learn more about testing laboratories
OSHA’s Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory Program recognizes private sector organizations that can perform certification to make sure products meet the requirements for construction and general industry OSHA electrical standards. For additional information on how OSHA recognizes testing laboratories, visit the OSHA website.
