Intertek Life Safety and Security Solutions

Life safety refers to the systems, products, and design measures intended to protect people from serious harm in emergencies such as fire, smoke events, carbon monoxide exposure, or restricted building access. For manufacturers, demonstrating life safety compliance means more than meeting basic functional expectations — it requires proving that products perform reliably under defined safety standards, environmental conditions, and real-world use scenarios. This is typically achieved through independent testing, certification, and ongoing quality oversight aligned with applicable codes and product standards.

Life safety systems are products and integrated technologies designed to protect occupants during emergencies by providing early warning, clear communication, and safe means of evacuation. These systems are critical to minimizing injury and loss of life when normal building operations are compromised and are typically required by building codes and safety standards.

• Fire Detection & Alarm
  • Fire alarm control panels
  • Smoke, heat, flame, and gas detectors
  • Manual pull stations
  • Audible and visual notification appliances (horns, strobes, speakers)
• Emergency Communication & Notification
  • Mass notification systems
  • Voice evacuation systems
  • Public address and emergency communication systems
• Egress & Emergency Lighting
  • Emergency lighting units
  • Exit signs
  • Photoluminescent egress path markings
• Fire Suppression & Control
  • Fire sprinkler system components
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Fire pumps, valves, and controllers
  • Special hazard suppression systems (e.g., clean agent, water mist)
• Smoke Control & Life Safety Controls
  • Smoke control systems and fans
  • Fire and smoke dampers
  • Elevator recall and control interfaces
• Power & System Reliability
  • Emergency power supplies and batteries
  • Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) for life safety loads
  • Control equipment ensuring system continuity during power loss
• Integrated Life Safety Systems
  • Networked and software-driven life safety platforms
  • Interfaces between fire, security, HVAC, and building management systems

These products are typically subject to mandatory codes, standards, and third-party certification requirements because they must perform reliably under emergency conditions and are critical to protecting human life.

Life safety and security products are subject to a wide range of safety, performance, installation, and cybersecurity standards to ensure reliable operation during emergencies and protection against intentional threats. Applicable requirements vary by product type and market but commonly include the following:

• North American Safety Standards
  • UL and ANSI standards for fire detection, alarm systems, emergency lighting, access control equipment, intrusion detection, and security equipment
  • Certification by an OSHA-recognized Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), like Intertek, to demonstrate compliance
• Codes and Regulatory Requirements
  • NFPA codes and standards, including the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code (NFPA 72)
  • International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC), adopted by many jurisdictions
  • Requirements enforced by Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) for system approval and installation
• International and Regional Standards
  • IEC standards for electrical safety and system performance in global markets
  • EN standards for products sold in the European Union, often linked to CE marking
  • CB Scheme certifications to support international acceptance using a single test program
• Cybersecurity and Software Standards
  • IEC 62443 for industrial and connected system cybersecurity
  • ISO/IEC 27001 and related frameworks for information security management

UL certification is not universally required for life safety and security products and systems. In most cases, other NRTL marks like Intertek's ETL Mark are equally accepted, provided the product is tested and certified to the applicable standard.

In the United States, OSHA recognizes multiple Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs) that are authorized to test and certify products to the same UL, ANSI, and NFPA-referenced standards. When a life safety or security product bears the mark of an OSHA-recognized NRTL, like the ETL Listed Mark, it demonstrates that the product complies with the required safety standard and is generally acceptable to Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), inspectors, and code officials.

Listing: A product is “listed” when it has been tested by an accredited third-party organization (such as Intertek ETL) and found to meet the specific safety or performance standards applicable to its type and intended use. A listing indicates that the product has passed rigorous evaluation and is suitable for installation according to building and fire codes.

Certification: Certification is the formal process by which a testing organization verifies and documents that a product, system, or component meets defined standards, codes, or performance requirements. Certification often includes design review, testing, factory inspections, and ongoing compliance audits.

Labeling: Labeling refers to the physical mark or label applied to a product to indicate its listing or certification status. Labels provide instant verification for regulators, inspectors, and buyers that the product has