AAMA 205-01

AAMA 205-01

In-Plant Testing Guidelines for Manufacturers and Independent Laboratories

The following proposals are intended to improve the AAMA Product Certification Program when a manufacturer's in-house test laboratory is being used. The following points are grouped into two categories:

1.	Those requirements for the independent test laboratory performing the in-plant test witnessing.
2.	Those requirements of the manufacturer who operates a test laboratory and requires an AAMA accredited laboratory to witness testing in their facility.

AAMA ACCREDITED TEST LABORATORY REQUIREMENTS

1.	Air and water flow rate calibrations shall be conducted at the start of each test sequence by the accredited AAMA laboratory personnel. A test sequence is defined as a session of consecutive workdays during which an accredited laboratory representative witnesses testing at a manufacturer's laboratory. If testing is continued at the same facility after a weekend or holiday break, recalibration is not required except as deemed necessary by the accredited independent laboratory representative. Verification of calibrations for all other measurement devices used in all test procedures being represented by an AAMA accredited laboratory test report shall also be performed at this time. The verification shall be accomplished by: 1) Completion of any necessary calibration procedures by the accredited AAMA laboratory personnel, or 2) the manufacturer providing written documentation of traceable calibration data for the equipment to be used. Calibration data shall be reviewd by the AAMA accredited laboratory.
2.	All products that are tested at a manufacturer's test lab shall be dismantled and inspected for product description reporting purposes. The AAMA accredited laboratory representative shall supervise all dismantling and inspection and shall permanently identify all samples. These samples shall be provided to and retained by the AAMA accredited laboratory representative.
3.	All tests performed at the manufacturer's laboratory shall be witnessed in their entirety by the AAMA accredited laboratory representative.
4.	The AAMA accredited laboratory representative shall not assemble, modify, or remove any part or component, or improve in any way, the product(s) being tested without direction from the manufacturer.
5.	The AAMA accredited laboratory representative shall be knowledgeable in the areas of fenestration products testing. This includes materials and components and various fenestration operator types and designs. They shall also possess a working knowledge of the principals of air and water pressure, air and water flow rates, force, deflection measurement practices, and be knowledgeable in the applicationof the test methods and performance specifications being applied during all tests. They shall have undergone training in these areas and routinely participate in AAMA accredited laboratory training programs.

MANUFACTURERS LABORATORY REQUIREMENTS

1.	A manufacturer shall have test equipment that strictly meets all the requirements of the referenced test methods. No testing shall be performed with equipment that does not meet those standards. AAMA accredited laboratory personnel shall verify that the manufacturer's test laboratories comply with these requirements.
2.	The manufacturer's test lab shall have at the test site all applicable and current ASTM, AAMA, and other relavent documents that relate to the testing being performed. These documents shall be organized and made available ot the AAMA accredited lab test representative.
3.	The AAMA accredited laboratory representative shall be allowed free access to both sides of the test specimen(s) before, during, and after all testing at his discretion.
4.	If the manufacturer provides the test specimen prepared for testing (bucked), the test specimen shall meet all the criteria of the ASTM test methods and the requests of the AAMA accredited laboratory for preparation methods specific to identification of water leakage through frame and sill joints, mounting flanges/brickmold, etc. The laboratory shall have the right to stipulate buck modifications before and/or during testing in order to facilitate proper and accurate determination of water leakage.