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LABORATORIES
 The RINA Test Laboratory was established in 1965 as the Fire Research Laboratory with the purpose of giving the industry, mainly Italian at that time, a site where materials involved in the structural fire protection of ships could be tested in accordance with the applicable national and international testing procedures and standards.
Following the international development of RINA activities, the Fire Research Laboratory has gained, during these years, a worldwide reputation as one of the most competent laboratories for the performance of fire tests for marine applications.
Indeed, the RINA Test Laboratory has been indicated by the IMO as national reference laboratory for tests in connection with the International Code for Application of Fire Test Procedures (FTP Code) which contains the requirements for test laboratories and the test procedures applicable for the purpose of certifying materials for which the international Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS 74) foresees specific fire resistance or reaction characteristics.
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The RINA Test Laboratory has also been approved by the United States Coast Guard for the purpose of acceptance, by the United States Administration, of the results of all the tests foreseen by the IMO FTP Code.
Lastly, it is recognised by the Italian Administration as notified body pursuant to the European Directive on Marine Equipment.
In the meantime, its field of interest has expanded, besides the fire tests in the ship and building field, through the inclusion of activities not directly related to fire tests, such as tests on personal lifesaving appliances, personal protective equipment and calibration of testing machines.
In this connection, it has been authorised by the Ministry of the Interior to carry out fire resistance and reaction tests on products and materials for use in applications subject to control by the Fire Brigade and it is recognised by the Italian Administration as notified body pursuant to the Construction Products Directive.
The RINA Test Laboratory has also been judged suitable by the Ministry of Infrastructures and Transport to carry out tests relevant to material characteristics in connection with Directive 96/48/EC on the interoperability of the trans-European high-speed rail system.
The RINA Test Laboratory is one of the first laboratories to have introduced the use of finite element mathematical modelling to predict the behaviour of complex structures, such as panelling, ceilings, doors, etc. when subjected to fire.
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