Temporary floor protection must be fit for purpose and safe. There are several ways to ensure the product meets these criteria:
BS EN for performance, safety, and suitability
LPCB for fire and security performance
You’ll likely see these terms on construction materials and protection products, including Floorgard Corry Board. So, which one do you need for your projects?
What is BS EN
BS EN stands for British Standard European Norm. In context, “BS EN” on a product shows it follow a British Standard that’s aligned with European standards. This indicates that it has been tested, assessed, and meets the performance requirements.
One thing to note: BS EN is not a single standard. Different standards apply depending on the product and intended use. For temporary floor protection boards*, the testing may cover the common performance characteristics:
Impact resistance (BS EN ISO 6272)
Slip resistance (BS EN 16165)
Reaction to fire (BS EN 13501-1)
BS EN standards define performance testing methods and classification systems. They’re not legally mandatory on their own, but they support compliance when referenced in project specifications, contractor requirements, or regulations (e.g., CDM Regulations 2015).
* Not all temporary floor protection boards are tested to all of these standards.
What is LPCB
LPCB stands for Loss Prevention Certification Board. It’s a globally recognised third-party certification body in the UK under the BRE Group. It focuses on fire risk and loss prevention that involve ongoing audits, product assessments, and factory inspections.
What this means in practice is:
Independent verification of performance
Regular audits and quality checks
Recognised by insurers and contractors
Strong focus on fire safety compliance
LPCB certification means a floor protection product has been independently tested and regularly audited to confirm it meets performance standards, which may include BS EN 13501-1.
The Verdict: BS EN vs LPCB
BS EN = Product is tested against a standard and shown to meet defined performance requirements.
LPCB = Product is independently certified and subject to ongoing assessment.
BS EN is about meeting a testing standard. LPCB adds independent certification and ongoing checks for extra assurance.
When is BS EN needed for floor protection?
BS EN compliance is often enough for standard construction projects, refurbishments, and short-term protection work.
When is LPCB needed for floor protection?
LPCB-certified floor protection is required where fire risk, insurance conditions, or strict site rules are involved. In these cases, BS EN compliance alone may not be sufficient. Proof of independent approval is also expected.
When do you need both?
BS EN and LPCB aren’t interchangeable, and it’s common to see them used together in:
Commercial buildings with fire safety specifications
Large construction projects with formal material approval processes
Projects where insurers require LPCB-approved materials that also meet BS EN fire classifications
Always check the project fire strategy or insurer requirements before purchasing.
If you’re ready to order, you can get our Floorgard FR Corry Board Sheet (BSEN) and Floorgard FR Corry Board Sheet (LPCB) in bulk. We also offer a great range of floor protection for different project needs, including carpet protectors.
For enquiries and fast quotes, email our team at customercare@s-pgroup.com or call 028 9411 0032. SP Group is a temporary protection and scaffold supplier based in the UK and Ireland.
FAQs
Does LPCB certification expire?
LPCB certification doesn’t expire on a fixed date, but it is maintained through ongoing audits and checks. The product must continue meeting requirements to stay certified.
The board regularly reviews both the product and its manufacturing process. Certification can be suspended or withdrawn if standards are not maintained.
Is BS EN enough for fire safety compliance?
BS EN can be enough for fire performance compliance, depending on the site specification and risk level. BS EN classifications (such as BS EN 13501-1) show how a material performs in standard fire testing, but they don’t guarantee acceptance for every project or insurance requirement.
Higher-risk projects, or those with stricter contractor or insurer rules, may also require additional third-party certification like LPCB alongside BS EN compliance.