The Universal Design standard helps organisations design products, services or environments so that as many people as possible can use them, regardless of their disability

In the societies of the future, services and products need to be adapted for all categories of citizens regardless of their functional abilities. The aim of the Universal Design standard EN 17161 is to promote accessibility and usability of products and services by integrating the needs and capabilities of users into the design process. The standard provides guidance for organisations to broaden their user perspective by including human diversity in their design and development processes. Understanding and taking into account the needs and abilities of different users can ensure that more people can benefit and have a better user experience from what is developed. 

Applying the principles of universal design as set out in this standard will enable organisations to:

• Accessibility laws and regulations, such as the EU Web Accessibility Directive and other national regulations.
• Deliver innovative and inclusive solutions that attract more customers and build brand reputation.
• By putting the user's needs at the centre, the standard can contribute to better quality and customer satisfaction.

Accessibility is a prerequisite for human rights and clearly linked to sustainable development. The EN 17161 standard is based on a management system structure similar to ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 14001 for environmental management, making it easy to integrate universal design into existing business processes.

RISE offers independent audits that combine innovative thinking and open dialogue with over 30 years of experience in management system audits. Our audits are characterised by a constructive and open dialogue that gives you new insights and helps to improve your business. With our accreditation from SWEDAC, you can feel confident that our services are characterised by high credibility and quality. This ensures that our assessments are always fair, impartial and reliable.

When it comes to universal design, we see accessibility as a foundation for human rights and an important part of sustainability work - one of RISE's key focus areas.

Contact us today to find out more!

Once the organisation meets the requirements for Design for All certification according to EN 17161, a certificate can be issued.

ISO 17161

ASTM F1980 is commonly referred to, not only for sterile barriers but for many accelerated ageing studies.

RISE offers durability and shelf-life tests according to ASTM F1980. The most common commissions are project where we perform both ageing studies, real-time studies and evaluation. Creating complete delivery packages in order fo fulfil regulatory requirements or other needs. 

We perform ageing studies according to ASTM F1980 and evaluate the results according to a number of methods. 

Formal written reports is the most common delivery, but we are flexible and adapt to our clients needs.

Mechanical properties of paper in the form of tensile testing (ISO 1924-2), tearing resistance (ISO 1974), and folding endurance (ISO 5626) are three measures of paper strength. These methods are important for evaluation in other standards, e.g. the paper permanence (ISO 9706, ISO 11108) and permanence of writing and printing on paper (ISO 11798).

The purpose of the tests is usually to investigate potential negative impacts on the mechanical strength of the paper after some form of exposure, such as accelerated ageing at elevated temperature and humidity in a climate chamber. The paper’s strength is tested before and after exposure. They can also be used to examine minimum strength requirements for the paper.

Most types of paper, such as fine paper or kraft paper, can be tested according to the standards. Typically, both the machine direction and the cross direction of the paper are tested, as most papers have different strengths in different directions. Testing can be performed on both unaged paper and paper that has been subjected to accelerated ageing in a climate chamber (or other exposure).

Tensile Testing (Tensile Energy Absorption) (ISO 1924-2) 

Paper strips are pulled in a tensile tester at a constant pulling speed. The force (N) and elongation (mm) are recorded, and from these parameters, tensile strength (kN/m) and tensile energy absorption (J/m²) are calculated.

Folding Endurance (ISO 5626) 

By folding paper strips in a folding tester, the number of double folds is counted. From the double folds, the folding number and folding endurance can be calculated.

Tearing Resistance (ISO 1974)

Tearing resistance indicates the force (mN) required to tear a piece of paper. By tearing paper pieces in a tearing tester, the tearing resistance can be determined.

The standards are important in the following testing:

• Archival durability of writing materials (ISO 11798): Tensile testing and folding endurance
• Archival durability of paper (ISO 11108): Tearing resistance and folding endurance
• Stability of paper (ISO 20494) and permanence of paper (ISO 9706): Tearing resistance

All three tests can, of course, be performed directly on paper, independently of other standards.

All mechanical strength testing of paper is conducted in a controlled climate (23°C and 50% RH).

Accreditation

The testing activities for mechanical properties of paper maintain high quality through accreditation according to SS-EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018.

Testing report from an accredited laboratory.

Contact RISE for price information. Please find the contact information below.

ISO 1924-2, Paper and board — Determination of tensile properties - Part 2: Constant rate of elongation method (20 mm/min)

ISO 5626, Paper — Determination of folding endurance

ISO 1974, Paper — Determination of tearing resistance — Elmendorf method

ISO 11798, Information and documentation — Permanence and durability of writing, printing and copying on paper — Requirements and test methods

ISO 9706, Information and documentation — Paper for documents — Requirements for permanence

ISO 11108, Information and documentation — Archival paper — Requirements for permanence and durability

ISO 20494, Paper — Requirements for stability for general graphic applications

Since April 2024, under Swedish law, new requirements apply to products that come into contact with drinking water. Construction products used in drinking water installations must not compromise human health, affect water quality or enhance microbial growth.

A type approval describes how the essential property requirements under the Planning and Building Act and Boverket’ building regulations (the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning) are met.

With a type approval, you as a manufacturer get another 5 years to comply  with the very extensive requirements of the Drinking Water Directive, which also imposes a major limitation in the materials that may be used.

For more information on how the type approval can be used during the transition period, see the document Transitional rules for type approval of products in contact with drinking water. 

Type approval of products in contact with drinking water is conducted according to RISE certification rule CR068. 

The certification rule includes hygiene requirements for products in contact with drinking water that are intended for use in installations for the abstraction, treatment, storage or distribution of drinking water. Current rules specify that materials assessed based on the 4 MSI approach fulfil the requirements for type approval. Also assessment against Commission Delegated Regulation 2024/370 or reports from tests under Commission Implementing Decision 2024/368 fulfil the requirements for type approval.

We issue a type approval that demonstrates how the product fulfils the technical property requirements under the Planning and Building Act and the new requirements for products in contact with drinking water under the Planning and Building Ordinance.

Teknisk dokumentation enligt CR068

CR068

Long-term exposure to radon gas increases the risk of developing lung cancer. The Swedish Radiation Safety Authority estimates that radon in homes causes about 500 cases of lung cancer each year in Sweden. Radon can enter buildings from the ground, building materials or tap water. The only way to detect radon is to measure it.

By methodically inventorying and investigating the building in question, we can use our experience and measuring instruments to find sources of radon in indoor air. 

Benefit

Radon gas is invisible and odourless, the only way to detect radon is by measuring and finding sources of radon in indoor air. With the help of a good investigation, it is possible to implement the right measures and ensure that indoor radon levels are below the regulatory requirements.

The building in question is inventoried and analysed for radon sources from soil and possibly water, but radon-emitting building materials may also be present. Some of the work is also carried out in the office, for example when reviewing drawings or making calculations.

The client receives a report with documentation and recommendations for action according to the purpose and scope of the assignment. 

Time for implementation and delivery of assignments as agreed. 

Meeting with information on the aims and objectives of the project on site or by email/phone.

The structural design and stability of the structure shall not be affected by the system or the design of the structure itself, such as the frame, foundation, roof or walls. RISE may make any or all of the following interpretations that may be necessary to prevent damage or to ensure that no damage occurs.

RISE's moisture experts provide the client with data on the condition of the building structures in terms of moisture and the indoor environment, which can form the basis of proposed measures or causes of damage in the event of a dispute, for example.

Benefit

Harmful moisture is rarely or never visible to the eyes, and moisture damage can be costly to repair. It can also adversely affect the health of occupants or the physical properties of materials, with potentially serious consequences. It is therefore important that the right research is carried out and that it is carried out by experts.

Additional information

Mikrobiologiska analyser av byggnadsmaterial | RISE

Analys av röta på byggnadsmaterial | RISE

Mekaniskt ventilerade konstruktioner - funktionsprovning, skadeutredning, kvalitetssäkring, certifiering | RISE

A damp proof building solution is a sustainable building structure. With our knowledge, experience and close teamwork, we can carry out the job in the best possible way. The work/investigation may be carried out on site in the building in question, or it may be carried out in our modern laboratory environment. Some of the damage investigation work can also be carried out in the office, for example, reviewing, assessing and compiling drawings. It is not uncommon for the investigation to need to be supplemented by relevant sampling, measurement and analysis of the building material in the laboratory or in the field.

As a client you will receives a final report containing relevant data and documentation according to the purpose and scope of the assignment.

Time for implementation and delivery of assignments as agreed. 

Meeting with information on the aims and objectives of the project on site or by email/phone.

Moisture experts at RISE are involved in all or part of the construction process as a support to the developer or contractor to ensure the quality of moisture safety work (ByggaF). RISE conducts research and develops tools for ByggaF to better verify and analyse the moisture safety of structures and materials. The staff are area specialists.

Moisture experts at RISE provide you with support and the opportunity to achieve the project's requirements (at least at the level of regulatory requirements and building regulations). We are Swedaq-accredited and always objective in our work and material neutral. 

Benefit

Faults and shortcomings in the construction industry cost companies, customers and society many billions of kronor annually, and many of the deficiencies are directly linked to moisture safety and the indoor environment. With the right knowledge, experience and methodology, many of these deficiencies can be avoided. A moisture-proof building is a sustainable building. By setting clear requirements at the programme stage, many unnecessary questions and investigations are avoided during the design stage. In the construction phase, unplanned changes are limited by late detection of faults. When it is time to hand over the finished building, well-executed moisture expert work has created the conditions for compliance between the expected result and the constructed building.

With our knowledge, experience and close cooperation with colleagues, we carry out the assignment in the best way and with the help of the ByggaF system. RISE has been involved in developing ByggaF and the Diploma in Moisture Expertise training course (we also train moisture experts within the FuktCentrum) The service includes developing a moisture safety description, setting requirements for verification of functional requirements, reviewing construction documents and conducting moisture surveys on site. Some of the work is carried out from the office, for example when reviewing drawings, and some of the work is carried out on site, for example during technical verification.

The client receives relevant documentation according to the purpose and scope of the engagement. For example, statements and reports for audit and verification.

Time for implementation and delivery of assignments as agreed.

Meeting with information about the project's aims and objectives on site or by email/phone.