About Us
TESTING. TO THE HIGHEST DEGREE.
As a third-party, independent laboratory, Guardian provides a wide range of fire testing services to manufacturers and companies around the world. We combine our 25 years of experience with the latest technology and methods to certify product reliability against fire. But what truly sets Guardian apart is the high level of personalized attention focused on your precise needs.
THE GUARDIAN ADVANTAGE.
RELIABLE
We test to UL, ASTM, NFPA, CSA, and ULC standards for timed fire endurance, flame spread, safety, and efficiency.
RESPONSIVE
You can count on direct access to your Guardian representative and prompt responses to your questions and inquiries.
RECOGNIZED
The Guardian name is respected by all major accreditation boards and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs).
COMPANY HISTORY
Guardian Fire Testing Laboratories, Inc. was created in 1994 by Joe Pearson and Lalit Kumar – both coming from engineering backgrounds. Since our formation, the world of fire testing has changed frequently and dramatically. At each shift, Guardian has embraced the technological advancements and revised requirements to deliver optimal service to our customers.
While our industry has evolved over the past 25 years, what has remained steadfast is the way we conduct business. To this day, Guardian remains a family-run company, with direct ties back to our founders within our current management group.
NEWS AND EVENTS
The Guardian Team at National Association of State Fire Marshalls (NASFM) Expo
We had the opportunity to meet State Fire Marshalls from all over the country as well as other professionals from the fire prevention and safety field. Many thanks to NASFM for having us at such an important industry event. It was a great show and we plan to be back next year and beyond!
Dan Brandel, Lauran Hinton, Steve Zewe
We Never Stop Learning
Guardian is in the business of keeping people safe, whether they are patients in a hospital, residents of apartment complex or shoppers at the mall. Building codes and fire safety regulations can change over time, by industry or by local jurisdiction. It is essential that we stay on top of current fire door safety requirements regardless of industry or location.
Our team recently attended the American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE) Annual Conference. At ASHE we discussed fire door/frame compliance with key partners in the healthcare industry. Thank you to those who stopped by our booth to share their knowledge and experience; and congratulation to Rick Tinsley from Tennessee Healthcare Engineering Association who won our prize drawing for a $200 VISA gift card.
Steve Zewe (left), Rick Franklin (right)
Introducing the Newest Member of the Guardian Team: Danile Cooper
Please join us in welcoming Danile Cooper to Guardian Fire Testing Laboratories, Inc. Mr. Cooper was hired as Field Labeling Technician based out of Guardian’s Buffalo, New York location. Dan has extensive experience in property maintenance, including building safety installations for Amherst Alarm and Johnson Controls. He also has experience as a fire protection technician.
In addition to conducting on-site fire door/assembly evaluations, “Coop” will assist Guardian’s Testing Engineer, Dan Brandel in the fire testing laboratory.
We are excited to bring Dan Cooper on board. His experience and enthusiasm are a great addition to the Guardian Team!
Dan Cooper, Field Labeling Technician (L), Dan Brandel, Testing Engineer (R)
Back from NFPA
Last week, Dan Brandel, our Lab Testing Engineer and Mike Thorp, one of our Field Labeling Technicians returned from the National Fire Protection Association Conference and Expo in Boston. Guardian sent the two technical experts to keep up to date with the latest fire safety technology and standards. Mike, who was recently appointed to the NFPA 80 Technical Team, had the opportunity to meet with some of his colleagues to share information and learn from each other.
Guardian would like to thank NFPA for hosting this event and we look forward to working with the great people we met in the future.
Learn more about the important work being done by NFPA.
Join Our Amazing Team!
Guardian has an immediate opening for a Field Engineering Tech based in our Buffalo, NY Test Lab. Job assignments for nationwide on-site evaluations are made through the Test Lab. This is a great opportunity for the right candidate to expand their job skills. Training will be provided to become an on-site evaluator of fire door assemblies in public access buildings such as hospitals, schools, hotels, and multi-family dwellings. The Field Tech will be instructed on how to apply the appropriate timed fire-rated labels issued by Guardian’s Test Lab. She/he will also be trained as a fire test lab technician to help in the evaluation of building materials. Perfect for someone with construction experience and knowledge of building products in their current employment who is looking for interesting, meaningful work. Must be willing to travel frequently throughout the entire country.
EXPERIENCE
- A minimum of two years’ experience within an engineering environment is preferred. CAD drafting experience is preferred.
- Use of Google File Share, QuickBooks, Microsoft Office, Apple computers.
- Commercial construction: 3 years (Preferred)
- Building materials installation and maintenance: 3 years (Preferred)
EDUCATION
- Associates or better in Engineering
This is a full-time position. We offer a very competitive compensation package including 401K match, FSA, PTO and more. To be considered for this position, please send resume/letter of interest to Jeff Papke at jpapke@guardiantestlabs.com.
On the Road Again
The Guardian Team is looking forward to seeing our clients and colleagues in person this year! Look for us at the following events:
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Conference and Expo
| June 6-9, 2022 | Boston, MA | Attending |
American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE) Annual Conference
| July 17-20, 2022 | Boston, MA | Booth 512 |
National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) Symposium
| Aug. 1-3, 2022 | New Orleans | Exhibit Hall |
International Code Council (ICC) Conference & Expo
| Sept.11-14, 2022 | Louisville, KY | Booth 214 |
Door and Hardware Institute (DHI) conNextions
| Nov. 2-3, 2022 | Pittsburgh, PA | Booth 123 |
What we do Matters. It can Save Lives.
On January 11, 2022, seventeen people were killed when a fire broke out in a high-rise in the Bronx. Investigators concluded that fire safety doors failed. This tragedy should not have happened.
Having properly rated and labeled fire doors and frames can save lives and property. Fire doors must be labeled with the appropriate time-rated flame and smoke spread rating. Fire-rated doors, assemblies and hardware are required for life safety compliance in apartment buildings and most other residential (nursing homes, dormitories, etc.) and non-residential (schools, hospitals, hotels) facilities.
We understand the critical importance of Fire Safety Doors. It’s why we do what we do. Contact Guardian today for a complimentary consultation.
Our Commitment to Continuous Improvement
The National Association Proficiency Testing (NAPT) has recognized Guardian Fire Testing Laboratories, Inc. for demonstrating its company-wide quest for excellence in test measurement. NAPT is a non-profit organization that provides proficiency testing tools to the metrology community. As an active member of NAPT, Guardian remains committed to the highest levels of competency for testing, analysis and calibration methods, which is part of our ongoing mission to provide the best customer service from a team of knowledgeable professionals.
PUT OUR EXPERIENCE TO THE TEST.
Learn more about our fire testing services or request a quote.
