Certification Body
Multidisciplinary Laboratory

EN 45545: fire safety requirements for materials and components used in the railway sector

The European standard EN 45545 sets out fire safety requirements for materials and components used in railway vehicles, with the aim of protecting passengers and staff by minimizing the risk of fire and limiting its spread. Mandatory across Europe since 2016, it applies to a wide range of vehicles, from high-speed trains to subways. EN 45545 is divided into seven parts, each focused on specific aspects of fire safety, and introduces a classification system for vehicles and materials based on hazard levels (HL1, HL2, HL3).

Sand & Dust Test: sand and dust resistance tests under MIL-STD 810 and RTCA DO-160

At the avionics and military components testing laboratory at Istituto Giordano's Pomezia facility, Sand and Dust tests can be performed. Discover how these tests are conducted.

Fire doors: EI or REI? CE marking or Ministerial Approval?

Fire doors are essential components for building safety, as they help limit the spread of flames and hot gases in the event of a fire. To ensure their effectiveness, these doors must undergo rigorous testing to verify their expected performance levels. Let’s explore the necessary tests, the reference standards, and why, in some cases, CE marking is mandatory, while in others, Ministerial Approval is still required.

Electrostatic Discharge Prevention Testing

The Low Voltage Laboratory at Istituto Giordano supports manufacturers of ESD protection systems by conducting tests even under extreme environmental conditions, as required by regulations (e.g., with a relative humidity of 12%).
In addition to testing materials and protection systems, the laboratory provides periodic test services for companies using EPA areas

High-altitude simulations: tests up to 5000 meters

At our Bellaria (RN) facility, a new test chamber is now operational, designed to subject various types of products from different sectors to tests simulating operation at altitudes of up to 5000 meters. The chamber performs pressure cycles between the ambient pressure and -400 mbar.

UNI EN 15659:2019 - Lightweight Fire-Resistant Cabinets: Fire Resistance Classification

The UNI EN 15659:2019 standard defines the technical requirements, testing procedures, and classification system for lightweight fire-resistant cabinets designed to protect paper-based media from fire exposure.
For the execution of these tests, which simulate realistic fire scenarios, we are an accredited partner of the European Body ECB-S.

MECHANICAL TESTS FOR RAILWAY APPLICATIONS

Giordano Institute offers testing services to meet the technical and regulatory needs of the railway sector. Among the tests carried out, mechanical tests are performed in the vibration laboratory. Discover everything in our article.

Optical tests in the railway sector

Istituto Giordano’s optical laboratory carries out tests on windscreens and train windows in accordance with the main Italian and international standards. The purpose of these tests is to ensure that the glass does not distort the view of the external environment or the perception of colors and light signals.

TESTS ON LAMINATED GLASS FOR RAILWAY WINDSHIELDS

Trenitalia's technical specifications require testing the glass of driver's cabins with a test that ensures their safety upon impact. Take a look at what our colleagues from "Special Setups" have created for this unique test!

DEGREES OF IP PROTECTION: TESTS ACCORDING TO EN 60529

The low voltage lab of the Giordano Institute performs IP protection degree tests, verifying the resistance of enclosures to dust and liquids. Thanks to its specialized skills and dedicated equipment, it also supports tests for specific requirements not fully covered by the standards, such as those on enclosures for mechanical components.
 

From the Lab to the Master's thesis – congratulations, Manuel!

We are proud to share the academic achievement of Manuel Montebelli who has recently obtained a Master’s Degree in Physics – curriculum Materials Physics and Nanoscience.

We first met Manuel during his internship at Istituto Giordano as part of his Bachelor’s Degree. After recognizing and appreciating his dedication and initiative, we were delighted to welcome him to our team, supporting him in continuing his studies while contributing to our work.

For his Master’s Thesis, Manuel studied the adhesion of acrylic paint on metallic and oxidized surfaces, combining atomic-scale computational simulations with experimental tests conducted in our laboratories. This approach underscores the importance of merging theory and practice to gain a deeper understanding of materials and their applications.

Congratulations, Manuel, on this remarkable achievement, ad maiora semper!
 

Three dynamic days at BAU 2025 in Munich

We had the opportunity to meet companies and experts from all over the world, exchanging ideas on innovation, testing, and certifications that will shape the future of construction.

We come back home with new contacts, insights, and inspiration that strengthen our commitment to supporting the construction sector with increasingly effective and modern solutions.

A special thanks to Gruppo Cerbone for their hospitality and for sharing this unique experience with us.

Take a look at the event photos

Corporate Excursion: Istituto Giordano Discovers Mantua

A day dedicated to exploring the wonders of Mantua provided a chance to spend quality time with colleagues in a new environment, strengthening connections and deepening appreciation for teamwork and open dialogue.

The excursion began with a visit to Palazzo Te, a Renaissance masterpiece adorned with frescoes, intricate decorative details, and striking optical illusions. This was followed by an exhibition dedicated to Picasso, offering the unique opportunity to admire some of the artist’s remarkable works.

Later, the group enjoyed a leisurely walk through the city’s historic center, culminating in a serene mini cruise along the Mincio River—a refreshing experience surrounded by nature, filled with conversations and laughter.

Take a look at some photos from the excursion!

Institutional visit by the Minister of University and Research