Facilities managers are increasingly becoming involved in the fire safety equation, either in actually specifying the fire protection measures that are being installed in the nation's buildings or in the management of the fire systems and equipment. Graham Ellicott sets the scene.

• What are the definitions of competency for different fire safety personnel?
• What is the purpose of third-party certification and accreditation?

The past two years have been important ones for the fire protection industry - a whole raft of legislative change has been introduced that will continue to impact on the way fire safety is designed, implemented and maintained for many years to come.

Following on from the implementation of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRO), which became law in England and Wales in October 2006 with its Scottish equivalent soon after, April 2007 saw the changes relating to fire safety in the Building Regulations come into force.

Approved Document B (Fire Safety) is split in to two sections: 'dwelling houses' and 'buildings other than dwelling houses', both of which relate to how fire safety is designed into a building.

One of the key changes for non-domestic buildings is the focus on ensuring that occupiers are made aware of their building's fire protection measures.

This is critical for the implementation of an effective fire risk assessment, such an important element that it underpins the whole of the new Fire Safety Order regime.

A factor equally important to the new regime is the issue of competency. This is a point recognised within the changes to the Building Regulations, which include the authorisation of several new competent persons' certification schemes that will help to enhance compliance.

This competency issue not only relates to fire risk assessments, where the competency of the person undertaking the risk assessment needs to be clear and unequivocal, but also to the fire protection measures that are employed.

Definition of competency

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) is the trade body representing the manufacturers, installers and maintainers of portable fire extinguishers, fire alarms and suppression systems.

Recognising that competency and the demonstration of such is at the heart of the new approach to fire safety, the association has developed a definition of what it believes is required in terms of the Fire Alarm and Fixed Extinguishing Systems Sector.

The FIA definition of competency begins with that used within British Standards, namely: "A person with the necessary training and experience, and with access to the requisite tools, equipment and information, and capable of carrying out the defined task."

While a useful starting point, the FIA believes this is not robust enough and has therefore gone on to identify the specific criteria required by the different fire safety personnel involved in the process.

In these terms, the competent designer should:

• Have passed the appropriate FIA system design course;
• Be familiar with the requirements of BS5839 Pt: 1 and/or BS ISO 14520-1-2000 (E) Pt:1;
• Have received training regarding the capabilities of the equipment being used;
• Be employed by a company with LPS1014, LPS 1204 or BAFE SP203 registration.

The competent installer should:

• Hold the appropriate City & Guilds certificate;
• Have passed the appropriate FIA system design course;
• Be employed by a company with LPS1014, LPS 1204 or BAFE SP203 registration;
• Understand the requirements of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989;
• Receive regular health and safety training;
• Receive a random inspection at least twice a year by a qualified auditor.

The competent commissioning person should:

• Have received training to BS5839 Pt: 1 and/or BS ISO 14520-1-2000 (E) Pt:1;
• Have passed the equipment manufacturers training course and FIA commissioning course;
• Have at least 12 months' experience working in the industry;
• Have the necessary tools and specification;
• Be employed by a company with LPS1014, LPS 1204 or BAFE SP203 registration.

The competent maintenance person should:

• Have as a minimum a pass in the FIA service course;
• Have received training by the manufacturer of the fire protection equipment;
• Have at least 12 months' experience in fire protection systems servicing;
• Have the requisite tools to undertake maintenance work;Be employed by a company with LPS1014, LPS 1204 or BAFE SP203 registration;
• Have rapid access to spare parts.

Third-party certification

From the above definition it is clear to see that the FIA firmly believes in and supports third-party certification schemes as a means of demonstrating competence.

Such schemes are designed to effectively audit a company and prove that what they are doing meets specified criteria, with specialist inspection bodies using documented requirements as their yardstick.

In the case of fire alarm and fixed extinguishing systems, these schemes are LPS1014, LPS 1204 or BAFE SP203.

There are similar schemes for technicians involved in the servicing and maintenance of portable extinguishers, the BAFE ST104 scheme being the most widely adopted scheme in the UK.

These schemes are themselves audited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).

Third-party accreditation

The selection and serviceability of fire safety equipment, as required by Approved Document B, is the basis of FIA members' business.

To be a member of the FIA, a company is required to operate a third-party approved quality management system.

The majority of companies who are active in maintenance of fire safety equipment are operating third-party approved quality systems to BS ISO 9001 and are registered with BAFE, demonstrating a commitment to quality and continual improvement that benefits both customer and member company alike.

Where no European or British standard is available, the FIA, through its members, endeavours to provide code of practice guidance for implementation and correct use of equipment.

Graham Ellicott is CEO of the Fire Industry Association (FIA). Please visit www.fia.uk.com