Fire Legislation will bring new opportunities to Tradespersons
A fire safety risk assessment will have to be completed on a regular basis and evidence of this assessment filed.
The process of the fire safety risk assessment will affect the management of all maintenance and construction work carried out on the buildings used by organisations that fall into the relevant categories laid out in the new Reform Order. The responsible person overseeing the fire safety elements of their premises, will now begin to seek evidence that all works carried out by tradespersons that should include fire stopping, has actually included the appropriate passive fire systems.
This means that from October this year tradespersons and others related to the construction industry will be required to have wider knowledge concerning fire safety aspects of their work. Whether working on a new build or an existing premises understanding the issues of passive fire systems will become paramount.
For example, if a plumber is adding or removing piping through a wall, ceiling or floor, it is highly likely that the installation of some type of fire stopping would be required. The same goes for electrical wiring too. If a builder creates any gaps or holes that require services or ducting, these also will need the appropriate seal. The carpenter will also need to correctly install fire seals as part of a fire door set. It could even include the painter and decorator, applying specialised coatings that offer protection against spread of flame or structural fire protection for wooden elements or steel sections.
What does this mean for the tradesperson?
Most tradespersons current work will already include installing and servicing wires, pipes and penetrations that are made in fire rated walls, ceilings and floors. These services will have to be sealed with a material called intumescent that expands in a fire, sealing the service hole. Whoever is responsible for the fire safety of a business will now start to ask for evidence that these seals have been installed. This evidence will include: the correct use a seals; was it the right type of seal and was it correctly installed.
Support is at hand!
In response to the new legislation and the impact that this will have on the trades a new organisation has been established. The Nationwide Association of Passive Fire Installers and Specifiers (NAPFIS) has been created to offer effective solutions, advice and support to the trades concerning all aspects of passive fire issues.
NAPFIS holds a firm belief that the best way to ensure high quality installation is to empower the installer, believing that education and knowledge is the most effective method; enabling the tradesperson to be confident in their ability to install passive fire systems correctly; and in turn offering confidence to those who commission the actual work.
NAPFIS supports educational programmes to the construction industry and fully endorses the NVQ course in Passive Fire. Candidates who complete the courses will immediately become associate members and will become part of an ongoing process of ?updating? courses.
NAPFIS will audit candidate's work to insure quality of installations is maintained too. Each member will be issued a certification book that will enable them to inform the building owner, commissioner of works and Building Control of the project carried out. Warren Hickson, Director of NAPFIS says; "Self-certification can only be truly effective if it is rooted in an effective educational programme for the tradesperson - otherwise the certificate has no real value. Companies and organisations want correct installation of these systems, to know that the installer is properly trained, and belongs to a respected association gives the certification process the authority they deserve."
Good for business
This type of work is specialist and requires a good understanding of passive fire systems. Trained and accredited tradespersons will be able to increase their earning potential by having the knowledge and skill to install these systems.
How to get accredited?
Each tradesperson will have to show that they have a good knowledge of passive fire systems and their installation requirements. NAPFIS support the NVQ level 2 in Passive Fire; by completing the NVQ each person will automatically become a member of NAPFIS and an accredited passive fire seal installer.
The course and how much will it cost?
NAPFIS, working with Skillsgateway has established the Passive Fire Training Centre based in Dover Kent. The NVQ application for Passive Fire is straightforward and what's more funding for candidates may well be available.
For more information call 01304 210721.
Click to view our guide for the Tradesperson to The Certification Of Passive Fire Systems
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