Fire Industry Association offers guidance amid fire safety regulation changes

by Featured NewsSafety

Sweeping changes to fire safety regulations in the UK

Effective from October 1, 2023, the UK government will enforce new fire safety regulations.

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has provided guidance to local governments and housing providers on these changes.

Will Lloyd, the technical manager at FIA, has expounded on these regulations. He highlights that changes have been influenced by significant events such as the Grenfell Tower disaster and the ensuing investigations.

The Building Safety Act 2022, notably Section 156, marks the third phase of the Home Office’s plan to improve fire safety in higher-risk buildings.

A deeper look into the amendments to fire safety regulations

These new measures further amend the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

The aim is to ensure that all premises under this order achieve an improved level of fire safety.

It is particularly intended to safeguard residents in buildings containing two or more sets of domestic premises by making essential fire safety information readily available to them.

While Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022 specifically highlights residential buildings with multiple domestic premises, these changes will apply to all buildings within the scope of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

The impact of the new fire safety regulations

The latest regulations introduce several key changes for responsible persons (RPs), including the need to:

  1. Fully record their Fire Risk Assessment (FRA),
  2. Ensure the competence of those assigned to make or review a fire risk assessment,
  3. Document the identity of any person assisting them,
  4. Record their fire safety arrangements,
  5. Attempt to identify any other RPs for the same premises,
  6. Share relevant information about the premises and contact details with other RPs.

The majority of these new requirements will come into effect from October 1, 2023.

However, the stipulation concerning the competency of individuals carrying out risk assessments will be enforced at a future date.

The FIA’s advice on handling the new fire safety regulations

The FIA suggests employing UKAS-approved, third-party certified companies to conduct any fire safety work, including those under the BAFE SP205 Scheme or the FRACS Scheme by Warrington fire.

The amendment to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 now requires RPs to fully record their fire risk assessments.

This change affects all organisations, regardless of size, necessitating full documentation of fire risk assessment findings.

Mandatory sharing of comprehensive fire safety information

Another crucial amendment requires the responsible person to supply residents in buildings with two or more sets of domestic premises with comprehensive and relevant information regarding the fire safety matters of the building.

Understanding the risks identified within the fire risk assessment is key. Residents need to be informed about the actual risk levels, potential consequences, mitigation measures, and timelines for remedial actions required.

Emphasising a cooperative approach in fire safety management

Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022 calls for RPs to identify and share information with other responsible persons in the premises. This facilitates a united approach to fire safety throughout the entire building.

Whenever control of the building changes hands, the outgoing RP must pass on the fire safety information to the new RP. This ensures a continuous record of fire safety information, commonly known as the “Golden Thread”.

You can read the FIA’s full guidance on the new fire safety regulations here.

Fire Industry Association announces date for AGM

by EventsFeatured News

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has announced that its 2023 Annual General Meeting and FIA Lunch will be held on Thursday 9th November, at The Brewery in London.

The event will bring together over 500 leading industry professionals for a three-course meal plus entertainment.

The association gave its thanks to everyone who completed the feedback survey for the 2023 AGM and Annual Lunch: “This feedback is incredibly helpful to us as we strive to improve the AGM and Annual Lunch each year.

As a result of the feedback, the FIA has said it intends to make the following improvements to the 2023 event:

  • Remain at the Brewery for a post lunch drinks reception
  • A more engaging AGM with more involvement from those in the audience.
  • More non-alcoholic drink options
  • Improved structure to the drink’s reception – an opportunity for members to chat with Board members

Further details of our AGM and Annual Lunch will be released in due course.  The bookings will open on the FIA website in May.

Fire and Rescue Services give suppliers advice on inflationary pressures

by Featured News

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has written via its FRES Council to the National Fire Chiefs Council, asking that Fire and Rescue Services engage with suppliers to reach a mutual agreement on pricing and recommended longer term fixed-price contracts.

The FIA noted that inflation in the UK has been rising and in April 2022 was recorded at 7.8%, up from 6.2% the previous month. It said that these figures are the Consumer Price Index [CPI] which is generally predicted to peak at around 11% over the coming months and is based on a typical basket of goods and services purchased by consumers, but that this is only part of the story, of course, as some prices have risen by far greater than the CPI.

The statement signed by Bernie Higgins, Chair of the Fire and Rescue Equipment and Services Council, on behalf of the FIA said: “The Services themselves have seen central government grants cut by an average of 13.8% over the last five years with some experiencing cuts of 10-44% over that period. Latest figures show an annual increase this year of 4.4-9.4% depending on the Service in question which is some improvement but fails to alleviate pressures on FRS procurement across the country relative to past expenditure capability.”

Higgins continued: “We ask that Fire and Rescue Services engage with suppliers to reach a mutual agreement, this time on pricing. We would recommend that longer term fixed-price contracts and call-offs from Frameworks over an extended period should now be subject to formal recognition of inflation and any extraordinary cost increases of components and raw materials as they relate to the products in question.”

He added: “Finally, we wish to refer please to the matter of the vital importance of our Fire and Rescue Services offering forecasts of their equipment requirements, preferably collectively or at least individually, to the supply base with as much notice as possible and ideally with a five year horizon. Suppliers accept that such forecasts are subject to change but they will offer significant assistance to suppliers who are looking to manage their resources effectively.

“With supply chain issues affecting our members’ ability to receive components and raw materials for their manufacturing processes now and into the future, this has never been more essential to us as providers to the sector and to you as the Fire and Rescue Services in maintaining and improving your service to the public.”

Industry responds to commencement of Fire Safety Act

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementIndustry Sectors

The UK government’s Fire Safety Act 2021 and the Building Safety Act 2022, which have both now come into force, have been met with mixed response from the British fire and safety industry.

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) welcomed he publication of the government’s White Paper on Fire Reform which focusses on driving forward reform, strengthening governance and improving talent and professionalism.  

According to NFCC, the white paper and subsequent consultation provides a further opportunity to continuously improve what fire and rescue services already do and to reach into new roles and responsibilities to respond to local risk and support partner services. The reforms can build on the fantastic work already carried out every day.  

NFCC Chair Mark Hardingham commented: “I am pleased to see today’s long anticipated publication of the white paper together with the announcements on fire and building safety.  

“The public have great confidence and trust in firefighters and their fire and rescue services. We all carry a collective responsibility to build on that reputation in how we shape the fire and rescue service for the future – with the needs and expectations of the public at the forefront of our thinking. 

“NFCC has a significant role to play in advising and delivering on reform and improvements. However, no one organisation alone holds the key – we want to work with the various fire service bodies to inform and implement further improvements.” 

The Council said it would now respond to the consultations after exploring the recommendations in detail with fire and rescue services.  

A perfect storm

The Fire Industry Association has said the new legislation will create a ‘perfect storm’ for fire risk assessors, as they will now face additional challenges when it comes to satisfying new legal requirements designed to meet fire safety competency standards.

The association raised the issue thattThe legislation requires that a building’s external walls be considered as part of any fire risk assessment, which has been much debated by the industry. The Building Safety Act goes further still, it said, placing a clear duty on ‘Accountable Persons’ and ‘Responsible Persons’ to confirm the competency of any fire risk assessor whom they appoint to assist them in undertaking a building fire risk assessment.

It also noted the lack of detailed definition around the term ‘competent’, which then puts these ‘duty holders’ under considerable pressure to make the correct choices.

Dennis Davis, executive officer at the Fire Sector Federation, said: “Those accountable for building and fire safety, including fire risk assessors operating without clearly demonstrable competency, need to make sure they’re ready now.

“They must fully understand the implications of demonstrating compliance with their obligations under the new legislation. Using existing third party assurance schemes that demonstrate fire risk assessors are competent is a practical way forward for clients. Joining such schemes or engaging with those organisations developing standards will allow qualified professionals to show they’re competent. It’s a way forward for contractors.”

He added: “We need to face up to these challenges if we are to avoid a ‘perfect storm’ in the fire risk assessor sector which could undermine fire safety in our buildings.”

‘An attack on workers’ rights’

The Fire Brigade Union called highlighted the white paper’s review on pay and move to operational independence of Chief Fire Officers. Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary called it ‘an attack on workers’ rights by undermining collective bargaining and a proposal to remove frontline firefighters’ voices.

He said: “The narrative set out in the white paper on the fire service’s response to the pandemic is one firefighters will not recognise. Firefighters, through their union, negotiated a contract which kept them safe and allowed important work to protect the public to take place. Before this agreement, Covid positive firefighters were deployed to doorsteps – not something certain chief fire officers can be proud of.

“We’re proud of how the tripartite agreement was achieved through our long-standing arrangements, and attempts to belittle it are false and insulting.

“The vast bulk of this white paper does not relate directly to Grenfell recommendations. It is unclear why the government is trying to paint this picture. Instead of listening to frontline firefighters, the government appears to have listened only to the anti-union voice of the politically motivated, including outgoing fire inspector Tom Winsor, and fire bosses. We look forward to working with the government to address these proposals and making sure that frontline firefighters are heard.

“The union has never opposed clarifying the role of a firefighter and in some instances, expanding that role, and we have tried to have these discussions with ministers for over a decade. It is ministers who have failed to answer these questions. It is imperative that any changes are properly negotiated and discussed with frontline firefighters – it is their say that should matter most. 

“The proposals on governance suggests that we could see more Police Fire and Crime Commissioners. Throwing fire in with police means fire and rescue services do not receive enough scrutiny. Furthermore police and fire are very different functions and there is a vital need to maintain the neutrality of fire and rescue services in the public perception. If this breaks down it will make the work of fire and rescue services in communities far more difficult.”

FIA releases fire alarm guidance for people with sensory sensitivities

by Featured NewsPassive

The Fire Industry Association has developed a guidance document to cover situation situations where fire alarm warnings are intended for people with sensory sensitivities.

The FIA was contacted in last year about the issue of suitability of fire alarm warnings in special schools, a topic which has not previously been fully addressed in the Code of Practice for fire detection and fire alarm systems.

A group consisting of people with a personal interest and experience in the matter, and experts in the fields of disability and fire safety, came together to formulate the document, highlighting the need for more, and better conversation surrounding the needs of individuals with disabilities.

The new guidance said: “It is anticipated that this guidance document will encourage designers to collaborate with clients to gain a full understanding of building occupants, and thus provide for fire alarm systems that assist evacuation in preference to inappropriate application of the recommendations of a national code which are likely to cause distress and hamper the evacuation of those with sensory sensitivities.

“This guidance document will assist fire risk assessors in asking appropriate questions as part of their work, particularly when assessing special schools, mainstream schools with resource provisions or units, day centres or residential accommodation.”

The guidance from the document, which can be found here, will be presented by James Jones (Vimpex, and FIA Board member), and Sonny White, the 16-year old FD&A expert who instigated the document, at Firex on Wednesday 18 May.

FIA to host FIM Expo in Cardiff

by EventsFeatured News

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) is set to host the FIM Expo in Cardiff, in September 2022. The Fire Industry Manufacturers’ (FIM) Expo will feature many of the UK’s leading fire detection and alarm manufacturers and showcase the latest products and developments.

The FIM Expo’s informal format is one of its features along with a strong regional focus, and ability to see the latest from all the major fire detection manufacturers in one place. It also includes complimentary seminars covering a key topic affecting the FD&A world.

FIM Expo Cardiff already has 16 of the fire industry’s leading manufacturers in the FD&A Sector Signed up to exhibit. This list includes:

Advanced Electronics Ltd
Aico Ltd
Apollo Fire Detectors Ltd
C-TEC (Computionics) Ltd
Eurotech Fire Systems Limited
Everlux
FireMate Ltd
FirePro UK Ltd
Global Fire Equipment
Hochiki Europe (UK) Limited
Honeywell Fire
Hyfire Wireless Fire Solutions Ltd
Nittan Europe Ltd
Kentec Electronics
Tio Fire Safety
Wagner UK

For Delegates:

Delegates will have the opportunity to meet and network with around 25 manufacturers in the industry. Providing an opportunity to build business relationships for both 2022 and this new decade by connecting with both potential and existing clients.

In addition, the FIM Expo Cardiff will offer free CPD accredited seminars from both the FIA and other industry manufacturers (details to be confirmed).

FIA contributes to vital cross-industry report

by Featured News

The FIA has contributed to a cross-industry report titled, ‘Setting the Bar: a new competence regime for building a safer future’. The new report is being described as a ‘blueprint to improve competence for those working on tall buildings and drive culture change.’

The FIA has worked alongside more than 150 likeminded organisations ranging from the fire and built environment industries, the social housing sector, commercial and residential management, facilities managers, health & safety practitioners, fire safety specialists and construction professionals.

The new report is the 2nd report from the Competence Steering Group and is an update of its interim report, Raising the Bar, published in August 2019. The work was initiated by the recommendations in Dame Judith Hackitt’s 2018 review Building a Safer Future, itself commissioned in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

Alongside the publishing of the Setting the Bar report, the Competency Steering Group has also published a separate report covering the new role of the building safety manager, Safer people, safer homes: Building Safety Management. The responsibilities of building designers, engineers, installers, building standards and others are all set down in different annexes to the main report.

The proposed system of competence set out in the Setting the Bar report is made up of four key elements:

  • a new competence committee sitting within the Building Safety Regulator
  • a national suite of competence standards – including new sector-specific frameworks developed by 12 working groups
  • arrangements for independent assessment and reassessment against the competence standards
  • a mechanism to ensure that those assessing and certifying people against the standards have appropriate levels of oversight.

CSG Chairman, Graham Watts, Chief Executive of the Construction Industry Council, said: “We would see higher-risk buildings as an essential starting point for the new competence frameworks for the whole of the built environment, which would result in a step-change across the sector and change of industry culture.”

Watts added: “There is no time to lose in casting aside the substandard practices that have shamed the industry. In this document, we have set a new bar and we would urge all those working in life-critical disciplines to attain these higher levels of competence. Only then can we rebuild the trust of those who occupy and live in the buildings we design, construct and manage.”

The CSG is urging Government to make mandatory the assessments against the frameworks for those working on higher-risk buildings and is calling on Government to take the lead by requiring that the competence framework set out within this report must be met by any company or individual working on any higher-risk building.

FIA training courses

These competence frameworks set out the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours required for specific roles, whilst this report touches on the requirement for a Building Safety Manager. It is equally important that the engineers who design, install, commission and maintain the fire safety systems are undertaking training to continue becoming more competent in their area of expertise.

FIA and BSIA collaborate on letter to UK government

by Active

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) and the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) have recently collaborated on a letter to the UK Government, regarding the proposed product regulation changes and the new UKCA mark, set to be implemented on 1 January 2021.

CEO at the FIA, Ian Moore and CEO at the BSIA, Mike Reddington wrote the letter jointly, stating that they both had serious concerns about the proposed implementation of the mark and the major impact it will have on both of their industry organisations, fire and security.

The letter continued to state the following:

“The current implementation of the UKCA is estimated to cost our industry sectors in the region of £20 million for product re-certification plus an estimated timeline of over 36 months to realistically carry out the process.

These headline figures do not include the costs associated for companies that have already transferred their certification to an EU Notified Body (at considerable cost), that will need to re-apply for a UKCA mark, in addition to the ongoing maintenance costs associated with duplication of certification in terms of audits, internal projects, product modifications and file maintenance.

The combined fire and security markets account for around £3 billion per annum and play a vital part in the safety and security of UK citizens from residential, commercial, industrial and critical infrastructure and Government institutions.

The products manufactured, installed and maintained across these sectors are subject to insurance requirements and conformance to the Construction Products Regulations (CPR) and other current European Union (EU) legislation requiring certification through Notified Bodies recognised by the EU.

The financial cost and resource time associated with re-certification can only be estimated as it is unclear what level of acceptance from both EU and UK Notified Bodies will be required (i.e. it is widely anticipated the paperwork alone will not be sufficient to register a new mark and that the certification process will indeed require a level of product re-testing in part or in full). Additionally, companies will have to re-label products and product literature resulting in a significant increase in cost.

Dual product certification will cause major disruption to companies that make/sell products across the UK, EU and global markets which, subject to any unknown divergence, will add significant costs to the process. This process does not add any value or quality to the product. It’s just a means of national compliance.

The outbreak of COVID-19 from March this year has had a huge impact on our industry sectors over the last six months and this is likely to remain the case for many months to come. Many staff are still on furlough and companies are either making staff redundant or considering redundancies to allow them to continue to trade through these uncertain times. Again, the UKCA mark requirement adds no value/quality to companies desperately trying to keep their companies in business.

Given the lack of clarity on Government detail behind the UKCA and noting the recent release of updated guidance on the GOV.UK web site as of 1 September, the new timelines do not provide sufficient time or detail on the implementation of the UKCA mark.”

The FIA and BSIA trade associations have ultimately requested the following from the Minister of State for Security:

  • A reciprocal agreement to accept the EU CPR certification alongside the UKCA mark. Should a reciprocal agreement not be acceptable, both trade associations have insisted that the specified 12 months’ timeline be extended to a minimum of 36 months to allow sufficient time for manufacturers to prepare and apply the UKCA mark
  • Agreement that the UKCA Notified Bodies will accept the product test reports from other EU Notified Bodies without the need to re-test or certify
  • Consider that the requirement for the UKCA mark is not relevant for existing fire and security systems and components needed to extend, maintain and service them. Consequently, manufacturers who decide that the UKCA mark is not a viable business decision could leave sites such as hospitals and schools etc with fire and security systems unsupported and unserviceable.

The letter concluded by stating to the Minister: “We would urge you to reconsider the detail and timelines to implement the UKCA mark in order to limit further damage on UK businesses and we would welcome the opportunity to arrange a roundtable meeting between yourself, your officials, the FIA and the BSIA to discuss the matter in further detail and agree a pragmatic solution to this critical issue.”

www.fia.uk.com/

www.bsia.co.uk

FIA Course: Carl Bryan speaks about advantages of hypoxic fire prevention systems online

by Events

Carl Bryan, Managing Director WAGNER UK, offers CPD accredited training as part of the Fire Industry Association (FIA) online training on 10 September 2020. For one hour, he will talk about the fire prevention solution with oxygen reduction. He will explain the technology behind and the advantages of using a hypoxic environment as a fire prevention solution. Participants will also be informed about the key considerations when specifying, designing and operating such systems.

Interested parties should book the training course online: https://www.fia.uk.com/event/a-guide-to-understanding-hypoxic-fire-prevention-environments.html

The FIA offers industry-recognised courses and qualifications for fire safety professionals. According to their own admission, more than 35,000 professionals have increased their skills through FIA trainings. The learning courses cover all aspects of fire protection and cover Fundamental Qualification, Advanced Qualifications as well as trainings and courses. If you need more information, go and visit https://www.fia.uk.com/training.html.

BAFE acquires operations of the FIA AO

by Projects

Following extensive and detailed discussions with BAFE, the independent register of Third Party Certificated fire safety service providers, the FIA has announced that BAFE will be acquiring the operation of the FIA AO.

BAFE will be establishing FireQual Ltd as an OFQUAL-approved Awarding Body to run the existing Fire Detection and Alarm qualification examinations and to develop new qualifications across the fire sector that will support the call for greater competence and availability of verification of skills for those engaged in fire safety across the UK.

BAFE FireQual will be using qualifications industry experts to operate the business and bring experienced industry and awarding body expertise onto the FireQual Board.

The existing FIA FD&A qualifications will be transferred to BAFE and the FIA will continue to include these in their successful range of training courses. FireQual will be offering these essential qualifications to all industry trainers who meet the stringent training centre requirements.

All of the existing assets of FIA AO, including the current extensive question banks, are included in the sale. FIA AO will continue to operate the exams until such time as BAFE FireQual is in a position to be fully operational. All delegates [including those that are in mid-process] can be fully assured that the priority for the FIA and BAFE is the seamless handover of the examination regime.

It is anticipated that the transfer will be completed by the end of October 2020.

Ian Moore, Chief Executive of the Fire Industry Association, says: “The FIA has allocated considerable resource to bring the first OFQUAL-approved FD&A qualifications to the industry. We are delighted to be passing this on to BAFE in its independent competency role.”

“It was the FIA that originally formed BAFE as the registration body for third party certified fire engineering specialist companies across the UK. As it developed, the FIA supported BAFE to become the fully independent registration body. We now feel that the FIA AO has reached that same level of development and for the same reasons of true independence [from the FIA Training Centre], is undertaking the transfer of the FIA AO to BAFE”.

Stephen Adams, Chief Executive of BAFE, says: ‘We believe that this will be a significant development for the UK fire protection industry and indeed BAFE’s role as the independent competency body. The FIA has made a major contribution to introducing qualifications for FD&A technicians with the development of the FIA AO and we look forward to building on this considerable achievement for the benefit of the wider fire industry. BAFE already invigilates the exams for a large number of fire extinguisher technicians and our aim is to work with Trade Associations and other trainers to develop a comprehensive range of OFQUAL approved qualification exams across the whole fire sector’.

www.fia.uk.com/

www.bafe.org.uk/