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BAFE launches new fire risk assessment scheme

05 May 2011

A new scheme for third party certification of companies providing fire risk assessment services has been launched for consultation by BAFE.

BAFE SP205 sets out requirements to be met by companies and other organisations seeking to provide fire risk assessment services.

SP 205 requires each scheme member – from a large company to a self-employed individual – to register one or more named persons, who will be responsible for the accuracy and quality assurance of every fire risk assessment completed. The professional competence of the named person(s) will be audited by a UKAS accredited third party certification body licensed to administer the BAFE scheme.

There will also be audits of the organisation’s administrative and quality processes. Auditing will be based on a combination of quality checks on completed fire risk assessments and periodic review of the individual’s personal competence, says BAFE, using the guidelines being developed by the fire risk assessment competencies council.

“To be relevant to the end user and attractive to the regulators/enforcers, this scheme should offer a significant benefit," the document reads. "A certificate of conformity issued under a scheme in which all parties have confidence provides that benefit. This scheme requires that certificated organisations will certify their fire risk assessments in accordance with this scheme.”

SP205 has been designed to encompass different scales of companies and the different relationships that may exist between a risk assessment company and its client, BAFE said.

Stephen Adams, BAFE general manager, added: “We expect a wide range of comments for what we believe will be an important step forward for the fire industry”.

View SP205 here. Download a comment form from here.

BAFE is to exhibit at International Firex from 16-19 May, at Stand A11 in Hall 3.

 


     
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tom maloney
This scheme is a good idea for sifting out individuals / firms who are not fully competent in delivering FRA's. Human behaviour dictates that from time to time complacency will occur, but regular audits will keep everyone on their toes.

Posted on 13/05/11 16:18.

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Dr Bob Docherty
On first reading, the scheme says much about organisations but very little about individuals including how their competencies will be assessed. I am sure I need to read the document a few times to get the real gist but first impression is that there is nothing in there that deals with an individuals failure. How does the scheme 'square the circle' and deal with product suppliers over selling their wares on the back of a FRA that have just carried out?

Posted on 16/05/11 17:00.

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Graham Lamb
Although to see such schemes being created as a good thing I am often concerned at the cost and the creation of over powering organisations. At the Firex expo, Warrington, a private profit making company, quoted me £650 for a individual creditation. This included a portfolio inspection and a 4 hour question and answer session/desktop exercise. I carryout about 200 FRA's per year, and everyone of my FRA's is audited by my area fire safety manager, will this gain me acreditation? no I suspect.

Posted on 19/05/11 15:32.

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Simon Ince
The Bafe scheme relies on non accredited registers and CVs; a subjective assessment. The level has been set to allow entry for most companies with a view on tightening it up later. (BAFE and FIA) Why not set it at a level that does the job of improving standards? Graham £3.25 as a pass on figure isn’t bad and from year 2 its only £1.25 I don’t think you will lose a contract on that figure but you could gain a lot of contracts because of certification; if the industry changes attitude

Posted on 20/05/11 16:50.

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Dr Bob Docherty
Hi Graham, put yourself up for it! I did, and although a bit nervous, I found the Warrington Scheme was an exacting process but I came out of it thinking 'I have been really tested but not found wanting'. They never asked me anything that I should not know as a fire risk assessor and if you have done such a massive (as you claim!) amount of FRA work then what have you got to fear - ego? Once you go for it, you will find that you can walk tall in the knowledge that you have been truly tested.

Posted on 24/05/11 16:04.

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Peter Thomas
The BAFE are to be congratulated in driving this iniative forward. The establishment of a formally certificated scheme and register of approved assessors accredited against a common standard is, in my opinion, long overdue and will be well received by legitimate FM/Fire Safety Provider companies.

Posted on 17/06/11 14:18.

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