Defining who is a competent individual fire risk assessor came a step closer last week when a group of stakeholders agreed to make this a priority over any discussion of a nationally recognised certification scheme.

The fire risk assessment competencies council met under the chairmanship of Iain Cox, prevention and protection director of CFOA. The detailed work on competency was delegated to a sub-group who will report back to the full council in September.

In the meantime, BAFE is pressing ahead with the development of a certification scheme for companies providing fire risk assessment services. It has convened a gathering of key stakeholders meeting today to discuss this further. Stephen Adams, the organisation’s general manager, said:

“BAFE recognises the critical importance of the work being done to define and accredit individual fire risk assessor competencies. The development of a company scheme, for large and small providers, should take this fully into account and provide genuine support for those responsible for ensuring that their premises are safe.”