A revised version (version 5) of the third party certification scheme document for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems has been published by BAFE.

For the first time, it makes it mandatory for certificated service providers to use components of an alarm system that have themselves been third party certificated to appropriate standards. Relevant components are: alarm devices; cables; control panels; detectors; line modules; manual call points; panels and power supplies.

Other amendments to the scheme include:

• the addition of management system requirements for the control of sub- contracting and non-conforming products
• consolidation of the requirements relating to surveillance audits for single sites and multi-site organisations
• the introduction of new BAFE logos for maintenance only organisations, and
• the addition of claims of conformity requirements.

BAFE SP203-1 has four different modules, recognising that each different module – system design; installation; commissioning and handover; and maintenance of a system – can be undertaken by a different organisation.

Completion certificates issued by these providers provide evidence that they are competent and that the work has been done correctly, says BAFE.