SSAIB launches certification scheme for fire extinguisher contractors24 February 2010A new certification scheme for the installation and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers has been launched by SSAIB. The scheme aims to increase the competence of service technicians and is based on two British Approval for Fire Equipment (BAFE) standards, SP101 and ST104. Standard SP101 uses ISO 9001 as its foundation, while ST104 places emphasis on the competence of the technician rather than the organisation. It is a pre-requisite that the technician applying for the scheme is already employed by a company that operates under ISO 9001. Organisations that join the scheme will be provided with a registered technician record, which contains a guide to obtaining the BAFE registered technician qualification. Under the scheme, the installer is required to demonstrate essential knowledge in a range of areas, including theory of fire, types of fire risk, maintenance and regulatory and legislative requirements. If successful, applicants are entered onto the register, awarded a BAFE Diploma and issued with an identification card which is valid for three years.
    |
