The inspectorate SSAIB have added the BAFE Fire Protection Industry Modular Scheme SP203 to its scope of accreditation.
This modular scheme was developed by BAFE (British Approvals for Fire Equipment) to enable the third party certification of those involved in the design, installation, commissioning, hand-over and ongoing maintenance of fire detection, and alarm systems. SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board) has been accredited by UKAS (the United Kingdom Accreditation Service), to include this scheme within its scope of accreditation to EN45011. BAFE launched the scheme in 2002 and aimed to license certification bodies, such as SSAIB, to operate the scheme on their behalf. The modules chosen recognise the diversity of skills required within the sector and are designed to ensure that companies involved in the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of such systems have an appropriate level of competence, adequate process control and sufficient resources, the board says.
What SSAIB says
Geoff Tate, SSAIB’s Chief Executive, said: "I am particularly pleased with this achievement, as it introduces further choice for those companies wishing to be certificated under BAFE Fire Scheme. It is also a milestone event in SSAIB’s plans to offer comprehensive certification services to companies operating in all areas of safety and security, and we would welcome expressions of interest from companies involved in these fields." The modular approach provides contractors with maximum flexibility as they can select their scope of accreditation from a combination of modules, with no limit on the combination permitted, the SSAIB says. Companies certificated under the rules of the scheme will be both listed by BAFE and certificated by SSAIB.
The SSAIB claims the following beenefits: a client has the option of using one or more certificated contractors and can still expect an installation in full compliance with standards; Building Control and the Fire Service are assisted in meeting their responsibilities under the Building Regulations (Approved Document B). These Authorities can be confident in the ‘fitness for purpose’ of the installed system; employers have responsibilities under the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations (as amended) to provide a safe workplace, with adequate fire precautions. Using certificated contractors helps to ensure that their legal responsibilities are met. The scheme also helps to create what the SSAIB calls a level commercial playing field allowing those whose responsibility it is to judge the suitability of products or services associated with these activities to be evaluated against a recognised level of competence.
More details
In addition to the BAFE Scheme, SSAIB holds UKAS accreditation in a number of other areas including: intruder alarms, access control, CCTV, alarm receiving centres, manned guarding, and key holding and response services. For more information on the SSAIB and the schemes it offers contact Andrew Brown, SSAIB, Suite 3, 131 North Shields, Tyne and Wear NE29 6LA.
