The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has introduced new membership requirements from 1 January 2021, which will make it mandatory for member companies to demonstrate that a proportion of their employees have been suitably trained and/or have achieved appropriate qualifications in Passive Fire Protection.
The new requirements are intended to further assist the Association and its members to clearly demonstrate that ASFP members are more professional than non-members and exceed the current competency expectations of the passive fire protection industry. By meeting the ASFP’s strict entry requirements, members will be able to clearly demonstrate their skills, competence and professionalism.
The requirements, which will be implemented over a period of three years, will require member companies to demonstrate that certain relevant staff in defined roles have obtained Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) Level 2 or 3 qualifications; NVQ Level 2 qualifications in passive fire protection via manufacturer training and relevant CSCS cards; or have undertaken the ASFP Online Introduction to Passive Fire Protection.
Commenting on the new requirements, ASFP CEO Niall Rowan declared: “The ASFP has long been the standard bearer for technical excellence in passive fire protection, for instance with our requirement that installer members hold third-party certification for products that they install.
“The Grenfell tragedy has further triggered significant change in the way fire safety is perceived. Improving the quality of installation and demonstrating the competency of those involved in manufacturing, testing, installing and maintaining fire protection products is now seen as vital.
“The ASFP’s new requirements will enable members to clearly demonstrate their skills, competence and professionalism. This will offer architects, specifiers, fire engineers and Tier One contractors further peace of mind that by specifying ASFP members for all passive fire protection products, services and installations quality and professionalism is assured.”
The ASFP Foundation Course in Passive Fire Protection courses offer a foundation in fire safety and fire science, as well as units on different forms of passive fire protection. The courses and the IFE Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications were developed in partnership by the ASFP and the IFE to provide recognition of individuals who have attained the essential knowledge and understanding to work efficiently and safely in passive fire protection roles.
The ASFP highlights the Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications are the only passive fire protection qualifications in the UK and Ireland recognised by regulator Ofqual. Furthermore, those who obtain the IFE Level 3 Certificate are eligible to apply to join the IFE at Technician grade enabling them to gain professional recognition in the global fire sector and use the post nominal TIFireE.
The ASFP Online Introduction to Passive Fire Protection provides a basic overview of passive fire protection covering key elements of design, installation and inspection. Delivered in 13 video modules, it is intended to provide a first step for those considering a career in the passive fire protection industry. On successful completion of an online test, candidates are awarded 3 hours CPD.
In related news, the ASFP is continuing its support for the Children’s Burns Trust (CBT) with a £2,000 donation on behalf of its members.
Each year the ASFP donates £10 of every ticket sale for its Annual Awards Lunch to CBT, as well as making a collection on each table from those who attend. With continued Covid-19 restrictions, the event could not take place this year. Recognising that the work of the charity would be under significant pressure, the ASFP Council decided to make a similar contribution to the charity as it made 2019.
Niall stated: “The ASFP and its members have long supported the Children’s Burns Trust and recognised the vital work it does in providing rehabilitation support for burned and scald injured children and their families, as well as prevention and awareness campaigns.
“Despite the challenges of the year, we were keen to continue our support and were pleased to make a £2,000 contribution to help the charity to continue its important work.”
Writing in response to the donation, CBT Operations Manager Alison Tweddle declared: “I would like to say how extremely grateful we are for the ASFP’s continued support. With the necessary limitations in place due to the coronavirus pandemic, we have suffered a severe reduction of the usual income needed to operate our services. However, the need for these services has not declined. We are doing all we can to mitigate the impact of this fundraising shortfall, and your support is indeed very much appreciated.
“As a small charity we have been able to ‘turn on a sixpence’ and are addressing the same needs in a different way – namely how to provide on-line rehabilitation support to the children and their families. We continue to provide emergency financial support to families immediately post-burn and have maintained our prevention programme.”
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