Developed in partnership with the NPTC Group of Colleges, the course will serve as a practical introduction to installing fire doors.
Apprentices from the NPTC Group of Colleges can take the qualification as an optional unit, while tradespeople can take a two to three-day course and assessment option.
The course will make individuals compliant with National Occupational Standards unit 358 ‘Installing fire resisting timber door assemblies and doorsets in the workplace’.
Compliance can then be advertised on the reverse of their Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card, used to prove credentials when on construction sites.
Topics will include:
The course has already been successfully piloted at NPTC Group of Colleges in Wales.
“There are many critical elements to get right in the construction of fire doors, and a host of regulations governing their manufacture, installation and maintenance,” said Iain McIlwee, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation. “But a single mistake in specification, installation or use can render a fire door ineffective.
“The launch of the UK’s first fire door installation training course is the culmination of a lot of hard work over the past two years by our members and the NPTC Group of Colleges to strengthen the qualification and training system.
“Together, we reviewed the current modules to enable the qualification to be offered more broadly to those already qualified, such as site carpenters and joiners, to refresh and update their knowledge and skills.”
A sample of local authority and housing association fire risk assessments examined by the BWF revealed that 90% of fire doors had deficiencies.
It was revealed last week that the front door to one of the flats in Grenfell Tower withstood fire for only 15 minutes – only half as long as it was supposed to. Tests were carried out on the door, which was intact following the blaze because it was on a lower floor.
“The key to correctly installed and maintained fire doors is to train the trainer and ensure that both tutors and assessors have access to the best training resources,” added McIlwee. “The Fire Door Inspection Scheme Diploma is pivotal here and has supported our work.
“We hope that our training qualification will make a real difference and raise fire door installation standards across the country.”
Said Build UK CEO Suzannah Nichol: “The correct installation of a fire door is essential for protecting lives, property and businesses.
“This new qualification […] will support the industry and those setting out on their career within construction to promote and ensure high standards of fire safety. It is also a great example of how our industry and learning institutions can work together more effectively to fix genuine market concerns.”
John Slaughter, director of external affairs at the Home Builders Federation (HBF), said: “Working more effectively with the supply chain is critical to improving productivity and quality in the home building sector and this kind of collaboration between manufacturers and our members is a great example of how this can be done effectively.
“The BWF Stair Scheme and the quality information that is output from this group is a very welcome support to our industry and members.”
The course was formally launched at the Senedd by Ann Jones, Deputy Presiding Office of the National Assembly for Wales.
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I am looking at doing a course on fitting fire doors got a couple of questions
1 can this be done with a green cscs card very capable of fitting doors
2 cost