Comply don't fry!
Monday 17th July 2006
With expected implementation in October 2006, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRO) clearly places the onus of responsibility for suitably effective Fire Detection and Alarm (FDA) systems within buildings onto the owner-occupier. In addition, regular assessments are necessary to ensure that any FDA system covers the various risks of a given building, particularly if that building's principal use changes.
These requirements apply equally to local authorities as to private individuals and companies, and will, at their lowest level, provide the incentive for owner-occupiers to ensure that those responsible for fire safety issues are suitably qualified and aware of the legal obligations upon them.
In order for local authorities to ensure that their designated fire safety managers and engineers possess the requisite skills and abilities to carry out the work under the new regulations, the fire industry operate two quality assurance schemes, similarly to the Corgi registration in the gas industry. These schemes recognise competency in four of the major phases of FDA system implementation: system design, installation, commissioning and servicing. The LPS1014 scheme certifies companies and organisations with the capabilities to competently carry out all aspects of the work required, while the BAFE SP203 scheme adopts a similar approach, with specific recognition of the individual disciplines and skills.
The differentiation between the two accreditation schemes benefits local authorities by allowing a customised solution to match the level of work required. Suiting all types of contract, whether utilising one company to carry out the entire process or employing qualified specialists for the component parts, this solution best meets the forthcoming legal requirements in as bespoke a way as possible.
These provisions will mean that a given local authority will find it as easy as possible to verify, in line with the pending reforms, that their FDA system was designed by a competent engineer, installed and approved by a qualified electrical contractor and commissioned by a recognised fire technician.
Further, British Standard BS5839-1, as amended in 2004, provides a number of model certificates in order to standardise the responsibility and identity of the individual or organisation associated with the provision of the FDA system as well as its ongoing maintenance.
In order for a government building to meet the new requirements, the owner-occupier must first have a Fire Risk Assessment carried out, with the aim to not only identify the level of protection required by the FDA system, but also to provide a clear definition of the 'Fire Plan' being put in place for the specific building in question. This is particularly relevant to local governments as they own amongst the largest variety of different building styles in the UK, with specific requirements being needed for each given application.
In order to meet the requirements laid out in the forthcoming RRO, including local government premises, are expected to provide the following documentation in order to confirm that their FDA system is to the required standards:
a) A Fire Risk Assessment;
b) A G1 System Design Certificate, signed by a competent designer;
c) A G2 System Installation Certificate, signed by a competent electrical contractor;
d) A G3 System Commissioning Certificate, signed by the system supplier;
e) A G4 Acceptance Certificate, signed by the representative of the owner- occupier;
f) A series of G6 Certificates, signed by the service provider after every maintenance visit;
g) G7 Certificate, signed by anyone who has carried out any modification work on the system since the original installation.
In instances where old systems are in place and original records are no longer available, a G5 Verification certificate can be produced in place of the G1, G2 & G3 certificates. However it is important that any organisation carrying out the verification process is competent in areas of design, installation and commissioning.
Local authorities can put into practice the following guide to ensure a suitable FDA system is in place, regardless of their use of the building.
Stage 1 Fire Risk Assessment
Recognised qualifications should always be sought from those tasked with delivery of the Fire Risk Assessment, ideally being registered with the Institute of Fire Engineers. Any Fire Risk Assessment should be formally recorded and regularly reviewed, in particular when significant changes to the building occur, and should cover, amongst other details, the suitable provision for emergency escape routes, fire signs, staff training, suitable fire extinguishers and suitable means of raising alarms in case of fire, in line with BS5839-1:2002.
Stage 2 System Design
System designers are required to gather information from all parties including the building owner-occupier and Building Control Officer. Local authorities should expect a full specification of the equipment required (with justifications for any variation from the initial proposal) including a break-down of how the system will operate together with confirmation on the category of system required. In addition, the designer should provide a signed G1 Design Certificate.
Stage 3 Installation
Ensuring the installation is compliant with BS 5839 –1:2002 & BS 7671, the electrical contractor commissioned to install the system should also work closely with the designer to ensure that any changes to the building during installation are tended to and that a concise 'as fitted' diagram is provided. Further, the installer must provide a signed G2 certificate, taking responsibility for the entirety of the installation process.
Stage 4 Commissioning
Local authorities should seek a level of competency as granted by the BAFE SP203 or LPS1014 accreditation scheme when selecting a commissioning engineer. Authorities should expect confirmation that all devices function correctly and have been set up in accordance with the agreed fire plan. The building administrator should be present, ideally with the designer of the system, at the point where final testing occurs, and should then be provided with all documentation, records, log-book and training guides, together with a signed G3 Commissioning Certificate.
Stage 5 Service
It is vital that the service provider ensures the building and its FDA system is maintained in line with the relevant legislation at any one time. Service providers carry out regular maintenance checks in line with BS 5839-1:2002 and tend to any faults as and when required. Further, they advise the building administrator as to required alterations, and carry them out, should the use of the building alter over time, or in order to reduce the risk of false alarms. Finally, the service provider should maintain the log-book and system drawings, complete forms G6 and G7 when necessary, and ensure the building administrator carries out their role in line with BS 5839 '1:2002.
In following these guides, local authorities can take the lead in recognising the quality assurance schemes brought about by the fire industry, championing their acceptance and helping to ensure that FDA systems are to an acceptably high standard across the country. This will lead to BAFE SP203 & LPS1014 becoming recognised in line with Corgi registration, making public and other buildings we all live and work in, safer in the future.
ENDS
