Fire protection within buildings is one of the key elements that are considered in the design and development process of construction. Fire is one of the biggest risks that cannot only completely destroy a building, but also businesses, public organisations and of course lives.
Most buildings are designed in compartment units; rooms that all have an access to a way out that leads to safety in the case of a fire. In fire safety design terms these ‘rooms’ are called compartments. Each compartment is specified with a rating that signifies how long it should contain a fire. This means that, if the room is sealed, the fire will not spread outside into the escape routes and other areas of the building. The purpose behind this concept is:
1. To hold back fire for the appropriate amount of time for all occupants to escape;
2. To offer enough time for the fire authorities to arrive; and
3. To reduce the spread of fire to make the premises as safe as possible for the fire fighter to enter if necessary.
2. To offer enough time for the fire authorities to arrive; and
3. To reduce the spread of fire to make the premises as safe as possible for the fire fighter to enter if necessary.
INTRODUCTION TO NAPFIS
The role of passive fire systems within buildings is critical to the overall fire safety of the building design and consequently for its occupants. Rigorous test procedures are required from manufacturers for these systems; ensuring the highest product quality and performance is supplied to the construction sector. However, the quality assurance process often collapses at the point of installation. This raises the question: "How can you ensure correct installation?"
There are various schemes of auditing available within the industry, offering spot checks and certification. These schemes are effective, but can be costly to the trades person and companies that install passive fire systems.
It is common knowledge that that most installers of passive fire prevention products belong to the traditional trades: carpentry, plumbing, bricklaying, painting and decorating, electrical, etc. Not only do they install passive fire protection systems in new builds, but also during the maintenance of existing properties. These trades people are often employed, and the cost to join existing auditing schemes is prohibitive.
Legislation and the new Document B Building Regulations
New fire safety legislation requires building owners to take full responsibility for all aspects of fire safety within their premises. As part of their risk assessment process, they are required to ensure that elements of the building structure are suitably fire-rated. Thus, when passive fire protection seals are used, some sort of assurance of correct use and installation could be required from the trades person.
The new UK Building Regulations (Document B) also encourage independent schemes of certification, which is what NAPFIS seeks to provide. Building Control Officers will increasingly ask for evidence of correct installation of passive fire protection from trades people.
NAPFIS
The Nationwide Association of Passive Fire Installers and Specifiers (NAPFIS) has been established to offer:
1. The risk assessment process should include a full audit of passive fire systems and allow for the ongoing management of all works within the premises that may include their installation.
2. The ability for tradespersons to certify passive fire installations, thereby offering top-certification for the responsible person for their risk assessment file and ongoing fire safety management.
NAPFIS is committed to members' ability to offer high quality installations of passive fire protection. NAPFIS strongly believes that excellent education is the foundation of a trades person's ability to deliver this high quality of installation. NAPFIS works in partnership with the new Passive Fire Training Centre (PFTC) in Dover, Kent. Courses presented at PFTC are the most effective available in the correct procedures for the installation of passive fire protection products. When you have completed the training programme, you will be able to join NAPFIS (Nationwide Association of Passive Fire Installers and Specifiers), enablING you to self-certify your completed installations. LINKS TO THE PDF INFORMATION PACK AND FORMS info@napfis.pk |
