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.