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[ Spotlight: Fire certification scheme ] What is BAFE?


Established in 1984, BAFE is the independent organisation dedicated to improving standards in fire protection. BAFE is the registration body for companies who achieve third-party certification for their fire protection services. Companies that are registered to BAFE schemes demonstrate a commitment to service excellence.


BAFE has developed a number of UKAS accredited


certification programmes to support the standards that govern the industry. Its SP203-1 fire alarm and detection scheme was launched in 2002 and currently has 500 companies registered to the scheme. The BAFE Council decides on policy and strategy and includes representation from the principal fire trade associations, certification bodies, government agencies, the Chief Fire officers Association and other representatives of the industry. The ECA has been a member of the BAFE Council for many years. n For more information visit www.bafe.org.uk


To join the FSA, being certified for BAFE SP203-1 is one


of the criteria, so it makes sense for existing and new FSA members to be certified by their own trade body. There will also be incentives for existing FSA and ECA members to get their BAFE certification through ECA Certification. Stefan Hay, head of the FSA, says: ‘With our members already needing BAFE SP203-1 to join the FSA, we’re really pleased we can now offer them certification from within the group. There are currently around 500 ECA members with a special interest in this field, and the new certification programme will help that number to grow and expand the market.’ Stephen Adams, General Manager at BAFE, adds: ‘We are delighted that ECA Certification Ltd has now gained its UKAS accreditation to bring this offering to market, and we are confident that it will attract a lot of interest, increase competition and transparency and send a message to the sector that greater skills and accreditation equates to more business opportunities in the future – it is a win-win for the installers and the industry as a whole.’


What does the scheme involve? To be certified for BAFE SP203-1, contractors must undergo an assessment of competence, based on BS 5839*. They must also prove that they have a quality management system and have carried out technical work on site. A major benefit of the BAFE scheme is that it is based on four modules and contractors can be certificated in all modules, or simply for those relating to the work they do. The four modules are: n System design; n Installation; n Instruction booklet; n Commissioning and handover; and n Maintenance.


Those taking two or more modules will be looking at a minimum two-days’ assessment, depending on the size of


the business, while those only looking at a single specific module may cover their assessment in one day. Contractors coming forward for assessment will need to be reassessed every six months for the first two years of their registration. Providing there are no issues at the initial assessments, the reassessment period can then be extended to annual visits. Those contractors already BAFE registered and looking to transfer can stay on their existing assessment regime if they have the evidence to confirm their previous assessment record.


What does it cost? The cost of assessment is based on a £530 +VAT day rate, but there are no further registration fees levied by ECA Certification. Other operational costs include a BAFE annual administration and licence fee of £230+VAT and individual certificate costs. Individual module certificates will be £6+VAT each and the certificate of compliance is £24+VAT, which includes the royalty payment due to BAFE on each certificate. ECA Certification is also providing an optional pre- assessment service. This is a shortened version of the full assessment, conducted in a single day at the contractor’s place of business. No site visit is involved. These visits are chargeable at the £530 +VAT day rate, but if you subsequently take your full assessment, you will earn a £100 per day discount off the total cost of your assessment.


n Members wishing to obtain access to electronic versions of BS 5839 and other standards can do so via the ECA’s online shop by logging in at www.eca.co.uk


n For more technical information about the BAFE scheme, or to enquire about joining, contact Will Lloyd on 020 7313 4830 or email will.lloyd@eca.co.uk


What is the FSA?


With more than 300 members across the United Kingdom, the Fire and Security Association (FSA), is the fastest growing representative body for companies that design, install, commission, maintain and monitor electronic fire and security systems.


It makes sense for existing and new FSA members to be certified by their own trade body


As a specialist division of the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), and working in partnership with SELECT, the Scottish electro-technical trade association, the FSA is uniquely positioned to improve industry standards and develop its members’ businesses. FSA members represent all sizes of professional companies, from local suppliers with only a few operatives to large multi-service companies. All work to exacting British and European technical standards and are independently assessed and third party certificated. Through the ECA’s well-established consultative and


advisory structure, FSA members have direct access to the latest industry developments and have the opportunity to contribute actively to those developments. n For more information on the FSA, visit www.fireandsecurityassociation.co.uk


May 2012 ECA Today


57


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