Feature


maintenance, selecting and positioning, health and safety awareness and asbestos awareness. Practicing technicians also attend a three-yearly refresher course to maintain their credentials. Under The Control of Asbestos


enance: working ndards


dependent third party certification


benchmark of ‘Competency of Portable Fire Extinguisher Organisations and Technicians’. The update followed lengthy, industry-


wide consultation, including NSI and other interested stakeholders, and recognises the importance of organisational and individual technician competence in the delivery of extinguisher services. It requires supplying organisations to maintain employed in-house competency, and not simply to rely on outsourced expert technicians.


Focus on technician competence


The revised scheme sets an expectation for more robust requirements for fire extinguisher technicians. These now include demonstrating competency in asbestos awareness and health and safety. BAFE recognised portable fire extinguisher technicians’ courses consist of in-depth theoretical training and practical experience over four days. The course content includes training on the different types of portable fire extinguisher based on the requirements of the British Standards for servicing and


fmuk 27


Regulations 2012, anyone including extinguisher technicians, working in an environment where they are likely to disturb asbestos materials must be aware of, and fully trained in, the dangers and correct safety practices. Asbestos is still found in older buildings where it was originally installed for insulation and fireproofing. Health and safety awareness includes


workers’ individual responsibilities for their own safety and the safety of others, manual handling, fire prevention, work equipment and occupational health. A technician holding a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card qualifies as meeting the health and safety competence requirements of the BAFE Scheme. During independent NSI inspection of


providers, technicians’ training records are reviewed to evidence they are complete and up to date.


Organisational competence


Approval for companies delivering portable fire extinguisher maintenance is also dependent on their management system capability covering the commissioning, servicing and recharge of portable fire extinguishers.


Management systems must evidence


• process and procedures including the assignment of relevant roles and responsibilities of key personnel,


• •


quality objectives and improvement plans


scheduled (maintenance) work to meet customer requirements


• robust processing of customer call outs requests


• an assessment of health and safety and ways to minimise risks.


The management system must also cover • the management of resources – both people and infrastructure,


• competency records – including training records, qualifications, certificates


• a register of relevant British Standards and publications, including manufacturers’ technical literature, and trade organisations’ safety notices


The customer perspective


From a client perspective choosing an NSI/BAFE approved company provides confidence that their provider has been subject to independent inspection of its business practice, and communications with clients, including the • sharing of information relating to products and services,


•


reports and records of record of works carried out – in the customer’s fire logbook


• complaints procedures and corrective action plans.


The scheme aims to increase the quality


of service and product provided by fire extinguisher service providers, delivering confidence to the consumer. NSI approval requires all technicians


employed by the approved company to hold the BAFE Diploma – ensuring capability to work in accordance with best industry practice. NSI recommends that you ask your supplier to evidence their technicians are working to these standards. Choosing an NSI approved service


provider to conduct service and maintenance, ensures personnel and the organisation have proven competence in maintenance of portable fire extinguisher products.


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