FSM


Feature Continued from page 27


fire and rescue services across the UK. These systems protect premises by automatically activating


as soon as fire is detected,


preventing the spread of fire to other parts of the building. Legislative responsibilities demand competent companies design, install, commission and maintain all fire safety equipment – including kitchen fire protection systems. Professionally


approved providers now have fire authority to


safety issue


operators of buildings that house commercial kitchens – including stadia – with NSI/BAFE Certificates of Compliance much like the well-recognised and accepted ‘MOT’,


as


comfort and evidence their kitchen fire protection system is fit for purpose at initial installation and correctly maintained. The Kitchen Fire Protection


Systems


Scheme developed by BAFE in response to the fire risks posed is delivered by way of granting Approvals to professional installers regularly audited by NSI expert auditors. NSI third party certification provides assurance regarding the quality of service and product provided by these providers. BAFE


and NSI recommend those


responsible obtain confirmation their provider is authorized to issue an NSI/ BAFE Certificate of Compliance for any installation as evidence of their competence in maintenance and assessment of ongoing suitability of equipment installed, including when kitchen renovations impact use.


The Responsible Person or Duty Holder


Just over twelve years ago in England, Wales and Scotland and a little over 8 years ago in Northern Ireland the responsibility for fire safety in a building was passed from the Fire


& Rescue Service to the ‘Responsible Person’ or “Duty Holder”. How can a “Responsible Person” or “Duty Holder” be confident that installation and maintenance is indeed in line with relevant standards and demonstrate they are fulfilling their rightful duty? The answer in large part can be addressed


by the duty holder being sensitive to the competence of fire safety contractors who ideally are third party certificated, that is, hold a Certificate of Approval, for each of the services they provide. It is unwise to assume a contractor competent to install and maintain fire extinguishers is equally competent in the maintenance of a fire detection system, or a kitchen fire protection system.


Together raising standards


Akin to its response to Life Safety Fire Risk assessment, BAFE, in support of duty holders, has developed this Kitchen Fire Protection Systems


Scheme (SP206). The scheme,


launched early in 2019 with NSI appointed as the third party certification body to issue


approvals, means competent providers can credibly demonstrate their credentials to duty holders and facilities managers. The new NSI/BAFE approval scheme,


requires on-going regular audit of contractors – continued monitoring


with regard to


engineer training, competency in practise, installation design integrity, review of system suitability as kitchen layouts are adapted over time and maintenance of installed systems. NSI provides the independent audit


of approved installers including their maintenance schedules and system installations for both newly installed and maintained systems.


NSI/BAFE scheme for commercial kitchen fire


systems has the


Stadia operators should note that the new protection


broad


support of insurers. They are convinced fire risk to people and property will be reduced as the scheme becomes more widely adopted. Check the terms of your policy with your insurer at installation.


*Source: FPA/RISCAuthority


28


FSM


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