Exploring the potential for a certification scheme for fire stopping: report

Appendix 4 – Fire safety training & qualifications

NICEIC training

NICEIC offer fire safety and emergency lighting training for contractors in Scotland delivered at a variety of partner colleges. Examples of some of the courses available in Scotland are as follows:

• Fire detection and fire alarm system – fundamentals. Unit 1
  A one day course that provides the learner with the understanding of legislation and standards relating to fire detection and fire alarm systems as well as basic fire behaviour principles in accordance with BS 5839.
• Fire detection and fire alarm systems – design. Unit 2
  A two-day course that provides the learner with the understanding of the design process of fire detection and fire alarm systems.
• Fire detection and fire alarm systems – installation. Unit 3
  A one day course that focusses on the installation of fire detection and fire alarm systems. This course will qualify that the learner complete installations for non-domestic buildings.
• Fire detection and fire alarm systems – maintenance. Unit 5
  A one day course that focusses on the maintenance of dire detection and fire alarms systems covering routine inspection and servicing and understanding false alarms.

Other NICEIC courses (not available in Scotland):

• Fire detection and fire alarm systems – commission. Unit 4
• Fire detection and fire alarm systems – domestic. Unit 6

SELECT training

SELECT offer a number of electrical courses throughout Scotland and courses are approved by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). All of SELECT’s BS 7671 courses will receive a certificate from the SQA and are jointly badged by SELECT and SQA.

The training courses offered across Scotland by SELECT include a range of course for electrical installation, such as:

• SQA [SELECT] - Tailored Award in Design and Verification of Electrical Installations (208) - SCQF Level 7
  This three-day course provides learners with knowledge of the wiring regulations and initial verification as well as the design of electrical installations.
• SQA [SELECT] - Customised Award in Requirements for Electrical Installations (209)
  This one-day training course (can also be completed as an online course) is aimed at electricians who want to update their skills and knowledge relating to inspection, testing and certification.
• SQA [SELECT] – Customised Award in Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations including Period Inspection (214) - SCQF Level 7
  This two-day course focuses on the practice of inspection and testing of new and existing installations.
• SQA [SELET] Customised Award in Requirements for Electrical Installations to BS 7671 (218)
  This short online course combined with one day attendance at a training course is aimed at electricians and others who are responsible for ensuring that electrical installations are installed and commissioned in agreement with the current requirements.
• Scottish Building Standards – Online (408) This online course providers learners with the required information for Approved Certifiers of Construction to keep up-to-date with Scottish Building Standards Guidance and Legislation.
• Scottish Building Standards – (216)
  A one-day course required of electricians who wish to register as an Approved Certifier of Construction.
• In-service Inspection and Testing (207)
  A one-day course focussing on the inspection and testing of electrical equipment including portable appliances.

• Energy Storage Systems (415)
  A one-day introductory course that focusses on energy storage systems and the design and installation in domestic and commercial settings.

Modern Apprenticeship (MA) in Electronic Fire and Security Systems SCQF 6,^[41]

This three-year qualification is provided by North Lanarkshire College and operated by SELECT. Modern Apprenticeships are designed to ‘deliver a training package around a minimum standard of competence defined by employers through Sector Skills Councils (SSCs)’.

To achieve the Modern Apprenticeship Award, learners will have to complete three course areas:

• Personal Development Awards (PDA) – a combination of classroom and distance learning. The 11 units include installation practices, health and safety, fire alarm systems installation, maintenance and signalling to name a few.
• Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) – The SVQ covers the practical elements of the course. Learners will cover units including intruder alarms, fire alarms, CCTV systems and access control systems.
• Log Book Assessments (OneFile) – OneFile is an eportfolio journal for apprenticeships.

Modern Apprenticeships – Electronic Security Systems at SCQF Level 6^[42]

This Modern Apprenticeship is managed by Skills for Security and is aimed at those who wish to become security systems installation and maintenance engineers. It covers core skills such as communication, problem solving and numeracy as well as introducing the learner to the electronic security systems sector focusing on design, installation and maintenance of electronic security and fire systems.

BRE Academy

BRE Academy offers a variety of fire safety training online and interaction classroom lessons. Courses available include:

• Fire-stopping and Compartmentation
  The one-day course covers eight modules that provides the learners with a comprehensive outline of fire-stopping and compartmentation, regulations and conducting an inspection. This course is specifically aimed at those involved with the design, installation and inspection of fire-stopping and compartmentation.

• Passive Fire Protection – Level 3 Foundation
  This seven-day foundation course is offered in partnership with the Association of Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), developed by the ASFP and the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE).

  The foundation focusses on the understanding of fire science, fire safety and methods of active protection, plus passive fire protection measures. This foundation allows learner to study to obtain a recognised qualification in passive fire protection.

• Fire Door Inspection – Level 3 Award
  This one-day course will equip the learner with the competencies in carrying out fire door inspections.
• Fire Risk Assessor – Level 4 Diploma
  This is a five-day training course that enables the learner to complete fire risk assessments of complex buildings, as described in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. After completion, learners will be able to progress to a Level 4 qualification in fire risk assessment. This course is aimed at those who are responsible for conducting risk assessments.

Fire Protection Association (FPA)

Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment (C05)
This five-day course, approved by the Institution of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM), is aimed at those who are responsible for conducting or implementing fire risk assessments. Learners will understand fundamental principles of fire prevention and a range of topics concerning fire safety management as well as workplace hazards, risks and the principles of fire risk assessment. Upon completion of this course, the learner receives the level 4 CFPA Europe Fire Risk Assessor.

Independent Fire Inspections Ltd

• Level NVQ Diploma in Associated Industrial Services Occupations (Construction) – Passive Fire Protection (QCF)
  This qualification is intended for those who are already in employment. The learner will develop and recognise skills and competence so that they can work in Passive Fire Protection. Learners will gain practical skills in moving, handling and storing resources as well as erecting and dismantling access or working platforms in the workplace plus general health and safety knowledge. Assessment is carried out on site using a range of assessment methods.

BEng (Hons) Fire Risk Engineering, Glasgow Caledonian University^[43]

This qualification can be studied part time over three to five years and was developed in partnership with the Fire and Rescue Service. Learners have the opportunity to study abroad or complete an accredited work placement, as well as an optional work placement. During the course of the programme, learners will complete a foundation level in their first year in building design, technology and performance. Following from year one, learners will cover the principles of fire safety analysis and the practice of fire safety design and regulation as well as risk management and an introduction to maths and structure. Learns can expect to find a career within the fire services, the construction industry and local authorities in the UK and abroad.