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

Appendix 5 - Fire safety Associations

In the UK there are numerous organisations with fire safety expertise. Below are some key organisations that we have identified within the industry.

Fire Protection Association (FPA)

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) is a fire safety organisation and was founded in 1946. They work to identify and educate people on the dangers of fire and how loss can be kept to a minimum. FPA deliver work and expertise in all aspects of fire including research, consultancy, training, membership, publications, risk surveying and auditing. Their products and services are designed to assist fire, security and safety professionals maintain the highest standards of fire safety. Their training and consultancy services are conducted in accordance with the requirements of the FPA quality management system, assessed and approved by Lloyds Register and certified to BS EN ISO 9001:2015.^[44]

FPA training credentials are:

• They are an Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) Approved Training Centre
• They have approved centre accredited status from the Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM)
• They are an IQ accredited centre
• They are an Educational Associate of the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA)
• They are a constituent member of the Confederation of European Fire Protection Associations (CFPA Europe)
• They are a NEBOSH Accredited Centre
• They have achieved the Investors in People Award
• The majority of our courses offer CPD points
• Certified NSI Gold Award for BAFE SP205

Fire Industry Association

The FIA is the largest fire protection trade association in the UK with 850 plus members. They are a not-for-profit organisation and a major provider of fire safety training. Their aim is to: promote, improve and perfect fire protection methods, devices, services and apparatus and they enable this through representing their members, providing technical support, guidance and opportunities for professional development via education and regulation. They help promote and share legislation and the professional standards of the fire industry and work closely with the UK government, official bodies and key stakeholders.^[45]

Fire Safety Advice Centre

The Fire Safety Advice Centre provides free fire safety and fire prevention advice in the United Kingdom. Its resource library offers fire safety information for homes and businesses.^[46]

Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP)

The ASFP is dedicated to the protection of life, property, the environment and their heritage and promotes continuous improvement in all aspects of passive fire protection. Working with Government and international standard setting bodies both directly, and via other sector group associations, the ASFP endeavours to increase the quality of installed fire protection within all forms of construction. The ASFP strives to promote excellence in the design and installation of fire protection products through high quality and technical expertise.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS)

In Scotland the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) works to protect every community not only by responding to incidents, but also by preventing them from happening in the first place. The SFRS explains that across Scotland, every firefighter
is trained how to help residents lower the risk of a fire starting and how to raise their chances of escape if the worst does happen. They work with key partners like housing associations, local authorities and the police to help ensure people live in a fire-safe home. The SFRS website also provides links to registers of fire risk assessors, https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/media/1173445/sfrs_advice_on_fire_safety.pdf