The Association for Specialist Fire Protection Ireland (ASFPI) is providing guidance and support to prepare for the introduction of the new Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2012.

The proposals, which are set out by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (DECLG) document 'Strengthening the Building Control System', include the introduction of mandatory certificates of compliance by builders and designers and improved inspection arrangements.

In response to the proposals, ASFPI is promoting solutions to assist in improving the standard of installed Passive Fire Protection (PFP).

Speaking at the recent Chief Fire Officers' conference in Dundalk, Co. Louth, ASFPI chairman David O'Reilly welcomed the new measures and explained how ASFPI guidance supports the new system.

"The Association promotes third party certification schemes for Passive Fire Protection products and installers as a means of ensuring that installations are conducted by knowledgeable contractors to appropriate standards, thereby increasing the reliability of anticipated performance in fire, while at the same time providing contractors with a means of demonstrating their competence," he said.

ASFPI is also promoting a Passive Fire Protection training initiative with courses in PFP installation and risk assessment provided by Exova Warringtonfire.

The CPD accredited courses help provide installers with essential knowledge and understanding and enable them to demonstrate that they have the expertise and commitment to undertake the professional installation of passive fire protection products.

"Third party certification is a principal recommendation in the ASFP publication 'Ensuring Best Practice for Passive Fire Protection in Buildings'," O'Reilly added.

"This guidance is referred to in Ireland's Building Control Technical Guidance and, if followed, would go a long way to provide safer buildings and achieve the legislative aspirations of DECLG."

For more information on Passive Fire Protection is available at www.asfpireland.ie 

Posted 18/06/2012 by richard.hook@pavpub.com