ASFP launches sales and distribution-focused online learning

Developed specifically for professionals working in sales, distribution and customer-facing roles, the course provides a practical introduction to passive fire protection and the critical role it plays in safeguarding buildings, protecting lives and supporting regulatory compliance.

As awareness of fire safety responsibilities continues to grow across the construction supply chain, there’s an increasing need for those involved in specifying, selling and supplying fire protection products to understand the fundamentals behind the systems they represent. The course has been designed to meet that need, equipping learners with the knowledge required to provide informed and responsible product guidance within the scope of their role.

Supporting competency

Commenting on the launch of the course, Adam Shipstone (head of training at the ASFP) stated: “We developed this course following direct feedback from industry and through the collaborative efforts of our specialist Working Groups who’ve played a key role in shaping the competency framework for professionals operating in sales and distribution.”

Shipstone continued: “The course provides learners with an understanding of passive fire protection and its importance within the built environment. Designed specifically for sales, distribution and customer-facing professionals, it introduces the fundamentals of fire behaviour, fire development and the principles of passive fire protection.”

Further, Shipstone noted: “Learners will gain an understanding of how passive fire protection systems help to control the spread of fire and smoke, protect escape routes, maintain structural stability and support overall building safety. The course also explores common passive fire protection products and systems, including fire stopping, fire-resistant boards, intumescent coatings and fire doors. There’s also consideration of the importance of testing, certification and manufacturers’ technical documentation.”

Importantly, upon successful completion, learners will be able to provide informed, responsible and technically sound product guidance within the scope of their role.

Target audience

The new course is suitable for a wide range of professionals including builders’ merchants, distributors and stockists, internal and external sales teams, customer service advisors, technical support personnel, account managers, specification sales professionals and individuals new to the passive fire protection domain.

Delivered online through the Nucleus Technologies learning platform, the flexible programme can be completed in approximately 1.5 to four hours, making it accessible for busy professionals seeking to strengthen their understanding of fire safety principles.

The course takes learners on a structured journey through the fundamentals of fire science and passive fire protection, covering both technical knowledge and practical considerations relevant to sales and distribution environments.

Learning outcomes

By completing the course, learners will subsequently be able to:

*explain the basic science of fire and combustion

*understand how fires start, develop and spread

*identify common causes of fire in buildings

*distinguish between passive and active fire protection measures

*recognise key passive fire protection systems and products

*understand compartmentation and fire resistance principles

*appreciate the importance of testing, assessments and certification

*interpret key information contained within manufacturers’ technical documentation

*recognise the risks associated with providing incorrect product advice

The education programme concludes with a short online knowledge check, enabling learners to demonstrate their understanding and reinforce key learning points before completion.

The launch of this course reflects the ASFP’s continued commitment to raising competence standards across the construction and fire safety sectors. By extending passive fire protection education beyond installers and specialists to those responsible for advising customers, specifying solutions and supplying products, the course supports greater levels of knowledge, understanding and accountability throughout the supply chain.

CITB Employer Network

The course is also eligible through the CITB Employer Network, helping organisations to invest in workforce competence while in parallel supporting wider industry objectives around building safety and fire protection.

For those organisations looking to improve fire safety knowledge among sales and distribution teams, this course provides an accessible, practical and valuable introduction to what is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of modern building safety.

*Further information is available online at https://marketplace.asfp.org.uk/#/course/5772