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BSI consults on draft update to BS 8674 fire risk assessor competence standard
19 August 2024
THE BRITISH Standards Institution’s draft update to BS 8674 Built Environment – Framework for Competence of Individual Fire Risk Assessors – Code of Practice has been made available for public comment until the deadline of 15 October.

In essence, this British Standard outlines recommendations for competence criteria to be met by individuals undertaking general fire risk assessments (ie an assessment of the probability and consequences of fire and the identification and evaluation of fire risk) in occupied buildings.
The recommendations in this British Standard are based on the recommendations and core competence criteria set out in BS 8670-1 with specific regard to life safety fire risk assessment of the measures for fire precautions provided within a building.
The competence criteria recommended are applicable to non-invasive fire risk assessments of existing fire safety measures that can be attained through visual examination.
The fire risk assessments within the scope of this British Standard take into account relevant records (which could include details of previous invasive/destructive processes) and the measures for fire prevention, fire protection and fire safety management.
Three core levels of competence are outlined: Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced, where Advanced is the highest level. The criteria reflect requirements to assess buildings constructed using conventional materials and systems and take into account the fact that, in some buildings, additional specialist guidance might be required.
Fire risk assessments
The British Standard does not cover the process for undertaking a fire risk assessment (which are outlined in PAS 79-1 and BS 9792, the latter being in its preparation stages), the fire risk appraisal of external wall construction and cladding (highlighted in PAS 9980), other invasive or destructive inspections to assess the structure and building materials, the competence of organisations, the responsibilities of duty holders (eg liaising with enforcing authorities, mandatory reporting, developing emergency plans, engaging with residents or commissioning structural investigations).
Neither does it cover the compliance and conformity audits or assessment of building design and construction or the assessment of specialised fire safety engineering measures going beyond the criteria of the Advanced level or buildings and installations (such as offshore, chemical or nuclear installations) that require additional competence beyond the Advanced level to assess fire danger and risks from other emergencies and/or the use of specialist fire safety engineering measures.
The conformity of specific fire safety measures to relevant standards, or the performance by practical tests of fire safety measures isn’t covered. The same is true of fire engineering, the design of maintenance procedures, structures, fire strategies and installations and product verification and testing.
*Read the draft version of BS 8674 Built Environment – Framework for Competence of Individual Fire Risk Assessors – Code of Practice online
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