Draft BS 8674 serves as “timely reminder” of progress on professional standards

The Fire Sector Federation has long championed independent third party assessment as the best way in which to demonstrate competence in fire-related occupations. The need for independent oversight was also emphasised in Dame Judith Hackitt’s final report subsequent to the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety and echoed by Members of Parliament.

Seeking to advance independent rigour during the intervening period, industry-based fire risk assessors have worked collectively to build a new competence process. Producing guidance and co-ordinating focused efforts in this area, they have developed a new conformity-based system of which this draft British Standard forms an integral element.

Defining competence will help to ensure that the individual applying in practice the well-established fire risk assessment method, itself already outlined in PAS 79-1:2020, is the correct person for the task. Taken together, the standards offer duty holders, who have a legal responsibility to undertake a fire risk assessment, the necessary reassurance that they’re meeting their duty.

Conformity-based system

The new industry agreed and conformity-based system is based upon the UKAS accreditation process and the UK’s Regulated Qualifications Framework. When matched to one of the three fire risk assessor tiers described in the British Standard, certificates gained through a UKAS scheme and qualifications from an appropriate Awarding Organisation are fully intended to shine a spotlight on a clear level of competence.

Fire risk assessors operating within the conformity-based process will be able to demonstrate their competence, in turn helping both duty holders and the public to navigate what is currently a somewhat confusing situation. Given that concerted calls for improved transparency already exist, a transition from the present unregulated situation will be supported by these changes.

Many experienced fire risk assessors, including those already holding UKAS certificates or Regulated Qualifications Framework qualifications, should check their conformity to the new British Standard. Alongside fire risk assessor-focused industry partners, the Fire Sector Federation is involved in ongoing work with UKAS and Regulated Qualifications Framework organisations to support the transition from existing schemes and qualifications and meet the draft British Standard.

Milestone for risk assessment

Going forward, the release of the draft British Standard is a “milestone” for fire risk assessors who seek to demonstrate competence through compliance with the new conformity-based system.

Those wishing to learn more about fire risk assessments should visit the Fire Sector Federation’s website at www.firesectorfederation.co.uk/fire-risk-assessment

As an organisation, the Fire Sector Federation seeks to give voice to – and exert influence on – the shaping of all future policy and strategy related to the UK’s dedicated fire sector. The Federation is a not-for-profit, non-Government organisation established to act as a forum for the benefit of its membership and also to evolve as a central source of information on all aspects relating to fire.

*Further information can be accessed online at www.firesectorfederation.co,uk