FirePro UK expands sales opportunities through LPCB certification

Back in 1994, and following on from a ban imposed by the Montreal Protocol and the Clean Air Act on ozone depleting substances such as HALON 1301 (a widely used fire suppression agent at the time), FirePro first introduced its environmentally friendly condensed aerosol fire suppression technology.

The relationship between FirePro UK and the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) dates back to 1998, while the latter’s history of providing independent third party certification for fire and security-focused products began over 100 years ago.

As a forward-thinking and customer-centric organisation, FirePro identified that achieving certification to the newly developed LPS 1656 was an opportunity to further demonstrate the quality of its products, as well as a requirement for expansion into new markets.

“LPCB certification is mandatory for gaining access to certain projects and accounts in the UK, ” explained Dr Gian Guido Gianfilippi de Parenti, executive director at FirePro.

LPS 1204 Issue 3.2

FirePro also welcomes the development of LPS 1204 Issue 3.2 that now includes certification requirements for those companies installing, commissioning and servicing condensed aerosol systems.

The company always strives to meet its promise of making the world safer by effecting advances in the fire suppression industry. On that basis, the company decided to have its products tested and certified by LPCB because of the depth of knowledge and expertise that each LPCB specialist possesses, and also the benefits to be derived from having the instantly recognised LPCB certification mark, which provides confidence to specifiers, insurers and end users alike.

This, along with LPCB’s reputation within the industry, has ensured that FirePro continues to work with the BRE for its requirements.

“The LPCB is an elite certification body with worldwide recognition,” affirmed Dr Gianfilippi. “LPCB certification gives our products and systems even more credibility in the global market.”

BRE fire team

The BRE’s fire team continues to be an integral part of the fire safety industry in the UK and internationally. The certification process itself consists of initial type testing and technical evaluation, ongoing product auditing and the regular surveillance of the manufacturer’s quality system and production procedures.

Following successful certification, all products, systems and services are listed in the Red Book, which itself is an essential reference work for specifiers, regulators, designers and end users of fire and security-related products and services.

Dr Gianfilippi believes that product listing in the Red Book is a benefit in its own right. “LPCB certification is mandatory for developing the UK market, which is of great strategic importance to us. A Red Book listing is imperative for certain specifiers, engineers, insurers, system integrators and end users.“

FirePro has experienced a number of tangible commercial benefits from successful testing and certification, including increased sales in new international markets and elevated customer confidence. As an organisation, FirePro has a number of R&D projects under consideration for certification to Loss Prevention Standards.

*Further information is available online at www.fireprouk.com