Practical installation training expanded at Promat to enhance competency

Customer services, marketing and R&D teams at Promat will now undertake practical training wherein they are tasked with measuring and cutting the most appropriate fire protection board before correctly installing it in different applications.

The aim of the training initiative is to heighten understanding of the company’s passive fire protection systems across the workforce in what are traditionally less customer-facing technical roles.

Promat’s specification, sales and technical teams are all already expected to hold – or otherwise be working towards – the Institution of Fire Engineers’ Level 3 qualification in Passive Fire Protection by undertaking Level 3 training in Passive Fire Protection from the Association of Specialist Fire Protection.

By introducing practical training (alongside further in-house training) for more members of staff, Promat aims to ensure a clear understanding of exactly how its products work and why accuracy is so important at all stages of the process, from manufacturing all the way through to supply and installation.

Open to customers

Run by Training Centre manager Simon Watkins and construction support manager Phil Chapman, the training days are also open to customers and encompass half a day of theory. At this point, the main properties of the passive fire protection boards are explained as well as the different levels of fire protection that can be achieved as well as the different applications in which Promat boards can be used and why correct installation is essential.

Participants are then set practical tasks to install passive fire protection systems, which can include boxing -in a steel column, protecting a structural beam, constructing a service enclosure or building a partition wall.

Participants are required to ensure that all measurements are accurate, that the board is cut and fixed correctly with no gaps and also that the entire construction is correctly installed.

Complete understanding

Promat’s marketing executive Jen Hyland explained: “Promat recognises that, even when a job within the company does not directly involve any technical level of support for clients, it’s important that we all have a full understanding so that any interactions we have are fully informed.”

Hyland continued: “As a company, we strive for Best Practice and a depth of knowledge of our passive fire protection systems supports that. Practical training is a really valuable way in which to gain an in-depth understanding of the process from top to bottom.”

Further, Hyland noted: “We have a purpose-built Training Centre at our site in Bristol that’s used to train customers in correct specification and the various applications of our passive fire protection systems.”

In conclusion, Hyland stated: “Having completed the training, I can vouch for that fact that it’s a great way in which to develop a hands-on understanding of the installation process. Promat is committed to demonstrating competency across the company. This is one of several in-house initiatives introduced to support that aim.”

*Learn more about Promat’s training provision online at www.promat.com