SSAIB adds to certification regime with BAFE SP203-4 Emergency Lighting Systems Scheme

As the exhibition’s Official Installer Partner, the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) had initially planned to unveil this latest addition to its scope of certification at IFSEC/FIREX International back in June, having first been able to offer the scheme in May. However, this unveiling was then pushed back once the shows were rearranged due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the rearranged dates now having been pushed back until next year, the SSAIB has taken the decision to officially launch SP203-4 later on this month with an online presentation featuring Future Fire Systems Limited delivered via Microsoft Teams. The Essex-based company was the first to successfully navigate the application process for the SSAIB’s latest scheme.

Back in March, the SSAIB used technology to ensure that the certification needs of both existing and prospective firms could be met throughout deeply uncertain times. Online forum events for registered firms and auditors’ meetings have also been a huge success for the organization. That’s why the decision has been taken to use the Microsoft Teams platform to recognise the achievements of the first SSAIB-registered firm to achieve certification for BAFE SP203-4.

Future Fire Systems Limited is a new SSAIB-registered firm, having achieved maintenance-only certification for both SP203-1 and SP203-4 following its audit back in July. The SSAIB’s decision to carry on working throughout lockdown has allowed new companies to achieve certification during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Scope of assessment

SSAIB CEO Alex Carmichael commented: “It gives me great pleasure to say that the SSAIB is now officially able to certificate companies looking for the SP203-4 Emergency Lighting Systems Scheme. Much work went on behind the scenes to make sure this latest component of our fire certification schemes was up-and-running in May. We had looked forward to celebrating this properly at IFSEC and FIREX International.”

Carmichael continued: “With two failed attempts at being able to officially launch the scheme in this way due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we looked at how we could successfully incorporate technology once again. I would like to congratulate the team at Future Fire Systems Limited for achieving SP203-4 certification and I hope the business is the first of many SSAIB firms to successfully navigate themselves through this process.”

BAFE CEO Stephen Adams explained: “BAFE is delighted that the SSAIB has added the SP203-4 Emergency Lighting Systems Scheme to its scope of assessment. The SSAIB has seen considerable growth in the fire safety market and this addition will provide further access for the industry to become third party certificated to offer safe and competent work for emergency lighting systems.”

Adams also said: “It’s particularly crucial that these systems are not overlooked during this unprecedented time and that they’re maintained appropriately to keep people safe in the event of any emergency. Only by specifying third party-certificated providers can end users be sure of those providers’ evidential competency when it comes to delivering a compliant and well maintained system.”

*For more information on the BAFE SP203-4 Emergency Lighting Systems Scheme and how to apply for certification through the SSAIB visit www.ssaib.org