The fire sector registration body BAFE has released the documentation for the revision of their fire extinguisher maintenance and service scheme (SP101). This is now available via the BAFE website (visit www.bafe.org.uk/sp101-2017). This revision will come into effect from October 1, 2017.
In April 2016, after a lengthy consultation period, BAFE launched the review of their fire extinguisher maintenance (SP101/ST104) scheme with the creation of a scheme revision group (SRG), chaired by Dave Russell. Over the last year, including a public consultation, changes have been made to update the scheme, the body says.
The revised SP101 continues to provide assurances to industry and customers of what defines a quality provider of fire extinguisher services; and updates the role of the fire extinguisher technician. BAFE says that its registered fire extinguisher technician has always been the defining way of acknowledging that a competent person is working on premises. This now includes extra technical competence to the revised sections of BS 5306 (Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises) plus requirements for having training in asbestos awareness and health and safety procedures. The technician competency portfolio used by the BAFE Assessors has also been reviewed. Passing the BS 5306 exam, is only the first step in demonstrating understanding of the relevant standards to work competently in the field, the body says.
The scheme now also offers a dual route option. When the revised scheme goes live om October 1, organisations can gain third party certification via an ISO9001 or a Management System route. Both routes use the same audit criteria for fire extinguisher competencies.
