Fire And Smoke Solutions (FASS) prove their credentials as leaders in their sector demonstrating their expertise built on 30 years of experience working with market-leading companies and as experts in the design, installation, commissioning, testing and maintenance of all types of smoke ventilation systems.

Ian Doncaster, Technical Director of Fire And Smoke Solutions said: “As long-term and active members of the Smoke Control Association, FASS contribute to the development of industry guidance and are pleased to be awarded the IFC SDI 19 certification.

He added “It’s great to see the independent review by the IFC of those who provide services related to our industry. Our particular assessment was the first, in one of the most specialist construction environments, which demonstrates that the accreditation can cover all sectors of to our industry.”
He continued “Other companies now have the opportunity to prove they take their role and related responsibility seriously, and we look forward to seeing more companies raising their standards to meet the best practice expected for life safety solutions as an accredited provider.”

As stated on the FETA website in the specialist SCA section - The term “installation” is deemed to include the fire strategy verification, system design, installation and commissioning of smoke control systems. The scheme document also covers the Contractor’s ability to offer and provide an appropriate level of service and maintenance after installation and commissioning, commensurate with the type, size and use of the building. For details https://bit.ly/2DTsuYN
As Technical Director of FASS, Ian Doncaster was asked to represent the (SCA) Smoke Control Association at the recent CIBSE Round Table, titled, “Smoke control: are the current regulations fit for purpose?” a forum of industry experts brought together to discuss key issues coming out of the enquiry into Grenfell tower chaired by Dame Judith Hackett.

He is also the IMechE representative on the BSI FSH25 fire standards committee, working on British Standards and represent BSI on the CEN standards committee for EN12101 parts 6 and 13.
Ian agrees that the simplest designs are often best, but added that “complex buildings sometimes need complex systems. With these, we have to take on board the additional responsibilities to make them safe and maintainable,” he said. The golden thread of this strategy must be preserved throughout concept, design, commissioning, maintenance and testing, and overseen by a competent engineer, with input from the fire specialist.

You can find out more here https://bit.ly/2OREMCx

David Mowatt, SCA Chairman, commented that: “Contractors should be responsible for the systems they install and end users should always look to use a capable, experienced contractor. Certified contractors will have demonstrated that their trained staff consistently adhere to industry best practice and fully appreciate the importance of correct installation, inspection and maintenance.”
“this scheme underlines the importance that the industry assigns to raising competency standards and improving the quality of companies involved in installation activities,” said IFC Director of Certification, Ian Woodhouse.

FASS – SCA IFC SDI 19

As technical Director of Fire and Smoke Solutions (FASS) I was asked to represent the Smoke Control Association at the recent CIBSE Round Table, flagged by Dame Judith Hackitt to discuss key issues around smoke control regulation after Grenfell “Smoke control: are the current regulations fit for purpose?” held at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in September.

An in depth debate and sharing of views experience by delegates attending was had on the key issues surrounding smoke control that are currently dominating our industry. The biggest message arising was the need to preserve “The golden thread” that must run through all building projects to ensure the original fire and smoke-control strategy is preserved throughout the life of the building. The importance of using qualified and competent engineers to design in appropriate solutions at the start, and then to ensure that they are correctly installed and commissioned before being correctly maintained over the life of the building was universally agreed.

In response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s review, the Smoke Control Association has launched a certification scheme for contractors. The IFC-run scheme was developed to deliver competency in fire strategy verification, system design and the installation of smoke-control systems, as well as service and maintenance work

For a full account link to the CIBSE Journal . https://bit.ly/2OREMCx

Other members included Conor Logan, technical director, Colt; Nick Troth, chartered fire engineer and associate director, Arup; Chris Hallam, technical director of fire engineering, Hoare Lea; David Quinn, group director, fire engineering, BuroHappold Engineering; George Adams, engineering director, Spie UK; Dr Ahmed Allam, director, Cundall Fire Engineering; Hywel Davies, technical director at CIBSE; Dr Roger Harrison, technical director of fire safety, BRE Global; Alex Smith, chair and editor, CIBSE Journal.