FIRAS Certification is a leading standard for installed passive fire protection systems for the fire safety and construction industry. This third-party certification scheme is critical for signalling a contractor’s expertise and reliability in installing fire safety measures. As safety regulations evolve and construction methodologies become more complex, FIRAS stands as a testament to a provider’s rigorous standards and technical proficiency.
What is FIRAS Certification?
FIRAS Certification is a voluntary, third-party accreditation for companies that install both passive and active fire protection systems. Established in 1994, the quality mark is administered by Warringtonfire, an accredited body by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).
The benefits of FIRAS Certification:
FIRAS Certification ensures that fire protection work in buildings meets strict quality and safety standards.
- For Contractors: Gaining FIRAS Certification helps demonstrate a commitment to quality and safety, building trust with potential clients.
- For the Construction Industry and Clients: FIRAS Certification ensures fire safety installations meet required standards, improving overall building safety and providing peace of mind.
The FIRAS Certification Process:
To obtain FIRAS certification, contractors undergo a rigorous three-stage assessment process:
- Office Management Systems Assessment: This ensures the contractor’s administrative and organisational processes are embedded and effective.
- Onsite Workmanship Assessment: For each trade discipline they apply for, contractors must demonstrate they can perform to the required standards.
- Competence Assessment of Installation Employees: All installation and supervisory employees are assessed to ensure they have the necessary technical and practical skills.
Certified companies are not assessed only once; they are subject to continuous assessment and surveillance. This includes annual audits of their office management systems and random inspections of installation works to ensure ongoing compliance and quality of workmanship.
FIRAS Explained
As part of the FIRAS programmes, certified companies are expected to employ highly competent supervisors and technicians, known as operators, either permanently or on contract. FIRAS inspectors then assess these operators’ practical and technical expertise in the discipline for which they hold certification.
This register is always under review to ensure each company maintains a competent workforce and that their skills remain consistently aligned with what their employer provides.
FIRAS Certified companies are also subject to an annual audit of their office systems by a FIRAS inspector to ensure their operation remains compliant with the scheme throughout.
Where to Get FIRAS Certification?
To apply for FIRAS certification, contact Warringtonfire directly. Warringtonfire’s official website provides contact details and instructions for applying.
How are FIRAS Installation Contracting Companies Certified?
In order to gain a FIRAS Certification, contractors must undertake a three-stage assessment, and only once the applicant has successfully satisfied these criteria is the certification granted:
- Stage One: Assessment of office management systems.
- Stage Two: Assessment of onsite workmanship for each trade discipline in which certification is sought.
- Stage Three: Competence assessment of all installation and supervisory employees.
Each FIRAS site inspector will have extensive experience in the technical and practical aspects of fire protection.
All certification requirements have been developed in conjunction with a number of UK trade associations to ensure accuracy and safety, including:
- Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) – Passive fire protection of building structural steel frame, penetration seals (fire stopping) and cavity barriers.
- British Woodworking Federation (BWF) – Timber fire doors.
- Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) – Fire-rated glazed screens.
- Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) – Steel fire doors and hardware.
- British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA) – Residential, domestic, commercial and industrial sprinkler systems.
- XACT – Residential, domestic sprinkler design and installation training.
FIRAS-certified contractors are also subject to regular check-ups, including an annual office audit and random site inspections, where the installation team’s competence and workmanship will be assessed.
In addition, contractors certified under the residential and domestic sprinkler scheme for installers will also have their designs randomly inspected to ensure they meet the appropriate standards for that scheme.
All FIRAS certified contractors must log ‘contracts in hand’ on the FIRAS online database. From there, the database will issue a ‘Certificate of Conformity (Compliance)’ for all completed works.
These certifications are granted to the contracting company, not the individual. If an individual wishes to claim a certification, they must submit a separate application.
What is the FIRAS Register?
The FIRAS Register includes details of each certified company and each certified operator of fire protection systems under the FIRAS Schemes.
Each FIRAS-certified company must continue to demonstrate compliance with typical industry standards and material/product manufacturer installation instructions at all times. This reassures clients that fire protection installations meet specifications.
Conclusion
FIRAS Certification is a comprehensive, voluntary accreditation that represents a commitment to excellence in fire safety installations. It encompasses a wide range of fire protection systems, ensuring that contractors adhere to the highest standards of quality and safety. The certification demonstrates a contractor’s competency and reliability. Established through a rigorous three-stage assessment and maintained via continuous compliance measures.
