What is a FIRAS Certification?

FIRAS Certification represents a pinnacle of acknowledgment within the fire safety and construction industry, denoting a rigorous standard of installed fire protection systems. This third-party certification scheme is critical for ensuring the competency and reliability of contractors installing various fire safety measures. As safety regulations evolve and construction methodologies become more complex, FIRAS stands as a testament to quality assurance and technical proficiency significantly contributing to building safety and integrity.

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What is FIRAS Certification?

FIRAS Certification is a voluntary, third-party accreditation for companies involved in the installation of both passive and active fire protection systems. Established in 1994, it is a quality mark administered by Warringtonfire, an accredited body by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). Here’s a detailed look into the various aspects of FIRAS Certification:

1. Purpose

FIRAS Certification is specifically designed to assure that the work carried out regarding fire protection in buildings adheres to strict quality and safety standards. It is an assurance to clients and the construction industry that the work is done is competent and compliant.

2. Scope

3. Certification Process

To obtain FIRAS certification, contractors must undergo a rigorous three-stage assessment process:

Office Management Systems Assessment: This is to ensure that the contractor’s administrative and organisational processes are in place and effective.
Onsite Workmanship Assessment: For each trade discipline they apply for, contractors must demonstrate their ability to perform to the standards required.
Competence Assessment of Installation Employees: All installation and supervisory employees are assessed to ensure they have the necessary technical and practical skills.

4. Continuous Compliance

Certified companies are not just assessed once but 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.

5. The FIRAS Register

All certified companies are listed on the FIRAS Register, which is a comprehensive database that clients and the industry can refer to when seeking competent and certified contractors. The register includes details of what each company is certified to install, providing transparency and assurance of their capabilities.

6. Benefits

For Contractors: Gaining FIRAS Certification helps in demonstrating commitment to quality and safety, potentially leading to increased business opportunities.
For the Construction Industry and Clients: It brings a level of assurance that fire safety installations are conducted by competent personnel and according to the latest standards, thereby enhancing overall building safety.

FIRAS Explained

As part of the FIRAS programmes, certified companies are expected to employ, either permanently or on a contract basis, highly competent supervisors and technicians, also known as operators. FIRAS inspectors must then assess the practical and technical expertise of these operators in whichever discipline the certification is held.

A register of competent operators (we’ll cover this further later) is retained for certificated companies. This register is always under review to ensure that each company continues to maintain a competent workforce and their skills remain consistently aligned and relevant to 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 get FIRAS certification, you should contact Warringtonfire directly. They administer the FIRAS certification scheme. You can reach out to them through their official website, where you’ll find contact details and further instructions on how to apply for the certification.

After contacting Warringtonfire, you’ll go through an application process, assessment of your company’s competencies, on-site audits, and then, if successful, you’ll be awarded the FIRAS certification. This certification requires ongoing compliance with their standards, including periodic audits.

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. And 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.

As we’ve already touched upon, FIRAS certified contractors are subject to an annual office audit. Contractors should also expect random surveillance and site inspections, where the competence and workmanship of the installation team will be assessed.

In addition to this, any contractors certified under the residential and domestic sprinkler scheme for installers will also have their designs arbitrarily inspected in conjunction with the appropriate standards of that particular scheme.

All FIRAS certified contractors must log ‘contracts in hand’ on the FIRAS online database. From here, a ‘Certificate of Conformity (Compliance)’ for all completed works will then be issued from the database.

These certifications are not granted to the individual, but rather the contracting company. Should an individual wish to claim a certification, a separate application must be made.

What is the FIRAS Register?

The FIRAS Register comprises of the details of each certified company and each certified operator of fire protection systems in accordance with 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 is to reassure their clients that the fire protection installations are up to specification.

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 is a testament to a contractor’s competency and reliability. Established through a rigorous three-stage assessment and maintained via continuous compliance measures.

Key Points:

Voluntary and Comprehensive: FIRAS Certification is a voluntary scheme for companies installing passive and active fire protection systems, offering a comprehensive approach to ensuring quality and safety.
Rigorous Assessment: Contractors undergo a detailed three-stage process, including assessments of office management systems, onsite workmanship, and the competence of installation employees.
Continuous Compliance: Certification is not a one-time event; certified companies are subject to annual audits and random site inspections to ensure ongoing adherence to standards.
Public Register: The FIRAS Register provides transparency, listing certified companies and their specific competencies, reassuring clients and the industry of their qualifications.
Benefits for All: Contractors gain credibility and potentially more business, while the construction industry and clients enjoy the assurance of competent, compliant fire protection installations.

FAQ

Who operates FIRAS Certification?

FIRAS is operated by Warrington fire, an accredited body by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), ensuring the certification process maintains high standards of integrity and professionalism.

What types of fire protection systems does FIRAS cover?

FIRAS covers both passive and active fire protection systems, including fire doors, structural fire protection, penetration seals, cavity barriers, sprinkler systems, and fire detection and alarm systems.

How do I get a FIRAS Certificate?

To obtain FIRAS Certification, a company must undergo and successfully complete a rigorous three-stage assessment process, which includes an evaluation of office management systems, onsite workmanship for each trade discipline, and competence assessment of supervisory and installation employees.

Is FIRAS Certification mandatory?

FIRAS Certification is voluntary; however, it is widely recognized in the industry and often a prerequisite for contractors wishing to undertake substantial fire protection work.

How often are FIRAS certified companies audited?

Certified companies are subject to annual audits of their office management systems and random, ongoing surveillance site inspections to ensure continuous compliance with the scheme’s standards.

Can individual contractors be FIRAS certified?

FIRAS Certification is awarded to the company, not individuals. However, individual employees are assessed for their competence as part of the company’s certification process.

How long does FIRAS Certification last?

FIRAS Certification does not have a fixed term; it continues as long as the company remains compliant with the ongoing assessment and audit requirements.

What are the benefits of becoming FIRAS certified?

For contractors, FIRAS Certification enhances credibility and marketability. For the construction industry and clients, it assures that installations are carried out competently and in compliance with the latest standards, thereby increasing overall safety and quality.

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