3rd-Party Certification

The RSA fully supports independent 3rd-party Certification of Installers.

Currently there are 2 schemes for Residential Sprinkler installations available in the UK -

• The BRE Certification LPS1301 Scheme.

• The FIRAS Scheme.

The intention of both schemes is to provide independent assurance that a sprinkler system has been properly designed and installed in accordance with the relevant British Standard - currently for Domestic/Residential installations this is BS9251:2005 .

The RSA supports 3rd-party Certification but acknowledges that it may not always be appropriate, especially for smaller companies, where the cost may be prohibitive.

However we would always encourage property owners, AHJs (authorities having jurisdiction), specifiers, building control officers, fire officers, insurers and any others with an interest in ensuring that fire sprinkler systems are properly installed, to ask to see proof that an installer is properly trained and competent.

BRE LPS1301 Scheme

FIRAS Scheme

The Loss Prevention Certification Board operates their LPS1301 scheme through BRE Certification.

The Fire Sprinkler Association negotiated this scheme with Warrington Fire Research (now part of the Bodycote Group)

The Loss Prevention Certification Board came into being in the late 1980's following a reorganisation of the insurance trade bodies. The Fire Officers' Committee technical documents became Loss Prevention Council (LPC) rules and standards, and the approval schemes became Loss Prevention Standards (LPS).

The Loss Prevention Certification Board joined Building Research Establishment Certification on 31 March 2000. Further details are available from BRE Certification at -

BRE Certification Limited, Bucknalls Lane, Garston, Watford WD25 9XX Telephone: 01923 664100 Fax: 01923 664603  enquiries@brecertification.co.uk

Initially Installers had to successfully complete the FSA Training program to enter this scheme but today FIRAS will accept other programs.

Unlike LPCB FIRAS does not require ISO9000 but will evaluate a Company's qualifications and management systems in a similar manner.

You can download details of the FIRAS scheme by  clicking here or by writing to FIRAS at :-

Warrington Certification Ltd. Holmesfield Road, Warrington, CHESHIRE, WA1 2DS.

or visit their web site by clicking here