3rd-Party Certification
The FSA fully supports independent 3rd-party Certification of Installers.
Currently there are 2 schemes available in the UK -
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The BRE Certification LPS1048 Scheme covers Commercial and Industrial installations.
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The FIRAS Scheme covers Residential and Domestic sprinkler installations.
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 - either BS9251:2005 for Domestic/Residential installations or BS5306 ptII for Commercial/Industrial systems. BS5306ptII is currently in the process of being replaced by the new European Standard EN12845.
BRE LPS1048 Scheme
FIRAS Scheme
The LPCB operates their LPS1048 scheme through BRE Certification. Certification falls into a number of categories dependent on the type of work undertaken and qualifications of staff.
In association with Warrington Fire Research the Fire Sprinkler Association negotiated a 3rd-party Certification scheme for Installers of Residential Sprinkler systems.
The Loss Prevention Certification Board came into being in the late 1980's following a reorganisation of the insurance trade bodies. The FOC 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 BRE Certification on 31 March 2000.
The latest version of the LPS1048 scheme (revision 4) is currently replacing version 3 and details can be downloaded by clicking here.
Further details are available from BRE Certification at
BRE Certification Limited, Bucknalls Lane, Garston, Watford WD25 9XX Telephone: 01923 664100 Fax: 01923 664603
In order to be accepted into the scheme Installers must first successfully complete the FSA Training program (or satisfactory equivalent).
Upon application to FIRAS (see below) the Company's qualifications and management systems will be evaluated to ensure they meet minimum standards of business practice.
The FSA would therefore encourage property owners, 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 competent.
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