Kitemark scheme - Fire alarm installation

Kitemark Scheme for Fire alarm Installations

The Chief Fire Officers Association now strongly recommends third party certification by a UKAS accredited organization, for companies who design, install, commission and maintain fire detection and alarm systems. This now applies to al fire detection systems, as of 1st September 2008.

Turn this to your advantage by gaining a Kitemark licence for Fire Alarm Systems. This gives you the recommended certification and the competitive advantage the distinguished Kitemark symbol brings.

The SP203 Kitemark Scheme, recognizes that many companies specialize in certain aspects of fire alarm services and this is reflected in the scheme. By using a flexible modular structure, SP203 will allow your company to gain Kitemark certification in all the scheme modules listed OR just those modules under which you are competent to work.

The four modules are:

1. System Design
2. Installation
3. Commissioning & handover
4. Maintenance

BS 5839-1:2002+A2:2008
Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings. Code of practice for system design, installation,commissioning and maintenance
BS 5839-6:2004
Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings. Code of practice for the design, installation and
maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in dwellings
BS 5839-8: 2008
Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings. Code of practice for the design, installation,commissioning and maintenance of voice alarm systems
BS 6266: 2002
Code of practice for fire protection for electronic equipment installations
BS 7273-1: 2006
Code of practice for the operation of fire protection measures. Electrical actuation of gaseous total flooding extinguishing systems
BS 7273-2: 1999
Code of practice for the operation of fire protection measures. Mechanical actuation of gaseous total flooding and local application extinguishing systems

Kitemark Scheme for Fire alarm Installations.  For further information contact a BSI advisor now.

Stages to achieve Kitemark for Third Party Accreditation to SP203:

1. Application
2. Assessment
3. Issuing of Kitemark Licence

Once you are fully familiar with the requirements needed to achieve SP203 and the related documents, you must complete a quotation request form (available on SP203 sales pack). Once completed, this can be faxed or posted to BSI.

Download SP203 Kitemark Sales Pack

Assessment

Once you have accepted our quotation, review it and send it back to us. The assessor in your area will contact you to arrange suitable dates for any pre-assessment and/or initial assessment to the scheme. They will also be able to answer any questions or technical queries you may have.

• Pre-Assessment Gap Analysis

If you have any concerns about your readiness for a full initial assessment you can apply to have a pre-assessment first. This will enable you to work with a BSI Inspector to see what you have in place and what you may need to do before your initial assessment. The pre-assessment will mimic the initial assessment, giving you an idea of what to expect. It also gives you the chance to talk through any queries you may have before the initial assessment takes place.

• Initial Assessment

This involves different things including two site visits to inspect recent installations. Further details of what is involved can be found in the application pack. In the event that any non-compliances  are identified during the assessment you will need to address these by implementing corrective actions. Only major non-compliances will require another visit, or delay the licence issue. Digital photographs, installation certificates and written submissions can all be taken into account when assessing the corrective action plan and clearing minor non-compliances.

Issuing of Kitemark Licence

Upon succcessful completion of the Kitemark Assessment process you will be awarded your Kitemark licence. You will also receive your BAFE Certificate  direct from BAFE. You can then begin to issue certificates via our online members' area. Once your assessment is complete and any non-compliances cleared, the Inspector's report is sent to the Scheme Manager for review and a licence decision is made. Your licence along with its security hologram is then sent to you with your licence pack which contains your licence, a presentation copy of your licence for display purposes and additional information about the scheme. A Kitemark Marketing Tool Kit will also be sent to you to help you make the most of your Kitemark advantage.

• Issuing Certificates

On completion of a job, a BAFE certificate relevant to the work carried out, along with any other appropriate certification should be presented to the customer. All BAFE Certificates are raised via the member's area of our website and as such a current email account and access to the internet is a pre-requisite of joining the scheme. Producing a certificate will also automatically log details of the work completed. Full details of how to access and print certificates will be contained in the licence pack.

BSI can assess against a wide range of standards of which a full list is given in Appendix 2.2 of SP203.

Kitemark Scheme for Fire alarm Installations.  For further information contact a BSI advisor now.

Guidance on requirements for applying Kitemark Licence SP203

It is essential that you are fully conversant with SP203, the related technical notes, and the relevant standards for the work category you will be applying for.

SP203 scheme document and technical notes can be downloaded from the
BAFE website.

1. Commissioning and Handover SP203 Section 8
2. Knowledge of Standards: System Installation SP203 Section 7
3. Management Systems SP203 Section 11
4. Verification SP203 Section 10
5. Maintenance of Installation SP203 Section 9

Commissioning and Handover SP203 Section 8

• Evidence of commissioning/handover to specification requirements.
• Comprehensive test, commissioning, and configuration records for each project.
• Evidence of completion of the commissioning/handover for modular project.
• Evidence that all required records of all phases of the project have been handed
  over to client with recommendation to hold these for the lifetime of the system.
• Correct certification for both BAFE and relevant BS standard requirements.
• Evidence that the designer has informed the client of necessity to have the system verified before a BAFE Certificate of Conformity can be issued.
• All points listed in the Guidance Notes in SP203 section 8.2

• Involved in the installation of each specific system (Including BS 7671)
• Installation complies with specification.
• Records of each project worked on.
• Evidence that the installation is completed where modular project.
• Correct certification for both BAFE and relevant BS standard requirements.
• All points listed in the Guidance Notes in SP203 section 7.2

Management Systems SP203 Section 11

• Relevant procedures for each module applied for.
• Evidence of register of sub-contractors and of their satisfactory performance.
• The Company must have public liability insurance for a minimum of £2 million; and other insurances applicable to the work modules applied for (e.g. suitable professional indemnity insurance when undertaking design)
• All points listed in Guidance Note 1 in SP203 section 11.4

Verification SP203 Section 10

• Results of verification documented and passed to client.
• Evidence of checks on interfaces between different modules.
• Variations to specification noted, discussed between relevant parties, and agreed.
• Must have been audited against standard to which the system has been designed, installed, and commissioned.
• Correct certification for both BAFE and relevant BS standard requirements.
• Results notified to client in writing.
• All other points required in SP203 section 10.
  

Maintenance of Installation SP203 Section 9

• Access to adequate spare parts.
• Maintenance carried out to agreed specification/contract.
• Records of all maintenance projects.
• Appropriate reports to clients, detailing work done and any changes to system.
• Correct certification for both BAFE and relevant BS standard requirements.
• All points listed in Guidance Notes in SP203 sections 9.2 and 9.3

Kitemark Scheme for Fire alarm Installations.  For further information contact a BSI advisor now.

Fire Safe Services Ltd of Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, achieved their Kitemark Fire Alarm Systems licence in May 2007.

Fire Safe Services Ltd began trading in January 2004 with the initial intention of building a small customer based to which the co-directors could dedicate their time and expertise in the field of fire alarm engineering. after 3 years trading there is now a team of 12 staff operating from offices in Bromsgrove managing the needs of a growing customer base that includes Royal Bank of Scotland/Natwest, Ford Motor Group, Worcestershire County Council, Selfrdiges, a range of shoping centres, facilities management companies and large office establishments.

During 2006-2007 it became clear that accreditation in the fire alarm industry would play a greater role as insurers, risk assessors, fire officers would be required to provide their customers with an accredited service. Having researched the options Fire Safe Services Ltd chose to work with BSI to gain accreditation to the Kitemark Fire Alarm Systems scheme based on BAFE SP203.

• Business simplicity: The assessment process required examination, improvement, management and maintenance of simple procedures providing the company with a level of consistency in its operations and customer satisfaction.
• Increased revenue from more and larger projects through demonstrating competency and expertise
• Reputation enhancement through displayig the Kitemark symbol demonstrating quality, integrity and expertise to work in line with the correct\and current regulations and standards.

• Professionalism assessment provided the company with clear and easy to understand advice.
• Partnership approach helps customers to achieve their potential
• Knowledge & independence offers the customer added integrity in a complex and
  competitive market.

“We believe that the benefits to us of having the Kitemark are an increased credibility within the industry. It will also reassure our current and prospective customers, allowing us to be considered for larger projects and so have the opportunity to increase turnover and profit. The Kitemark will clearly demonstrate that our company is recognised for its high values, good engineers and quality service – something that can only enhance our reputation. I would recommend the Kitemark to any company considering certification.”
Louise Dowell, Director, Fire Safe Services Ltd

“We are delighted that Fire Safe Services are so inspired by their achievement. Their ability to recognise the market trends and to take action now to achieve this quality certification will give them a serious competitive advantage.”
Elaine Durno, Senior Product Manager, Kitemark Services, BSI

Kitemark Scheme for Fire alarm Installations.  For further information contact a BSI advisor now.