SE Controls has become the first company to be approved under the new SDI 19
certification scheme, which has been developed by the Smoke Control Association
(SCA) in partnership with IFC Certification and has been introduced to help
raise standards across the industry.
Developed
to ensure a suitable level of competency is maintained in all aspects of smoke control systems, the scheme also covers a contractor’s ability to provide
appropriate levels of service and maintenance following installation and
commissioning, in line with a building’s type, size and use.
Such
is the importance of the recently introduced initiative that it is now
mandatory for any SCA member involved in the installation of smoke control
systems to achieve the accreditation as a condition of membership.
To
become certified under the scheme, businesses must demonstrate their experience
in fire strategy verification together with the design, installation and
commissioning of smoke control systems in accordance with the relevant
standards and industry guidance documents, including Approved Document B and
BS7346 Parts 4, 5, 7 and 8. SE Controls is the first company to complete the
IFC SDI 19 certification process including detailed internal office and
external site audits.
SCA
Chairman, David Mowatt, explained: “The independent review of building
regulations and fire safety supports clear cultural changes in the procurement,
design, construction and maintenance of buildings and building systems in order
to deliver safer buildings. Contractors should be responsible for the systems
they install and end users should always look to use a capable, experienced
contractor.”
IFC
Director of Certification, Ian Woodhouse, said: “Since the launch of this
scheme in June of 2018 we have already received a number of applications and
companies are currently progressing through the certification process. This is
not only encouraging, but also underlines the importance that the industry
assigns to raising competency standards and improving the quality of companies
involved in installation activities. We’re proud to be a key part of this
initiative in partnership with the SCA.”
Will
Perkins, Group Managing Director of SE Controls, is delighted with the
company’s new status and commented: “As a long-standing member of the SCA, we
have always maintained high quality standards in all aspects of our business,
as well as supporting the SCA’s efforts to raise the standards across the
industry.
"This
new scheme raises the bar for the smoke control industry and ensures that
competence, credibility, quality and skill levels are not only improved, but
recognised through the auditing and certification process.
“For
over 35 years we have been at the forefront of our industry. Our expertise
combined with our range of ‘Tested Solutions’ enables us to provide compliant
products and solutions to the highest level, whilst also underlining our
commitment and responsibility for the reliability of our life safety systems.
"Helping
to improve industry standards has been a long-term commitment for us so it
seems fitting that SE Controls has become the first company to achieve IFC SDI
19 and we hope many more will follow.”
