The British
Woodworking Federation (BWF) has launched, in partnership with the NPTC Group
of Colleges, a new qualification specifically to target the installation of
fire doors in the UK.
The course is
designed to be a practical introduction to installing fire doors and will cover
a range of topics including: the fitting of fire doors, fire door frames and
linings; understanding and fitting of fire door ironmongery and seals; the
inclusion of apertures and associated fire regulations related to the fitting
of glass; and the effects of use on fire door performance.
The
qualification will be available as an optional unit for apprentices from the
NPTC Group of Colleges as well as a two to three-day course and assessment
option aimed at experienced tradespeople. It will enable individuals to work
towards and achieve unit 358 ‘Installing fire resisting timber door assemblies
and doorsets in the workplace’.
Once
achieved, the unit can be displayed on the reverse of the Construction Skills
Certification Scheme (CSCS) card, which is used to demonstrate that individuals
working on construction sites have the required training and qualifications for
the type of work they carry out.
The course has already been successfully piloted at NPTC Group of
Colleges in Wales. Iain McIlwee, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation
said: “There are many critical elements to get right in
the construction of fire doors, and a host of regulations governing their
manufacture, installation and maintenance. But a single mistake in
specification, installation or use can render a fire door ineffective.
“The
launch of the UK’s first fire door installation training course is the
culmination of a lot of hard work over the past two years by our members and
the NPTC Group of Colleges to strengthen the qualification and training system.
Together, we reviewed the current modules to enable the qualification to be
offered more broadly to those already qualified, such as site carpenters and
joiners, to refresh and update their knowledge and skills.”
Fire
doors are often the first line of defence for users of a building in the event
of a fire and yet they remain a significant area of neglect – with 90% of fire
doors reported as having issues within a sample of local authority and housing
association Fire Risk Assessments (FRA) examined by the BWF. Subsequently,
every year lives are lost or put at risk, and properties are unnecessarily
damaged, because fire doors have been wrongly specified, fitted or maintained.
Iain
added: “The key to correctly installed and maintained fire doors is to train
the trainer and ensure that both tutors and assessors have access to the best
training resources – the Fire Door Inspection Scheme Diploma is pivotal here
and has supported our work. We hope that our training qualification will
make a real difference and raise fire door installation standards across the
country.”
Suzannah
Nichol, Chief Executive of Build UK said: “The correct installation of a fire
door is essential for protecting lives, property and businesses. This new
qualification, developed and launched by the British Woodworking Federation and
NPTC Group of Colleges will support the industry and those setting out on their
career within construction to promote and ensure high standards of fire
safety. It is also a great example of how our industry and learning
institutions can work together more effectively to fix genuine market
concerns.”
John
Slaughter, Director of External Affairs at the Home Builders Federation (HBF)
said, “We at the HBF are delighted to be supporting the British Woodworking
Federation in developing this essential guidance. Working more
effectively with the supply chain is critical to improving productivity and
quality in the home building sector and this kind of collaboration between
manufacturers and our members is a great example of how this can be done
effectively. The BWF Stair Scheme and the quality information that is
output from this group is a very welcome support to our industry and members.”
The
course was formally launched at the Senedd by Deputy Presiding Office of the
National Assembly for Wales, Ann Jones and featured presentations from the BWF
and Mark Dacey, Principal and Chief Executive, NPTC Group.
