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05-06-2008 - NICEIC urging use of approved contractors

The NICEIC (Electrical Governing body) is urging Fire Officers to use it's approved Contractors when installing fire alarm and detection systems.

The argument for specifying Approved Contractors is backed up by the intended policy launch on the reduction of false alarms and unwanted fire signals by The Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA).

The Association believes that the approach contained in the document is underpinned by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and will represent best practice and provide a framework for a partnership between the protected premises, the fire alarm service provider and the Fire and Rescue Service.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places a requirement on the “responsible person” to ensure that they appoint competent persons to assist in undertaking the preventative and protective measures.

“When a responsible person is looking for an independent third party certificated installer of fire alarm and detection systems they need look no further than Approved Contractors,” says Alan Wells, Head of Electrotechnical, NICEIC Group. “NICEIC are accredited to BSEN45011 by UKAS for electrical work within the scope of BS7671- requirements for electrical installations and those in potentially explosive atmospheres.”

BS7671 is intended to be applied to electrical installations generally and supplemented by recommendations of other British Standards. Compliance with BS7671 is likely to achieve compliance with the relevant aspects of the electricity at work regulations 1989, which apply to all electrical systems.

The Chief Fire Officers Association recognise and encourage third party certification for fire protection products and related services as an effective means of providing assurances on levels of quality, reliability and safety.

Article from NICEIC Group PLC

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