Launched on 24 October 2022, a new consultation is seeking responses for a new suite of technical National Occupational Standards (NOS) for those working with fire and smoke control dampers.
Spearheaded by Building Services Engineering (BSE) Skills, in partnership with the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), the draft NOS documents are directed towards those individuals working with fire dampers and smoke control dampers across the UK.
Developing occupational standards
Described as an ‘urgent exercise’, the purpose of the NOS is ‘to develop occupational standards that will underpin the technical qualifications needed to increase the number of workers able to install, maintain, and repair fire dampers and smoke control dampers.’ Additionally, it highlights concerns over the shortage of skilled workers within the industry and the need to improve building safety overall.
The purpose of the NOS is ‘to develop occupational standards that will underpin the technical qualifications
NOS documents are a means of standardizing the knowledge, skills, and understanding an individual needs to be competent at a job, and this particular draft has been developed by a team of UK industry experts, including employers, trade associations, unions, and other key UK stakeholders.
Smoke control dampers
As fire dampers and smoke control dampers are both critical fire safety products, the draft seeks to capture the following competencies:
- Develop, test, and agree on building services and engineering project designs
- Install and test fire dampers and smoke control dampers
- Inspect and test fire dampers and smoke control dampers
- Commission fire dampers and smoke control dampers
- Identify and rectify faults in fire dampers and smoke control dampers
- Maintain fire dampers and smoke control dampers
Annual maintenance inspections
BESA has also been updating its industry guidance on the installation of fire and smoke dampers (DW145)
In the run-up to the new consultation, BESA has also been updating its industry guidance on the installation of fire and smoke dampers (DW145). This is after a significant number of incorrectly installed dampers, that did not comply with manufacturers’ instructions, were discovered during annual maintenance inspections.
Earlier in the year, BESA issued a critical warning that called for remedial action to be taken ‘without delay.’
Need for a suitably trained and qualified workforce
Technical Director of BESA, Graeme Fox, said: “This reinforces the need for a suitably trained and qualified workforce, which is why the work being carried out by BSE Skills to develop occupational standards is welcome and timely. I would urge anyone with an interest in this market to respond to the consultation so we can ensure the right technical competencies are in place to improve standards right across the industry.”
Anyone involved in this area of work has been asked to submit their feedback and return the completed consultation framework by Friday, 18 November.