BAFE’s ‘Don’t Just Specify, Verify’ Campaign Supported By The Independent Fire Engineering & Distributors Association

Paul Wilkinson, the Chairman of Independent Fire Engineering & Distributors Association (IFEDA), has commented on behalf of the trade association, in support of the BAFE (British Approvals for Fire Equipment) campaign – ‘Don’t Just Specify, Verify’.

Paul Wilkinson stated, “IFEDA has witnessed that there are companies operating across the industry claiming to have, for example, fire alarm expertise with over 20 years of experience. When checked, however, you find that their staff has no fire alarm qualifications, no quality systems in their company and all they have is basic level ‘accreditation’ and they might be members of a trade association (but are not audited).”

Importance of third-party certification

IFEDA and I believe that this industry needs all companies to be third-party certificated"

Paul Wilkinson adds, “IFEDA and I believe that this industry needs all companies to be third-party certificated (by UKAS accredited Certification Bodies), because having third-party certification means that the companies and technicians are independently audited and assessed to an agreed industry benchmark, thus helping to raise quality standards and hence help protect the end user and ultimately, save lives.”

He continues, “At present, clients are putting in their tenders that you must be BAFE approved. I am aware of many situations, where the client does not verify the BAFE claims/certificates on submitted tenders. These clients should be checking this, to ensure they are using suitably certificated companies. Any campaign that raises the end-user’s awareness that a check is vital (a check that is welcomed by all bona fide BAFE approved companies) can only be a good thing for all.”

Policies to ensure UKAS accredited third-party certification

Paul Wilkinson further said, “The Government needs to act NOW, not in 5 years’ time, not by saying it would stifle competition, but to put in law that only UKAS accredited third-party approved certificated companies can install and maintain life safety systems and products. I feel, if the government does not act, then more lives will be lost unnecessarily due to impertinent actions.”

He adds, “It’s got nothing to do with competition or the size of the companies, as I myself, alongside my duties with IFEDA, run a very small family-run company (Fire & Safety Solutions Ltd), but that does not stop me from sending all my engineers on certified courses and getting my company third-party certificated by a UKAS Accredited Certification Body, ISO9001, as well as BAFE approved.”

Support for the BAFE campaign

At this time, British Approvals for Fire Equipment - BAFE would like to congratulate Paul Wilkinson on his appointment as the Chair of the Independent Fire Engineering & Distributors Association (IFEDA).

Justin Maltby-Smith, the newly appointed Managing Director of BAFE, said “It’s great to see Paul in the role of Chair for IFEDA. His passion for the fire safety sector and appropriate third-party certification is clearly demonstrated in his support of the BAFE campaign. We echo his comments, and the declarations of other respected trade associations, where action is required now for stronger mandatory requirements to evidence competency in the fire safety arena.”