COVID-19 Update - BAFE SP101 Registered Companies

At the start of April this year, BAFE published information for SP101 Registered Companies regarding coronavirus and the multiple factors related to fire extinguisher technician requirements. 

BAFE earlier this month resumed technician assessments and BS 5306 Exam invigilation (where safe to do so).

SP101 Scheme

Now that COVID-19 restrictions are beginning to ease, BAFE would like to announce that refresher, asbestos awareness, and health and safety training will now resume under normal conditions as required under the SP101 Scheme.

BAFE continues to monitor the situation and is prepared to review any mitigating factors

BAFE however continues to monitor the situation and is prepared to review any mitigating factors why these requirements are unable to be met at this time.

If have any reasons why a technician may not be able to complete certain requirements with relevant information (including evidence of any training booked in the near future for example) this will be reviewed by BAFE.

BAFE Scheme assessments

Chris Auger, Head of Schemes, commented: “All Certification Bodies continue to perform BAFE Scheme assessments and this month BAFE has also resumed their normal fire extinguisher technician assessment procedures. BAFE must maintain SP101 requirements return to normal conditions to ensure knowledgeable fire extinguisher technicians continue to work in this field."

He adds, "We understand there may still be extenuating circumstances with some of our SP101 Registered Companies and I will be prepared to review these on a case-by-case basis. We do not wish to make circumstances difficult for anybody at this time, but quality in fire safety must continue.”