Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy and the points raised under the Dame Judith Hackitt review covering compliance and competence with independently tested products, the IFC scheme was developed with the Smoke Control Association (SCA).
Developed to raise the importance of smoke control and the use of the EN/BSI and ISO standards, utilizing SCA guides for fire safety in buildings alongside of sprinklers. The IFC SDI 19 scheme is the first smoke control scheme accredited to UKAS.
competence and compliance
The SCA is working hard to raise standards and improve levels of competency
The SCA took it upon itself to review its own association’s structure, to be proactive in identifying competence and compliance, and to develop a scheme that design and install members would follow.
Recognizing the industry’s shortfalls, the SCA is working hard to raise standards and improve levels of competency. The IFC together with the SCA came up with a scheme to raise the bar for its organization and members.
smoke control and clearance
Smoke control and clearance within a building is as important as dampening down a fire using sprinklers. It should be part of the lifesaving package of systems for residents and the fire service.
All SCA members understand and work to standards applicable to their areas of expertise. These areas cover system design, product manufacture, product testing, installation procedures, and system sign-off, with a Declaration of Performance (DoP) supported by all relevant certificates of conformance.
SCA fire-engineered system
Following the Dame Judith Hackitt report and recommendations, competence, and compliance are the bedrock of any SCA fire-engineered system and are the backbone of the IFC Scheme for SCA members involved in smoke control system installation.
There are 39 companies signed up for the scheme with more applying.
IFC SDI 19 certification scheme
The IFC SDI 19 certification scheme was developed with smoke control in mind and designers and installers, who are members of the SCA and install smoke control systems, are required to apply for and receive accreditation to the scheme as a condition of membership.
Failure to register means members will not be allowed to continue with their membership.
fire engineered strategy
The term installation within the SCA is deemed to include the fire-engineered strategy with system sign-off of the design
Companies choosing smoke control designers and installers should feel confident in these companies that are registered with a recognized competence and compliant scheme.
The term installation within the SCA is deemed to include the fire-engineered strategy with system sign-off of the design process, which is signed off as work proceeds.
smoke control system
A well-designed smoke control system can save lives, help protect property, and reduce insurance costs. With the COVID-19 pandemic that has created the building industry lockdown, it is more important than ever that there is not another “race to the bottom” on price, with non-compliant smoke control products being fitted by non-competent installers.
Too many times have seen the commercial needs of a business outweighing building safety.
free webinars
SCA membership gives confidence to building owners in the right design, with the right independently tested products, correctly installed and signed off in line with the IFC certification process.
The SCA is carrying out a series of free webinars for consultants, contractors, and installers on the IFC scheme. If anyone is interested in attending one of the events then please contact the SCA.
