UKAS - Experts & Thought Leaders

As the nation moves towards stronger responsibility and accountability for fire safety measures, the BAFE Fire Safety Register reiterate their message on the significance of UKAS accredited third-party certification. BAFE’s ‘Don’t just Specify, Verify’ campaign launched in March 2020 identifies the important second, and sometimes overlooked, verification stage when premises management source competent third-party certificated organizations to help comply with their fire safety obligations. Sourcing quality contractors Since then, the campaign has generated substantial industry support from significant organizations including UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service), Fire Sector Federation (FSF), Construction Industry Council (CIC), with the addition of multiple Certification Bodies, Trade Associations and Professional Bodies. This unified support is testament to the quality message the campaign represents. Lewis Ramsay, Caretaker Manager and Board Member for BAFE, points out, "With most buildings now returning to near pre-covid operation, it is imperative this message is repeated in the interest of life safety. Over the last decade, BAFE have witnessed third-party certification becoming a clear stipulation for fire safety work, but it would be far more reassuring to determine if premises management are also verifying this prior to awarding any contract and letting work commence on-site." He adds, "This verification process should be recorded to demonstrate full due diligence. This is a very straightforward and quick exercise which can be extremely beneficial to evidencing your own quality procedures in sourcing quality contractors to fulfil specific works." Fire safety guidance Third-party certification is a method of determining if an organization has quality evidence Discussed in multiple Government and Fire and Rescue guidance documents, third-party certification is a method of determining if an organization has quality evidence of their competency to fulfil specific work.  Government fire safety guidance documents note, "Third-party quality assurance can offer comfort both as a means of satisfying you that goods and services you have purchased are fit for purpose, and as a means of demonstrating that you have complied with the law."  Importantly, this also notes the use of sub-contractors, stating to check if they "are subject to the same level of checks of quality and competence as the company you are employing." There is a huge amount of responsibility on the shoulders of premises management (and their designated Responsible Persons/Duty Holders) which needs to be thoroughly executed. Safety related works The BAFE Fire Safety Register believe the verification of fire safety organizations is of vital importance in today’s landscape regarding specific competency within the life safety arena. Graham Watts OBE, Chief Executive of the Construction Industry Council (CIC), commented, "(We) support BAFE’s Don’t Just Specify, Verify campaign because when it comes to the built environment, competency matters." He adds, "UKAS Accredited Third Party Certification is an important factor when evaluating a contractor’s competency. Moving forward there is a strong requirement for consistent competence in delivering safety related works." Third-party certification While BAFE schemes are available for third-party certification of contractors operating in the fire safety sector, it is important to stress this message applies to all appropriate UKAS accredited third-party certification schemes that are available to the fire safety industry. Premises management should always be looking for appropriate third-party certification and in the instance that they require specific services that BAFE schemes do not cover, it is still strongly advised to check if the chosen provider is suitably third-party certificated via another organisation.

UKAS welcomes the government’s announcement of the creation of a new Construction Products Regulator, which will be housed within the Office of Products Safety & Standards (OPSS) within the Business Department (BEIS). The new Regulator’s role will be to ensure that products used throughout the construction sector are safe.  This move is intended to address the shortcomings and issues exposed by the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017. overarching framework for safety Matt Gantley, UKAS CEO, said: “UKAS very much welcomes this important development. The construction sector is not only complex and fragmented, but also spans multiple government departments. This move will help to provide an overarching framework for safety and in many ways replicates the wide span of UKAS’ involvement across construction and related sectors."  "Accreditation already plays a very central role with regard to testing and certification but there are areas where the system could be strengthened, which UKAS is keen to progress. We look forward to working closely with our colleagues in BEIS – our sponsoring department – to support the work of this important body.”

Amthal has appointed Deane Sales to the position of Group Sales Director, following the company’s strategic shift to its senior management team and approach to fire safety and security. As one of the nation’s trusted commercial fire protection and security partners, Amthal welcomes Deane to lead the Group in its new direction, introducing his extensive insight into compliance to forge key partnerships and identify opportunities for business development. life safety solutions Deane’s appointment follows his significant experience in fire safety and security, including pioneering director and consultant roles with specialist system providers to deliver all-encompassing life safety solutions for commercial sectors. Deane’s work follows his significant experience in fire safety and security, including director Jamie Allam, Amthal Group CEO, said: “This is an exciting time for Amthal, as we embark on a new strategic direction, with the rebrand only being the tip of the iceberg for the positive changes our customers can expect. We are thrilled to bring new personnel to the team bringing fresh perspectives and expertise to drive our commitment to fire safety and security excellence." New fire safety legislation Jamie Allam added: “In appointing Deane, we were instantly impressed with his knowledge and commitment to compliance. There has been an influx of new fire safety legislation and we have a responsibility to proactively embrace the changes and ensure observance is incorporated in our offerings. His leadership and strategic vision will play a pivotal role in driving the company's growth and expansion in this dynamic market.” Deane’s appointment follows the introduction of Reece Paprotny to Commercial Director in a further sign of Amthal’s new direction and influence from the senior management team. Life safety and total protection Deane Sales, Amthal Group Sales Director, said: “It’s an absolute privilege to be joining Amthal at such an important time, not just for the company but also for fire safety and security in general. We are at the cusp of enormous changes where guaranteed compliance will be critical to success. All of which Amthal understands and is taking decisive action, being open to innovation, training and smart technology." We are at the cusp of enormous changes where guaranteed compliance will be critical to success" Deane Sales continues, “As this is being filtered through the whole company, you can already see the customer response in trust, safe in the knowledge that Amthal can deliver. We have the essential accreditation and open communications to implement specific requirements, bespoke to each sector. And not being afraid of new opportunities that can only work to enhance our capability to make a difference in life safety and deliver total protection.” Fire protection and security compliance Independently owned, Amthal Group is accredited by SSAIB, UKAS, and BAFE, providing expert fire protection and security compliance, with over 20 years of experience. Amthal presents a complete service, offering design, installation, service, and remote monitoring of advanced electronic fire & security solutions, including intruder, Fire, Access, and CCTV systems.