BS 9997 webinar FAQs

BS 9997:2019 Fire risk management systems certification will play a key role in the future. Andy Green, BM TRADA's Business Development Director, accompanied by Warringtonfire's Dr. Jim Marsden, hosted a recent webinar.

The webinar had a question and answer session and these are a snapshot of some of the questions: 

Question:

For new build schemes with D & B contractors and the Client end user needs unsure for assisted living - what recommendations are effective to focus the designers on BS 9997 responsibilities prior to the Fire risk assessment being exercised in occupational use?

Answer:

We recommend engaging with a fire engineering consultancy to look at designing in a robust fire strategy.  This bring numerous benefits and we have a very experienced team who can discuss how this operates.  We would further suggest consideration to looking at the D&B process as an opportunity to introduce a collaborative working arrangement, with all parties, including the client involved to make smart and informed decisions early and not have to try to reengineer later.

Question:    

Is the FRACS comparable with the BAFE SP205 Scheme?

Answer:

FRACS and BAFE have a company registration scheme, addition the FRACS Scheme also maintains an individual register. Entry onto either FRACS scheme is by means of a technical assessment plus an audit of the company, all assessors employed on the company scheme must undergo a technical assessment. Further details about the FRACS Scheme can be found at www.warringtonfire.com/certification-services/fire-certification/fracs  

Question:

FRACS - the two year and four-year revisits is this for individuals or companies as a company is only as good as its assessors?

Answer:

Both individual and company schemes are subject to audit every two years and recertification every four years. Fire risk assessors on the FRACS company and individual schemes must be registered with FRACS. Under the company scheme it is not permissible to utilise risk assessors who are not registered as FRACS company assessors. Further details can be found in the FRACS rules and regulations www.warringtonfire.com/certification-services/fire-certification/fracs

Question:

When assessing contractors for third party accreditation, as there are numerous organizations to choose where can we find equivalent standards to assess them?

Answer:

FRACS company and individual schemes are third party accredited by UKAS and full details are available at www.warringtonfire.com/certification-services/fire-certification/fracs

Further guides and information are also available from the FPA, BAFE, Institution of Fire Engineers and the National Fire Chiefs Council.

Please see BM TRADA's events section of the website to keep a look out for future webinars.