Why is FIRAS Certification Important?
As a sprinkler installation company, at RAD Fire Sprinklers, we understand the importance of FIRAS certification. This gives companies both accreditation and a solid reputation with its clients, both for residential uses and large commercial clients. So, it’s important that people are aware of what a FIRAS certification entails and its level of importance.
What is FIRAS?
The Fire Accreditation Scheme (or FIRAS) is a third-party certification for businesses that design and install both passive and active fire protection systems, such as sprinkler systems.
As part of FIRAS certification, registered businesses are expected to hire qualified supervisors and technicians on a permanent or contract basis. FIRAS inspectors evaluate these operators’ technical and practical proficiency in the trade disciplines for which they have certification. Each certified company has a registry of qualified employees. This has to be periodically evaluated to ensure the company and its staff are performing work with skills to the highest standard in the industry and are translating these into each installation.
The installation work of companies that have FIRAS certification is routinely submitted for random inspections. To continue with the scheme, fire protection companies and their office systems are also audited annually by inspectors to ensure their FIRAS certification is in compliance.
How to Make Sure Your Sprinkler Company is FIRAS Certified
It is important to note that it is the sprinkler company itself, and not the individual employees, that obtains FIRAS certification. However, the notion is that the scheme would represent all staff members. To be in compliance with this scheme sprinkler companies must undergo three parts of an assessment.
The first stage is an assessment of office management systems. This includes ensuring that everything is up to date and work is correctly priced and reported. Stage two includes on-site inspections of the fire sprinkler installation process. The workmanship, level of skills and overall performance is assessed against the individual trade disciplines that reflect FIRAS certification. Finally, stage three is a competency assessment, which assesses each employee to ensure that they are demonstrating the level of expertise required for the entire company to maintain FIRAS certification.
Once FIRAS certification has been obtained, the company will be added to the FIRAS Register. They are also sent documentation that states they are in compliance with the scheme. This assures clients and customers that the fire protection system, like sprinklers, that are installed by them. Also, it is correct to the highest standards and specifications.
Why FIRAS Certification is Importance
The first point of call is to ensure that the sprinkler company you are hiring are featured on the FIRAS register. Like RAD Fire Sprinklers, every business is featured on this list to ensure clients are getting competent and skilled installers. Companies must maintain a list of qualified employees, who are regularly assessed and has their knowledge of the industry checked.
Having FIRAS certification is vital as it entitles installer businesses to routine random inspections of their installation work. In order to ensure compliance, FIRAS inspectors must audit our office systems on a yearly basis.
Customers are further assured of the quality of the work they will receive thanks to this. At RAD, we must enter all contracts into the FIRAS database as FIRAS-certified contractors. In order for our clients to get a certificate of conformity (compliance) for the finished works.
However, the real benefit is that utilising a FIRAS-certified company is that customers are assured that the work has been carried out to the proper standard. It gives their clients peace of mind that the work commissioned will be carried out effectively and efficiently.
RAD Fire Sprinklers
At RAD, we are proud to have been registered with FIRAS certification scheme and are members of other safety organisations, such as the Residential Fire Sprinkler Association (RSA).
For more information, fill in our online form here. Or, give us a call on 01892 680090 to speak to one of our specialists today.
