The nationwide demand for fire sprinkler system retrofits and new construction installation continues to grow. The law of supply and demand dictates that strong demand will result in an increase in supply, and that has certainly been the case with fire protection contractors and fitters.
Large national and regional firms have all grown, and deservedly so. Smaller businesses, with perhaps fewer than five employees, are also cropping up on tender lists more often these days.
The tendency for tower block owners, social landlords or commercial building owners may be to discount the smaller firm. That could be a mistake. Many owners of small firms are experienced tradespeople who have elected to strike out on their own, given the amount of business to currently be had. They may, in fact, be able to accommodate a project sooner than a larger firm that may be booked up several months in advance.
The key questions: Can you tell me about your experience? Are you certified? What can you tell me about your training?
Experience and Certification Are Musts
Certainly, a large firm can present its credentials. Even a smaller firm, however, should be able to discuss its past work – whether the owner was working independently or with a larger firm at the time. A good firm will be able to provide images of the projects on which they have worked.
Ask for references. Even a small firm should be able to have someone – a former employer or a project coordinator – speak on their behalf.
Certification proves a firm’s dedication to professionalism.
As the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association points out: “The sprinkler industry has an ageing workforce and this means people retiring from the sector, taking their skills, knowledge and vast experience with them.”
While this is the case in many trades these days, one cannot afford to take risks with a fire sprinkler system retrofit or new construction installation. That is why certification/accreditation is so important.
Third party certification is available from several associations, each of which offers its own scheme:
- FIRAS installer certification scheme from Warrington Fire offers certification for residential or industrial sprinkler systems, is among several other protection schemes (as listed by UKAS, United Kingdom Accreditation Services)
- IFC Certification Limited (as listed by UKAS)
- British Research Establishment (BRE Group) Loss Prevention Certification Board (LCPB) standards and certification (as listed by UKAS)
- Xact Fire Safety and Fire Engineering Sprinkler Courses
- British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association
One final suggestion, make certain that the certification is current and covers all employees who will be working on your project.
Training Beyond Certification
Beyond certification, training is a must.
BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems’ manufacturing partners – Tyco/Johnson Controls and Viking – offer their own training courses to contractors. To register for the courses, the installers must first be certified. This fail-safe system helps ensure the integrity not only of the fire protection systems but to the people who are performing the installation.
If you wish to learn more about how to select the right contractor for your project, we’re here to help. BlazeMaster CPVC is the most specified non-metallic fire sprinkler pipe and fitting material in the world. We can help you cut through the clutter to get your project on track with the right materials and the right contractor.
