The primary objective of this scheme is to increase the competence of service technicians working in the field, thus provide end users with an improved and safer service.
The scheme - which is based upon compliance with two BAFE standards SP 101 and ST 104 - uses ISO 17021 as its foundation and builds upon its specific scheme requirements, with respect to the operation and functioning of the organisation.
ST 104 places emphasis on the knowledge and competence of the individual technician, rather than the organisation. It is a pre-requisite that the technician requiring registration is employed by an organisation operating under a Quality Management Systems Certification.
The combined effect is to provide end users with confidence that the maintenance work they commission is undertaken in a competent and professional manner.
As detailed in:
BAFE SP 101, incorporating ST 104 (Issue 1 11/05): Part 1- Specification for the Application of the Standard for Contract Maintenance of Portable Fire Extinguishers; Part 2 – Incorporating Fire Extinguisher Service Technicians Scheme.
SSAIB certificate companies against the criteria laid down by BAFE (British Approval for Fire Equipment) in Part 1 of document ST 101 and Part 1 of document ST 104, which sets out the criteria for the certification of firms who are involved in the contract maintenance of portable fire extinguishers.
Organisations joining the scheme are provided with a Registered Technician Record that contains a guide to obtaining the BAFE-registered technician qualification, the evidence of assessment, the assessment process, planning and achievement and individual elements to be assessed. The essential areas of knowledge are:
- Theory of Fire
- Types of Fire Risk
- Maintenance Procedures
- Provision and Siting of Equipment
- Health and Safety
- Applicable British and International Standards
- Regulatory and Legislative Requirements
Assessment of this knowledge is field-based and undertaken by SSAIB’s experienced, qualified and independent assessors, who have management and commercial skills. Successful applicants are entered onto the register, awarded a BAFE Diploma and issued with an identification card which is valid for three years.
For further information click here to download an information pack.