Who is this for ?
The training course would be of interest to anyone involved in the construction industry and of particular use to those involved in the specification and installation, maintenance and inspection of Passive fire protection systems, including but not limited to: Risk Assessors, Fire Officers, Architects, Designers, Building Control, Contractors, Site Managers/Supervisors and specialist Installers.
Previous requirements ?
None. You do not require any previous qualifications or experience relating to passive fire protection systems in order to take this course. Delegates of all ages and academic background can enrol on this course.
Course summary
Module 1: The IFC Core Module (Passive Fire Protection)
The morning’s ‘discussion led’ Core Module is divided into three parts:
a: Introduction
Beginning with an introduction and overview to the International Fire Consultants Group, the module examines the question of ‘Why are you here?’ and the reasons why the installation of fire systems should be undertaken correctly. We examine the consequences of when installation is not carried out competently and correctly; supplemented with real world examples of actual fires.
b: Regulation
We then review and discuss a range of relevant documentation that is available i.e the regulation guidance in the UK and the associated Approved Documents to the Building Regulations. This will cover the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRO) and the Risk Assessment process.
After looking at and considering the importance of third party certification for products and installers and CE marking, we introduce delegates to the premise of passive and active fire protection providing brief details about active fire protection and smoke control.
c: Fire & Fire Testing
The third session of the morning starts with asking ‘What is Fire?’ and explains some of the more important terminology and key causes of building fires. Fire tests are also examined with respect to large scale ‘Fire Resistance’ tests and ‘Reaction-to-Fire’ testing, ending with a final look at the European guidance and the European fire testing.
Module 2: The IFC Penetration Sealing Systems Module
This comprehensive and practical module (delivered in the afternoon) provides the reasoning, knowledge and critical understanding of the important issues that must be addressed when conducting installation, maintenance and inspections of penetration sealing systems.
a: Introduction
The module begins with a comprehensive introduction to the sealing of openings in fire separating elements and looks to inform attendees about relevant regulations, (specifically the Building Regulations and Approved Document B, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order picking up on the specific items relating to fire stopping). We then examine in the detail how the penetration sealing systems are fire tested both in terms of the non-existent British Standard and the European Standard.
b: Main Session
The primary element of the course concentrates on the key aspects of the installation of many of the different products and systems available, understanding the preparation requirements, how to select the most appropriate systems for the right situation, the various benefits of the most widely used systems and what considerations should be taken with these. The session is supported by several real life/on-site photographic examples.
The course moves on to look at ducts and dampers as variations of service penetrations and what is required to maintain the fire separation between compartments. We will review the installation of some of the different products and systems used for linear gap sealing, including the commonly used intumescent fire sealant, as well as the maintenance of penetration sealing systems, labelling and keeping appropriate records. The day is completed with a brief reference to additional and useful sources of information.
What will you take away ?
✓ A thorough understanding of the regulations and standards applying to fire stopping
✓ Knowledge of the different types of fire penetration sealing systems and how best to install & maintain
✓ An appreciation of the importance of critical components such as intumescent sealant and labelling
✓ A clear understanding of the inspection procedure and pass/fail criteria
Supplementary information
Assessment
There will be a short assessment to complete at the end of the course. This will be solely based upon the content delivered through-out the day.
Course Materials
You will not be expected to bring any tools, or written material to the training venue. All stationery and course material will be provided by your tutor.
Tutor Support
Help and support from your tutor will be available throughout the day to answer questions on the course subject, along with any follow-up questions.
Food & Refreshments
Hot beverages (coffee and tea) and snacks will be available during the day and a light lunch will also be provided for all course delegates.
Tutor Profile
Colin Keeley, BSc (Hons), CIEH
Colin is a Senior Fire Engineer and Training Manager at IFC, heading teams of site inspectors in site investigation projects and also providing passive fire protection training for companies and individuals involved in such work.
Colin joined the company in 2014, following nearly 20 years at Exova Warrington Fire, as well as a further four years prior to that in a fire testing laboratory and 6 years in the plasterboard industry.
Suitability to the Role
Colin has for many years undertaken inspection and investigation with respect to new and existing passive fire protection installations such as compartmentation, fire doors, penetration seals, structural steel protection, glazed screens, etc.
As part of a typical inspection contract, Colin understands construction drawings; has an awareness of health & safety in buildings and on construction sites; is able to organize and manage time during the inspection and is capable of the preparation of detailed reports – some of which have been prepared as expert witness reports for court cases.
Relevance of Experience
Colin started in the fire industry undertaking laboratory testing in 1987. Soon after, Colin was the Fire Test Manager at the R & D laboratory of Lafarge Plasterboard Ltd for 6 years, which also included site investigation work. Much laboratory knowledge, report and assessment writing was gained under Warrington Fire. A shift to the Certification division initially involved product and installer certification, leading to site inspection and training.
Colin has been involved with the inspection of many different types of buildings, as well as presenting the passive fire training to many different people and companies. Inspection work has been undertaken for major clients such as DCLG, BAA, Dubai Civil Defence, BNFL, NHS, Sainsbury’s, Canary Wharf and many others.
