Association for Specialist Fire Protection achieves globally recognised quality management certification

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has recently announced that it successfully obtained the ISO 9001 certification.

This achievement took place in June this year, following a two-stage assessment by the UKAS-accredited certification body LRQA.

ASFP’s journey towards ISO 9001 certification

The journey towards ISO 9001 certification for the ASFP began in late 2022 as a part of their continuous improvement initiative.

The Quality Assurance Manager at the ASFP, Tariq Malik, played a pivotal role in this process, developing a Quality Management System (QMS) and a Quality Manual which align with the ISO 9001 requirements.

The stage one assessment of the systems developed took place in February of the same year.

During this initial audit, the ASFP’s systems were thoroughly reviewed against the requirements of ISO 9001.

The process was not without its challenges; a few gaps were found, and the LRQA identified five findings for further attention and improvement.

Subsequent work led to the stage two assessment in May. The results were positive, and in June, the ASFP was officially issued their ISO 9001 certificate.

A testament to commitment and continuous improvement

ASFP’s Managing Director, Mike Ward, expressed his satisfaction over this achievement: “I am delighted we have achieved this certification,” he said.

His statement continues: “I would particularly like to thank Tariq for his hard work in developing our QMS system and for guiding the Association successfully through this process.”

Ward further explains the importance of this milestone: “By achieving ISO 9001 certification, we want to demonstrate our commitment to members and customers that our products and services will always meet regulatory requirements as well as our customers’ needs.

“We are always striving to improve and by becoming ISO 9001 certificated, we have gained another tool that will allow us to do so in a globally-recognised way.”

IFSJ Comment

This certification not only demonstrates the association’s commitment to maintaining high standards, but it also assures customers and members of their dedication to continuous improvement in a globally recognised manner.

It sets a positive example for other organisations in the field and is indeed a milestone worth celebrating.

About the ASFP

Formed in 1975, the ASFP was established to unify passive fire protection manufacturers, contractors, and testing/certification bodies. The aim was to develop, encourage and provide guidance on crucial standards in passive fire protection.

The ASFP seeks to represent the needs of its members and the broader industry, enhancing standards and competence through rigorous training, testing, certification and quality of installation and maintenance.