Etex staff increase IFE qualifications in passive fire protection
Iain Hoey
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Staff qualification numbers rise in the UK
Etex Building Performance has reported that the number of its employees holding the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) Level 3 qualification in Passive Fire Protection has increased by one third.
According to Etex Building Performance, eight additional staff members passed the most recent exam, bringing the total to 37 across its brands Siniat and Promat.
The company explained that the IFE Level 3 is regarded as the highest industry-recognised certification for passive fire specialists.
It said the qualification demonstrates advanced knowledge of how passive systems are designed to prevent the spread of fire within buildings.
The business confirmed that its current training initiative reflects wider efforts to enhance workforce competency in line with new building safety regulations in the United Kingdom.
Staff groups working towards qualifications
Etex Building Performance stated that 15 more staff are currently studying for the IFE Level 3 qualification.
It reported that candidates include marketing personnel as well as technical staff.
The group noted that this approach aims to improve accuracy in external communications about specialist passive fire protection systems.
It added that the strategy is intended to provide consistent understanding across all staff involved in specifying, supporting, or promoting products.
According to the company, technical and specification employees at Siniat and Promat either already hold the qualification or are working towards it.
Link to the Building Safety Act
Etex Building Performance explained that the expansion of qualifications aligns with requirements under the Building Safety Act.
It stated that the Act places emphasis on demonstrating competency across organisations involved in building design and safety.
The company said its approach combines formal certification with internal training.
It added that its aim is to maintain compliance and improve staff confidence in product application.
The organisation confirmed that this mix of qualifications and in-house learning is being embedded across multiple levels of the business.
Statement from technical director
Nigel Morrey, Technical Director at Etex Building Performance, said: “Knowledge is central to understanding the complexities of passive fire protection – and how to support customers in correctly specifying and installing these life critical systems.
“The IFE level 3 in Passive Fire Protection is an internationally recognised qualification that gives customers the reassurance that they are getting the correct advice when specifying passive fire protection systems.
“There is no scope for error when designing fire safety systems and competency is vital to getting this right first time.
“Across both Promat and Siniat we are invested in ensuring that all our staff fully understand our products and their real-world application, and we continue to introduce training resources to support that across all levels of the company.
“It is rewarding to see the increased focus on competency across the industry, as well as at Siniat and Promat. It is through knowledge and expertise at all levels that we will see a commitment to technical standards become ingrained in the industry to support a better understanding of building safety. Congratulations to all this year’s successful candidates.”
Ongoing training resources
Etex Building Performance reported that it has introduced training initiatives to strengthen awareness of passive fire protection among its wider workforce.
It said these resources are being developed alongside formal IFE qualifications.
The company explained that the dual approach seeks to integrate practical training with academic certification.
It added that the outcome is intended to provide a broader knowledge base across both technical and non-technical roles.
According to the organisation, this will help to standardise competency across the group.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The reported increase in IFE Level 3 qualifications in Passive Fire Protection shows a focused response to regulatory expectations under the Building Safety Act in the UK.
For fire and safety professionals, the information highlights how companies are extending certification beyond technical roles to include communication and marketing staff.
This approach reflects a broader industry movement to embed competency across all staff levels.
The news also illustrates how certification is being used to reassure customers and regulators about product specification and installation guidance.
Etex staff increase IFE qualifications in passive fire protection: Summary
Etex Building Performance has reported an increase in employees holding the IFE Level 3 in Passive Fire Protection.
Eight new staff members passed the most recent exam.
The total number of qualified staff at its brands Siniat and Promat is now 37.
Fifteen additional employees are currently working towards the qualification.
The qualification is recognised as the highest level for passive fire specialists.
Staff working towards the exam include marketing employees.
The company explained that this broadens understanding across different roles.
It added that the expansion supports requirements under the Building Safety Act.
Nigel Morrey, Technical Director, said knowledge and competency are essential in passive fire protection.
He added that the company continues to expand training resources.
The organisation confirmed that competency is being embedded at all levels.
The qualifications are being combined with internal training.
The business stated that its approach aims to standardise knowledge.
It explained that this will strengthen customer confidence in product advice.
The company congratulated this year’s successful candidates.