The Institution of Fire Engineers becomes a pioneer in fire safety

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has marked a significant milestone by becoming the first licensee authorised for the Fire Engineering Discipline Annex of the new UK-SPEC Higher-Risk Building (HRB) registration standard

The licensing aligns with the Engineering Council’s UK-SPEC HRB Fire Engineering Discipline Annex, set to launch early next year, aiming to elevate safety and competence within the built environment industry.

This development arrives as a strategic progression following the Building Safety Act 2022, catalysed by several key industry reports and collaborations after Dame Judith Hackitt’s comprehensive study.

Raising standards in building safety

The new standard is instrumental for professionals engaged in high-risk building work, including design, construction, maintenance, and operations, ensuring they meet the necessary competencies and commitments.

Addressing the necessity of context-specific standards for all building professions, it emphasises fire safety, structural integrity, and public health.

IFE’s chief executive officer, Steve Hamm, commented on the advancement: “I’m so pleased to witness the IFE become the first Licensee to register individuals against the Fire Engineering Annex of our new UK-SPEC HRB Standard.

“Many will know that the IFE is steadfast in its endeavours to drive professional competency and this is another step on the ladder to a safer future across the built environment.”

First wave of higher-risk building registration underway

With the IFE’s strong global presence, encompassing around 12,000 fire professionals, the institution is keen to demonstrate its committee’s proficiency in the UK SPEC HRB Fire Engineering Annex.

As the training of the committee concludes, the IFE is looking to offer this registration to a broader segment of professionals.

The first group of applicants is currently in the process of completing their submissions for the upcoming registration phase.

Echoing the sentiment of progress, Paul Bailey, CEO of the Engineering Council, said: “We’re delighted that IFE has become the first Licensee authorised to register individuals against the Fire Engineering Annex of our new UK-SPEC HRB Standard.

“This is an important step in the fire sector, and the engineering industry more widely.

“Assuring the public that those engineers and technicians working on higher-risk buildings have the requisite competences and commitment was a crucial outcome of Dame Judith Hackitt’s ‘Building a Safer Future’ report and subsequent Building Safety Act 2022, and we’re delighted to be working with the IFE on this important activity.”

Details about the registration process are expected to be made available next year. The IFE has promised to keep stakeholders informed through their communication channels.

IFSJ Comment

The recent development involving the IFE obtaining the first HRB registration license represents a pivotal shift towards enhanced safety and proficiency within the fire engineering discipline.

By establishing a standard that engineers and technicians must meet to work on higher-risk buildings, the industry is taking concrete steps to ensure that the skills and knowledge of these professionals are verifiable and current.

The move will not only improve industry practices but also build public trust in the safety measures employed in high-risk environments.

The foresight demonstrated by the IFE in adopting and promoting these standards sets a precedent for other institutions, reinforcing the commitment to upholding public welfare and safety as paramount concerns.