First cohort passes new fire sprinkler qualification

A new qualification for residential sprinkler installation, developed in response to the Hackitt Report, has been successfully completed by its first group of learners.

The Level 2 Certificate in Fire Sprinkler Installation (Domestic and Residential) was launched by the Residential Sprinkler Association and SFJ Awards.

It aligns with recent legislative changes to ensure installers have the skills required for safer, more professional installations.

Chair of the Residential Sprinkler Association Dean Price said the qualification marks a key step for the industry: “Now that a first cohort of learners have this qualification under their belts, the sector has a platform to build from in terms of upskilling the workforce to better protect our communities, families and homes.”

Designed to meet new regulatory standards

The qualification was developed in response to the Hackitt Report, which called for improved industry training to enhance safety in building practices.

Dean Price explained that regulatory changes had been slow to keep pace with the growing demand for residential sprinkler installations.

“The residential sprinkler market has experienced significant growth in the past decade or so, with regulation failing to keep pace until relatively recently,” he said.

The Level 2 certificate was designed by experts to raise installation standards in the domestic sector.

This qualification aims to address the gap by providing essential training to ensure compliance with the latest regulations.

Collaboration between Residential Sprinkler Association and SFJ Awards

The Residential Sprinkler Association partnered with SFJ Awards, an Ofqual-regulated awarding body, to develop and deliver the certification.

The association, which represents 60 members across the UK, advocates for the sector by providing training, technical guidance, and support.

David Higham, Managing Director of SFJ Awards, emphasised the importance of this training: “It’s fundamentally important that those installing residential sprinklers have undergone specialist training that is backed up by a recognised qualification.”

Raising standards and improving safety

Higham added that the introduction of this qualification is a step forward for the fire safety sector, with the aim of improving standards across domestic and residential installations.

“Changes in the regulatory environment are an opportunity to professionalise and raise standards,” he said.

The qualification was subject to a thorough accreditation process, ensuring it meets the required government guidelines.

Higham stated: “We are proud to have played our part in developing this qualification, which represents a significant step forward in terms of minimising fire risk in domestic and residential settings.”

Level 2 fire sprinkler installation certificate launched for domestic and residential sectors: Summary

The Residential Sprinkler Association and SFJ Awards have launched the Level 2 Certificate in Fire Sprinkler Installation (Domestic and Residential) following recommendations from the Hackitt Report.

The qualification aims to improve safety standards by providing professional training in residential sprinkler installations.

The first group of learners has successfully completed the course.

Dean Price, Chair of the Residential Sprinkler Association, highlighted the qualification’s role in upskilling the workforce.

David Higham, Managing Director of SFJ Awards, noted that the qualification underwent a rigorous accreditation process and aligns with current government regulations.