Claire Turner, Operations and Business Development Manager at Independent Fire Training Ltd reveals how the company helps support learning in passive fire protection 

For fire safety in buildings, there has never been more focus for the construction and ongoing building maintenance industries than there is currently. With the industries having seen various negative press coverage in recent years following catastrophic and tragic occurrences, there is now more emphasis being placed on the importance of fire safety systems. 

This has put a huge focus on individuals and companies within the industry being trained to a relevant level for the services they are providing and being able to demonstrate their levels of competency. Independent Fire Training are passionate about fire stopping and developing knowledge and competency to ensure that the future of the fire industry is safer than the past.  

Successful training, reliable service

Independent Fire Training Ltd was formed in 2020, following the success of the training courses developed and delivered previously by Independent Fire Inspections Ltd. The aim when we were formed was to provide a tailored relevant service to delegates looking to expand their knowledge within the industry, and that aim is still relevant for us today. 

We were also created to allow for a specific, streamlined focus on increasing the level of awareness and competency of those working within the passive fire protection industry. The courses and content that we provide have all been developed by industry experts and have gained accreditation from the Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM) and have been recognised by the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE). 

Our course portfolio ranges from fire stopping to fire doorsets, with some of our most popular courses being made available in both a classroom and e-Learning format to suit the needs of any learner, this is especially relevant given the fact that so many people are still working from home due to COVID-19.  

We pride ourselves on offering training that is unique in the industry, and this is shown in the form of our Fire Stopping Inspection Course which provides competency in the inspection of Cavity Barriers, Linear Gap Seals and Penetration sealing systems. The Certificated Inspector Assessment is also the only formal qualification to certificate those as Passive Fire Inspectors and we are proud that we are currently the only business to offer such a qualification within the industry. 

Commitment to develop with the industry 

As a company, we are committed to maintaining the integrity of the industry and the high standards outlined through the ever-changing legislation, which brings added challenges to companies. Part of what we do at Independent Fire Training Ltd is to make a promise to stay current within this developing industry so that everyone taking part in our training receives top quality learning and excellent service throughout. 

Ben Freeman, Managing Director of IFI Group Ltd and Founder of Independent Fire Training Ltd comments: “As a leading training provider, our focus is on increasing the knowledge and competency of all those who attend our courses with current information on inspection specification, along with the ever-changing regulations and legislation. By doing this we can ensure that our training is fit for purpose regardless of what level of experience the training is aimed at. We have training that covers all levels of experience from novice to expert.  

He concludes: “We work in an industry where you can certainly be under qualified, but never overqualified. Our courses can be delivered in both an e-Learning and Classroom-based format as we understand that people have different ways of learning.” 

The online courses currently available include the Fire Stopping Course, The Fire Stopping Inspection Course and the Preparing for IFE Level 3 Passive Fire Exam Course, with further courses in development to be launched in Spring ’22. These courses tailor for all levels of knowledge and experience.  

The Fire Stopping Course 

Starting with The Fire Stopping Course, an online course providing a comprehensive level of knowledge in fire stopping specification, installation with an overview of the regulations, inspection and maintenance. This course is considered an introductory course and can also be delivered in a classroom format for those customers that wish for the training to be delivered face to face.  

The Fire Stopping Inspection Course 

An example of the versatility of Independent Fire Training Ltd.’s training delivery is the popular Fire Stopping Inspection Course, which is available in both an e-Learning and Classroom-based format. The Fire Stopping Inspection Course provides comprehensive competency in the specification, installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of passive fire protection systems, including penetration sealing systems, linear gap seals and cavity barriers.

Once delegates have passed the final examination, they will have an understanding of how penetration sealing systems, linear gap seals and cavity barriers should be installed onsite and methods of inspection to prove this. This will include the issues around them, as well as the standards and regulations that must be adhered to when undertaking repairs, maintenance, and installation works. The Fire Stopping Inspection Course will give delegates the competence to be able to understand the theory of inspection and understand the standards and regulations surrounding them.  

Once the Fire Stopping Inspection Course assessments have been passed, delegates can apply to become a Certificated Fire Stopping Inspector. This advancement can be done through Independent Fire Training’s Certificated Inspector Assessment scheme. 

Preparing for IFE Level 3 Exam in Passive Fire Protection 

The online Preparing for IFE Level 3 Exam in Passive Fire Protection was launched in Spring ’21 to aid and support industry professionals looking to further their advancement, and who are working towards the industry recognised Level 2 and Level 3 exams in Passive Fire Protection with the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE). This is a popular course having gained excellent feedback from customers working through the content as a revision tool for the exams, sat twice yearly with the IFE, which is convenient and can be accessed for up to 12 months from purchasing the course.  

The importance of fire door safety 

The recent Fire Door Safety Week saw the importance of fire doors brought to the forefront of social media pages. Various webinars hosted throughout the week and campaigns from industry suppliers and experts detailed the horrors that have occurred as a result of fire doors being overlooked as a key component of a buildings compartmentation.

This focus really highlighted the importance of correct installation and regular inspection to ensure that the door will perform as specified in the event of a fire. Too often non-compliant fire doors in buildings with a high number of occupants and/or footfall is seen, where it is clear that in certain instances there is a lack of basic knowledge of fire doors and their purpose. Independent Fire Training Ltd made a decision to be a part of the solution and offer a formal Fire Door Qualification to the industry.  

Independent Fire Training Ltd is an approved training centre and actively delivering the Level 3 Award in the Inspection and Testing of Fire Resisting Door Installations, an Ofqual regulated qualification. This course provides a formal qualification in the inspection of fire doorsets both practically and theoretically. The qualification is broken down into two parts; the first consists of a 3-day fire door inspection course with a theory assessment.

This course provides learners with all of the necessary practical and theory knowledge needed to complete the qualification. The second part of the qualification consists of the practical assessment, whereby a qualified assessor will observe the learner carrying out a full inspection with a report on a number of fire doorsets. Providing the learner has successfully completed both parts of the assessment, they will be issued with a formal certificate detailing their comprehensive competency in the inspection of fire doorsets.  

Engaging the industry to encourage competency  

Independent Fire Training Ltd recently attended the NEC Fire Safety Event, as one entity of IFI Group Ltd. This was a great opportunity to meet likeminded companies within the industry and talk about the services being offered and overall aim towards improving the competency of those who work within the fire industry. Training and competency were big topics of conversation throughout the exhibition, with the question arising of what constitutes somebody as competent within the industry? 

Independent Fire Training Ltd offer a range of options to promote and expand the level of competency within the industry and are always developing further courses to meet the ever-changing needs of the industry. 

For further information about the courses, dates and packages available, you can contact Independent Fire Training Ltd.’s team of experts on 01522 904189 or [email protected]. 

www.thefiretraining.co.uk