The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) and BAFE awarded the first ever Third Party Certificate of Approval and Registration to the new Kitchen Fire Protection Systems (SP206) Scheme at NSI’s annual Summit, Birmingham this month.
The new scheme addresses the design, installation, commissioning, recharge and maintenance of kitchen fire protection systems (extinguishing/suppression systems). The scheme assesses the competency of kitchen fire protection system providers from the design stage through to periodic maintenance visits, evidenced by Certificates of Compliance.
The first company to achieve this new Third Party Certification (offering Ansul R-102 systems) via NSI and BAFE Registration is Abbot Fire Group, based in Buckingham, strong advocates of Third Party Certification. Founder Nigel Walton was awarded their certificates by Jonathan O’Neill OBE, FPA Managing Director, during the opening session of the Summit.
Nigel Walton commented: “Third party certification is continuing to be an important factor in the fire safety industry. We are grateful to BAFE for establishing this scheme which allows us to demonstrate our skill and expertise in providing our kitchen fire system offerings. I am immensely proud of my hard working and diligent team that all helped earn this certification.
“This is a combination of a two year development process and a personal campaign of mine as the industry requires Third Party Certification for kitchen system work to appropriately assess competency. My thanks go out to BAFE, NSI and the whole development team for this.”
Certification was also awarded at the Summit to Nobel Fire Systems, who manufacture, design and install their own K-Series systems for Kitchen Fire Protection.
Chris Auger, BAFE Schemes Manager stated: “We are confident the BAFE SP206 scheme represents the best levels of quality and service excellence to help reduce the risk of injury and increase property protection from commercial kitchen fires.”
NSI Head of Field Operations (Systems) John Davidson added: “We are delighted to announce these new approvals and look forward to more companies within the sector undergoing independent assessment. The over-arching aim is to help duty-holders select competent contractors, and so reduce risk, raise standards and protect those who use and/or occupy premises housing commercial kitchens.”