The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) has been awarded accreditation by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) for its Evacuation Alert Systems Scheme, incorporating the requirements of BAFE’s new Scheme SP207.
BAFE has developed the new scheme in response to a recommendation from the Grenfell Tower Phase 1 inquiry report whereby new or existing blocks of flats, with one or more storeys over 18m above ground level, should be provided with evacuation alert systems.
Evacuation alert systems activated solely by the fire and rescue services initiate evacuation alert signals in the event of a fire or other emergency, save time in alerting occupants to evacuate, and enable the most critical areas for evacuation to be prioritised.
Similar to an “MOT”, NSI approved companies will issue an NSI/BAFE “Certificate of Compliance” for newly installed systems and on completion of scheduled maintenance visits (every six months), as evidence to enforcing authorities and insurers that systems are adequately installed and maintained.
BAFE Scheme SP207 calls upon BS 8629, the ‘Code of Practice for the Design, Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance of Evacuation Alert Systems for use by fire and rescue services in buildings containing flats’ published on 30 November 2019. As the scheme is modular, companies can gain certification from NSI for one or more services they provide i.e. design, installation, commissioning and/or maintenance.
