Getting interactive with the ASFP

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) will be highlighting the devastating impact of fire, explaining fire safety legislation and showing how it can help those involved the fire safety of buildings at Firex International, at Birmingham NEC from 13-16 May.

THE ASFP’S stand, featuring a 12m2 video screen, will be the focal point of the ASFP Passive Fire Protection Zone. Displays throughout the zone will concentrate on education, with the ASFP showcasing a new range of tools aimed at improving understanding of passive fire protection and assisting with the fire risk assessment process. A new industry training scheme for passive fire protection will also be introduced.

The new range of tools being launched at the show include an Android-based fire risk assessment app, as well as several new online video modules.

The ASFP’s fire risk assessment app offers a range of checklists which guide the user through onsite inspections of passive fire protection, allowing them to add notes and images as necessary. The app is designed to save significant time in writing building inspection reports and its output can be exported and configured to fit into report templates.

The ASFP will also be launching its new video channel which will feature free-to-view online videos. Arranged in eight modules, the videos offer an introduction to passive fire protection and take viewers through a typical risk assessment in a real building. Each module is dedicated to a different category of passive fire protection and describes the key features a fire risk assessor should examine when undertaking a building inspection or fire risk assessment.

These new multimedia tools have been developed to complement the ASFP’s range of publications which offer more detailed advice and will also be on display at the show. These include: the ASFP Guide to Inspecting Passive Fire Protection for Fire Risk Assessor; the newly updated guide, Ensuring Best Practice for Passive Fire Protection in Buildings; and the association’s full range of ‘Colour books’ which are referenced in Building Regulations and provide definitive guidance on passive fire protection.

The ASFP will also be providing details of its new passive fire protection training scheme, due to be piloted in late 2013. The scheme, developed in collaboration with CITB and the Fire Protection Association, aims to improve the skills of contractors involved in the installation of passive fire protection as well as improve the knowledge base of those involved in the design, supply, inspection and maintenance of passive fire protection. It will target new entrants to the specialist contractor workforce, allied specialist trades working within the distribution supply chain, and those responsible for the inspection of fire systems.

Some 15 ASFP member companies will also be supporting the Passive Fire Protection Zone. Representing a cross section of the passive fire protection sector, these member companies will be on hand to answer questions and provide detailed advice on particular products and installation matters, as well as details of available third party certification schemes.

The ASFP will also be offering a range of seminar sessions to discuss issues affecting the fire safety of buildings, including high rise cladding, training, quality and competence in passive fire protection and sustainability versus fire safety. The Association will also be taking part in a panel discussion aimed at assessing the outcomes of the Lakanal House inquest and the implications of its recommendations.