ASFP launches regional CPD seminars

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has announced plans for a series of regional CPD seminars around the UK, starting in Manchester on 26 September 2013. Aimed at improving awareness of passive fire protection, Understanding Passive Fire Protection, will offer an essential overview into all aspects of passive fire protection, its specification, installation, inspection and maintenance. The presentations will cover all aspects of passive fire protection, testing and certification, fire risk assessment and installation. Delivered by technical experts, the presentations will include an overview of risks in buildings in relation to passive fire protection; and introductions to fire doors, fire-resistant glazing, structural fire protection, compartment wall penetrations and firestopping. Held in association with the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue, the first event will take place at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, Swinton, Manchester. Further events are confirmed in Sunderland, Cardiff and London over coming months, with additional seminars in Birmingham, Scotland, Belfast and Dublin planned. The events are suitable for anyone who is responsible for specifying or inspecting passive fire protection or those appointing trades that could cause damage to existing fire protection in the process of their work. They should particularly appeal to practising Fire Risk Assessors, Responsible Persons, Local Authorities, Facilities Managers, Building Control, and Care Home Providers. ASFP CEO Wilf Butcher explains: “It is widely recognised that there is general lack of understanding about passive fire protection among designers, building contractors, enforcement officers and building occupiers. “Reaching out to audiences around the UK, these regional seminars aim to highlight the vital role of passive fire protection in limiting the spread of smoke and flames, thus saving lives and property. They will explain the importance of ensuring that passive fire protection is appropriately specified, installed and inspected and offer guidance on where to go for independent assistance and advice.” The price of each event is just £25 plus VAT, including lunch. ASFP and BWF members can book at a special rate of £15 plus VAT. A donation of £5 from every booking will be made to the Children’s Burns Trust. The seminar programme is one of a range of initiatives from the ASFP aimed at raising awareness of passive fire protection. The Association has developed a number of free education tools to help specifiers, risk assessors and facilities managers to improve their understanding. These include a range of online video modules, technical publications and guidance documents, and a fire risk assessment app, firesafetyfile. The ASFP is also developing a new passive fire protection training scheme, due to be piloted in early 2014. For further information on ASFP activities or to book a place at the Manchester seminar, please visit www.asfp.org.uk; call 01420 471612; or email: info@asfp.org.uk