Fire Risk Assessment - Draft Competency Criteria for Fire Risk Assesors

Mostyn Bullock writes:

Bearing in mind the importance of the subject matter and possible far-reaching impact of this document once published, could I ask you to consider and respond with your view as to whether we should put this document out to review by wider membership with TSAG to consider comments received back from membership in the “IFE response”.


Please note that, although the closing date of the public consultation is generous at 7th September, the time between then and now will disappear quite quickly and much of it will be gobbled up by holidays etc. I would like to set a deadline of 27 August for return of TSAG/IFE membership comments so that these can be properly reviewed and collated.

Special Interest Groups updates

a. Fire Investigation
b. Fire Modelling
c. Transport
d. Heritage
e. Sustainability

Committee/working group/steering panel representations

a. Arson Control Forum
b. CLG/CFOA standards in FRA
c. PAS 79
d. LGID
e. MMC

Consultations/responses

a. It was agreed that the IFE ought not respond to the Daily Mail article about ‘burdensome regulations’

b. BS9999 article in the FMJ. MB stated that he had contacted the Editor who told him that there had been no responses. MB suggested a letter to BSI for further information. MS suggested that we contact Brian Martin at CLG first.

Robustness of fire safety products/systems/tests

MB asked whether we should be doing more to investigate or are the liability issues too severe. All were asked to think about the options. Perhaps a topic for a small working group to include the CEO? MB to discuss with Louise Craig

IFERG Diriector's Initiatives

a. CPD.
MS stated that he thought more rigour is required for CPD records to be audited every year. The IFE view is that it would be too onerous. CPD for registrants should be straightforward and mandatory. It would encourage members, especially registrants, to attend events such as the AGM and conference. It would align to with the EC code of conduct. MB and MS willing to take it forward.

b. Developing a close relationship with RIBA/CIAT
MS asked what form of memorandum of understanding we would want to have with RIBA/CIAT. MB was supportive of the proposal to develop such an arrangement. MS would welcome views on where we should be contributing and suggested that a briefing note would be useful. MB suggested that MS lead a small TSAG group to produce a draft briefing note. MB mentioned the joint event on the 14th April and stated that the low take up was disappointing.
MS to work with AT to produce a draft note

Fire Futures Status Report

MB explained that he and a deputy had attended the first two meetings on behalf of the IFE. Comments are invited as it is important that the IFE's views are channeled clearly into this process as it will require focus and direction. What do we think are the key headline issues that need be sorted out in respect of fire safety?
RC stated that there was a meeting between Sir Ken Knight and the Government regarding the future of the UKFRS but was unsure what was planned for the other streams. There was a general discussion and it was agreed that we should only contribute headline issues for the Government to consider rather than get involved in the detail. Perhaps we should involve the IFE membership to ask for topics? AT suggested that we pen something for the IFE membership to list all the streams and ask what are the headline issues to be addressed. TSAG need to form a small team to deal with the issue and prepare a short article of the FMJ, web site and email with a consultation style request. RC to precise a document for MB