PAS 79 is out for public comment http://drafts.bsigroup.c...fDocument%2fManage%2f809

In the first instance, I can see many bootleg versions of Todd's checklist being used by all and sundry as just that a "tick box" FRA. I reckon, he will have to hire a full time litigation team to deal with breach of copyright. It is unacceptable to me as someone who had purchased PAS 79:2005, PAS 79:2007, that what is essentially a copy of PAS 79: 2007 is now made freely available to all and sundry albeit, the use would be a breech of copyright. That being said, I was never a fan or considered Colin's FRA as being comprehensive. As for this proposed revision, the changes are minimal and IMPO do not provide any value for money. The main changes relate to: New guidance on the approach that should be adopted in determining the appropriate fire precautions for existing buildings that do not comply with current codes of practice. i.e a paragraph or so supported by a basic flow chart. (Hardly inspiring or insightful to a competent FRA). A new annex containing a competence standard for fire risk assessors (Not included in the draft) A reference (paragraph) to registration and certification schemes for persons who carry out fire risk assessments and companies who offer fire risk assessment services on a commercial basis. (IFE, FRA etc) already in the public domain. Revision of the document to take into account the publication of various new, British Standards. Already in the public domain and can be expected to require further revision during the life time of the new PAS. All in all, a cash making exercise for BSI and Colin. I will not be making a purchase and the availability of this draft will IMO result in an increase in cowboy assessments. It is obvious that this 2 year revision process is set to continue. Are we surprised...................Guess not

bleve I believe you have summed up exactly correct and will now not even bother to look at the draft. As you know I have a copy of the previous document but do not consider it worth using as I have my own system for fire risk assessment, not simply a tick list, and that works rather well for me. messey - your conclusion is just spot on. firesafetybod - thanks for the heads up.

The competency criteria for fire risk assessors omitted from the draft PAS have been published as a draft for public comment, this can be downloaded at: http://bit.ly/jxoXcJ.

At the end of the day, it is your decision to buy or not to buy, simple. I will not be buying as the main text is the same as before so no real point. Also it is only there as a guidance, and as for guidance, I think I could open a book shop on what I have obtained over the years in fire safety. There is only so much spin on what is essentially the same advice one can digest. Been a while.................