https://ifsm.org.uk/fire-risk-assessors/

https://www.ife.org.uk/fire-risk-assessors-register

https://www.bafe.org.uk/bafe-fire-safety-services/fire-risk-assessment

https://www.warringtonfire.com/certification-services/fire-certification/fracs

When researching Fire Risk Assessment the OSHCR does not appear as a primary answer - did spot it towards the bottom of a number of Fire Brigades lists following on from the above.

Not sure as to why being registered with OHSCR would invoke any form of competency in its own right - most listing providers caveat that users of such services should assure themselves of the providers competency

Many thanks for your reply. I have read that the government will clarify competency in the near future.

Personally, if you've been undertaking FRAs for over 15 years as a chartered IOSH member, hold the NEBOSH fire management certificate, carryout CPD which includes fire safety and your insurance covers your work activities surely this should be acknowledged as competence from an IOSH viewpoint.

My fear is that many may be penalised for not registering on a costly bureaucratic scheme when competent to undertake FRAs. Not sure if there has been any input from IOSH into the ongoing discussions.

Hi Richard

Not sure if there has been any input from IOSH into the ongoing discussions.

Not convinced that any input from IOSH would be particularly helpful. IOSH the organisation is not a hotbed of expertise on fire safety matters, and many even at CMIOSH level may not be either, particularly when it comes to more complex scenarios.

Exactly the same applies to OSHCR.

I expect the market for FRAs and other fire consultancy to tighten in the aftermath of Grenfell and other events INCLUDING as regards Professional Indemnity and other insurances.

If the outcome is that a Client demands registration on some fire consultancy specific competency scheme, then you either jump the hoops or recognise that you are unlikely to get FRA work from that Client. "What the Client wants, the Client gets" with few exceptions.

Edited by user 04 January 2024 16:38:31(UTC)  | Reason: Wrong finger

Originally Posted by: peter gotch

I expect the market for FRAs and other fire consultancy to tighten in the aftermath of Grenfell and other events INCLUDING as regards Professional Indemnity and other insurances.

You are spot on Peter. 

After 47 years in the fire game - the last 22 years in Fire Safety, either self employed or for a large employer, I am about to give up my registration with a fire safety professional body and walk away from the industry.

I was hoping to continue part time/zero hours but the (increasing) costs of insurance, CPD and registration make it virtually impossible to make a profit unless full time.

I am sad to stop it as I have years more to give and have enjoyed the job - especially the transition from fire certification & precription through to FRAs and risk based work .

But I have found a zero hours job with travel and working in a team which will see me thru until proper retirement - if I ever do!!!!

A competent fire risk assessor is someone who has the necessary knowledge, skills, experience, and behavior to carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and effectively communicate advice on the findings ². The Fire Protection Association (FPA) recommends that a competent fire risk assessor should be third-party approved, trustworthy, self-aware, have good knowledge and application, demonstrable experience, and committed to continued professional development (CPD) ¹. The FPA also emphasizes that competency is something that is constantly evolving, and a fire risk assessor may be extremely competent to carry out work on one type of building but may not be the right person for the job for another type of high-risk premises ¹. The Fire Sector Federation has published an Approved Code of Practice (ACoP), A National Framework for Fire Risk Assessor Competency, which provides further information on the six key pillars of competency ². These pillars include being third-party approved, trustworthy, self-aware, having good knowledge and application, demonstrable experience, and committed to continued professional development (CPD) ¹². I hope this helps! (1) Industry Benchmark Standards for Fire Risk Assessors. https://www.firesectorfe...ec2022-Version1-1-1.pdf. (2) What does a competent fire risk assessor look like?. https://www.thefpa.co.uk...isk-assessor-look-like-. (3) Fire safety in the workplace: Fire risk assessments - GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/workp...s/fire-risk-assessments. (4) How to Check Fire Risk Assessor Competency | BPW Fire Safety. https://www.bpw-firesafe...isk-assessor-competency.

 08 January 2024 17:24:16(UTC)  | Reason: removed hidden link

Rosalind

There is no "local OSHCR authority" - there is one organisation called OSHCR which may or may not be an indication of competence to carry out fire risk assessments. 

Much of the rest of your posting appears to be possibly the work of AI.