Having just read another topic on false alarms and RMFAS......
What ever happened to URNs being issued only to RMFAS systems installed/maintained by third party accredited companies such as BAFE SP203 / LPS1014 ?
CFOA Model Agreement......
3.3 Fire alarm systems that are remotely monitored need to be designed, installed, commissioned, maintained and monitored to standards that minimise the likelihood of false alarms. Accordingly, this policy requires competent persons to be used in such activity and introduces third party certification schemes that CFOA recognise. See clause 7.
I recognise having third party accreditation isn't a magic bullet but at least it's a start to monitor companies and work standards.
We've had BAFE SP203 for 6 or 7 years now and it's only ever been mentioned in a handful of specs from local authorities or consultants - hardly worth the bother or expense - and contracts have still been awarded to non accredited companies based on price and golfing days out... allegedly
7.1 For RMFAS to be issued with a URN, the system shall be designed, installed, commissioned and maintained by persons competent to do so. . A definition of “competent persons” is given in Annex A. CFOA positively promotes third party certification schemes as a means of demonstrating competence. The law will place the onus on individuals or organisations, not covered by recognised approval schemes to demonstrate competence.
....... well not that I've noticed.....
The F-Gas "Act" has crept in making it "illegal" for any one to work on anything connected with an HFC without the proper training and qualification, why can't the RRFSO be amended to only allow similarly qualified persons to work on FD&A sysems in general?
Perhaps installs/modification work should be notifiable to the local authorities and there should be a "Design" qualification, a bit like "part p" for electricians allowing suitably qualified engineers to authorise and approve design/modifications of systems, then you wouldn't have to re-train every service engineer in the country but you would have accountability.
Just a thought........
