News and Press

Important information - Blue Cards.
Due to the current Covid-19 situation our training has been suspended until further notice.

Later in the year, the RSA hope to run a limited number of in-house courses which are strictly limited to established RSA Members.

For non-members, see JIB - Fire Prevention and Sprinkler System Installation and Maintenance Fitter (Blue card) at link:

https://www.jib-pmes.org/fire-prevention-and-sprinkler-system-installation-and-maintenance-fitter-blue-card/

Xact, the Fire Training Specialist will soon be offering a 3 day course for fire sprinkler fitters see http://www.xact.org.ukfor further information relating to their Level 2 Certificate in Fire Sprinkler Installation/ RPL: Qualification route for experienced installers.

This document is a response to the COVID-19 pandemic
and the increased risk this disease presents to the
health, safety and wellbeing of people in all settings,
including the workplace.
The UK Government has published guidance on Working
safely during coronavirus (COVID-19).

TO VIEW DOCUMENT SEE UNDER PUBLICATIONS

"The built environment professions working together as members of the Construction Industry Council believe further action is required to improve the fire safety of buildings in the UK.

Lives, stock and property are saved by the use of Automatic Fire Suppression Systems (AFSS), which include sprinklers. At present, England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland differ in their requirements for sprinklers yet the incidence and science of fire knows no political or geographical boundaries.

Harmonising building regulations across the nations of the UK regarding the installation of sprinklers would provide clarity to the industry and help protect the public.
We support the installation of sprinklers in all new & converted residential buildings, hotels, hospitals, student accommodation, schools and care home buildings of 11m or above in height and retrofit installation to existing buildings when refurbishment occurs where a building is subject to 'material alterations’. We also support the installation of AFSS including sprinklers below this height on a case-by-case basis of risk assessment.

Each of the professional bodies in CIC with members engaged in the commissioning, procurement, planning, design, engineering, risk assessment, regulation and control, construction, refurbishment and management of any of the building types mentioned in the paragraph above will actively bring forward guidance to their own professionals in line with this statement in the absence of government legislation.”

The National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) is saddened to announce the
passing of its former President, John Viniello on Tuesday, February 26, 2019.
John served the Association as President from 1984-2012, and was involved in
the fire sprinkler industry since 1973.

"John’s contribution to the growth of the fire sprinkler industry is visible
today in the number of personnel and the number of programs dedicated to
advancing the mission of saving lives and property from fire through the
widespread acceptance of the fire sprinkler concept,” shared Shane Ray, NFSA
President. "We extend our sympathies to John’s family and everyone who knew
him. His legacy in fire prevention and safety will continue to have impact for
years to come.”

John received the NFSA’s Golden Sprinkler Award in 2005 and was inducted
into the Hall of Fame in 2013. He became a part of the fire sprinkler industry
in 1973 and served in several positions for NFSA from Assistant Director of
Codes and Standards, Regional Manager for the Northeast, to Vice President of
Field Operations, until he became President in 1984. He was involved in the
formation of the International Fire Sprinkler Association in 1999.

London Fire Brigade were called at 04:14 to a fire at a flat in Elmira Street, Lewisham. Eight fire engines and 58 firefighters from Lee Green, Deptford, New Cross, Forest Hill, Lewisham and surrounding fire stations attended the scene. The fire was under control at 05:23.



An External fire had occurred on the balcony of the flat and Fire spread into the flat operating residential sprinklers. Multiple heads operated controlling/limiting the fire to the flat. The sprinkler system installed to BS9251:2005, within the flat helped to suppress the fire.



Most of the balcony and part of a four-roomed flat on the 13th floor of a 20 storey block were damaged by the fire. Around 180 people left the building before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.



The fire is believed to be accidental and due to the careless disposal of smoking materials.