How Does the Level 3 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment Support Competency?
For years, there have been serious concerns about the quality and consistency of fire risk assessments carried out by individuals with limited training or experience. These concerns were tragically brought to the forefront following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, where regulatory failures and poor fire risk management contributed to the loss of 72 lives.
Whilst competency is more than a qualification alone, (see our article on what makes a competent fire risk assessor), SFJ Awards have developed the new Level 3 Certificate for Fire Risk Assessors in alignment with the publication of BS 8674 – Built Environment: Framework for Competence of Individual Fire Risk Assessors – Code of Conduct. The course will provide learners with the knowledge and skills to carry out effective fire risk assessments in low-risk premises, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and best practice.
How does the course support competency?
As well as being based on the most up to date guidance, the Level 3 Certificate prioritises competence of fire risk assessors, meaning learners are not just ‘sitting a course’, they will also have to compete a portfolio of evidence to ensure competence in their role.
As part of the course, learners will need to submit at least three fire risk assessments within different environments as part of their porfolio.
Compass' Involvement
The release of this new qualification is not only a milestone for fire risk assessors, but is a significant for Compass Skills Training too.
Head of Operations and Curriculum at Compass, Debbie Williams, says “I’m very proud to have been part of the SFJ Awards working group for the development of this new qualification along with other training providers, fire safety professionals. As this qualification is aligned with the guidance BS 8674 Framework for Competence of Individual Fire Risk Assessors, this course is a significant development in steps needed to demonstrate competency in fire risk assessments.”
"This course is a significant development in steps needed to demonstrate competency in fire risk assessments."
Other Benefits of Studying
Learners enrolled on this course with Compass Skills Training will also be eligible for student membership with the The Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM) – including access to fire safety British Standards and a pathway to achieving membership on the Tiered Fire Risk Assessment Register (TFRAR).
After completing the Level 3 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment, learners may be able to seek employment as a fire risk assessor. They may also choose to study fire safety at a higher level, for example by studying a advanced fire risk assessment for complex premises, or a Fire Engineering qualification.
