Installer competency and fire-safety engineering flagged by EAPFP as areas of concern

The European Association for Passive Fire Protection (EAPFP) discussed problems around installer competency and fire-safety engineering at its recent meeting in Oslo.

Representatives of fire protection associations from across Europe met in the Norwegian capital between 7-8 July to discuss transnational issues of common interest and concern.

A proposal to develop a strategy for promoting EU standards beyond the borders of the trading bloc was seen as vital for developing European trade and protecting high standards and EU markets against competition from the US and elsewhere.

It was noted that in the Middle East in particular, the national standards of EU member states were often cited in building codes.

Nevertheless, attendees to the meeting heard, member states have suspended development of national standards amid the drive to support directives and regulations like the Construction Products Regulation and in anticipation that national standards will be supplanted by a Europe-wide EN standard.

Fears were raised in Oslo that this left many non-EU countries without support and therefore an incentive to defect to US standards and codes.

The growing influence of foreign interests, such as ISO and ASTM, over standards used in the EU was another concern raised.

The EAPFP – which serves as a European forum for national associations representing manufacturers, contractors and other institutions involved in fire protection – is urging European politicians to take a more active role in protecting EU businesses against this threat and maintaining the EU’s strong safety record.

“Discussions from our meetings have helped us to identify several key areas of concern across Europe and the EAPFP is putting together an action plan to address these issues,” said EAPFP President Joric Witlox.

“The association is continuing its campaign to raise standards in fire safety engineering across Europe, amid concerns that the discipline is often used by some engineers to reduce levels of protection rather than ensure adequate fire safety for buildings.

“We will also continue to promote initiatives which aim to improve installation standards and the competence of installers across Europe.

“The EAPFP also intends to approach relevant stakeholders, including CEN and national standards organisations, to develop a strategy to promote EU standards and ensure adequate support for those countries that currently use existing member state national standards.”

Explaining the EAPFP’s raison d’etre he continued: “By identifying issues of interest and concern affecting its members throughout Europe, the EAPFP acts as the European voice for passive fire protection. EAPFP members are national associations representing manufacturers, contractors and other institutions involved in passive fire protection. They meet twice each year to discuss issues affecting the European fire industry.

“The association welcomes new members and would like to hear from other associations who are keen to improve fire safety within their own countries and across Europe.”