Composite panel specialist, ISD Solutions, has achieved an industry first by completing an expert qualification in fire safety.
Adrian Smith, managing director of the Gloucester-based firm, is one of only 17 people worldwide to have passed the new Level 3 Certificate in Passive Fire Protection from the Institution of Fire Engineers.
The qualification puts Adrian at the pinnacle of his industry for fire safety expertise, being the first construction contractor to have sat and passed the course.
The new qualification was developed in partnership with the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) and involved an in-depth seven-day course, followed by an arduous examination.
The course contained modules on regulation, fire strategy, active and passive protection, testing and certification, building performance, human behaviour and fire science.
Adrian recently became managing director at ISD Solutions, having previously been technical director since 2010.
With Brett Harrington, manager of ISD Solutions’ firewall division, aiming to complete the same IFE qualification, and with two of the company’s project managers undergoing courses in specific fields of fire protection, ISD can boast genuine industry-leading expertise in passive fire safety.
Adrian recently compiled a White Paper on the cultural impact on passive fire safety, following the Hackitt Review into the tragedy at Grenfell Tower.
Commenting on his recent achievement, Adrian said: “As the only composite panel installation company to hold this qualification, ISD Solutions can now offer qualified, professional advice, design and – very importantly – independent consideration to an extensive range of passive fire protection solutions.
“In light of the recent Hackitt Review, following the tragedy at Grenfell Tower and with changes in legislation shifting the onus of responsibility for fire safety on building projects, the construction industry needs to be aware of the broad spectrum of factors which create a truly safe end project.”
Adrian continued: “If we at ISD Solutions can help lead the way in raising standards, while offering a service which is of benefit to architects, specifiers, building consultants and designers, then we are happy to do so.
“Our breadth of experience, along with our continued professional training and qualifications, means we can offer a broad spectrum of fire protection expertise – from advice and consultation to large multi-million-pound firewall and data centre installations.
“The course was extremely thorough and gives us some great knowledge which we can apply to passive fire protection measures for things like structural building frames, fire retardant coatings, walls, floors, ceilings and fire-retardant glazing, fire stopping, penetrations seals, cavity barriers, ductwork and dampers, fire resisting doors, industrial shutters and hardware.
“I’m looking forward to applying this knowledge and, with Brett and our project managers set to further their qualifications, we are excited about this new offering.”
