What is third-party certification of fire stopping installers?
Under a third-party certification scheme, an independent body assesses an installer company. Assessment typically looks at the company's competence, training, quality procedures and records, and includes audits of completed work. Certificated installers can then issue documentation for the work they carry out under the scheme.
Schemes you may come across include:
- FIRAS
- BM TRADA Q-Mark Fire Stopping Installation
- IFC Certification
- LPCB LPS 1531
Each scheme has its own rules about what is assessed and what documentation is issued. Check the scheme's own information for details, and check the installer's current status with the scheme.
What does certification cover?
Certification relates to the installer and the work they install. It gives the client evidence that the work was carried out by a company assessed under the scheme, using its procedures, and recorded in a way the scheme can audit.
It does not cover fire stopping installed by others, or fire stopping that is damaged later. A seal that was properly installed and documented can still be broken by the next contractor to run a cable through it.
How is a certificated installation different from a survey?
A certificated installation is about how new fire stopping is put in. A survey is about what is there now. A fire stopping survey inspects existing fire stopping, whoever installed it and whenever, and records what was observed with photographs, locations and recommended remedies.
A survey report is not a certificate. It does not certify the fire stopping, the installer or the building. It is a record that helps the Responsible Person and their Fire Risk Assessor decide what happens next.
Why do clients, insurers and Fire Risk Assessors ask for it?
Because it gives independent evidence about how work was carried out, which is hard to check once the seal is finished and hidden. Clients may require it in contracts, insurers may ask about it, and Fire Risk Assessors may look for it when reviewing records.
Whether certification is required for a particular project is a question for the client, their Fire Risk Assessor and any contract or insurer requirements.
What records should you ask installers for?
Whoever installs fire stopping, ask for a record of each seal: location reference, before and after photographs, products used, installer, date, label number and any certification documentation held. See fire stopping register & records.
Frequently asked questions
Is third-party certification a type of survey?
No. Certification assesses installers and the work they install; a survey inspects the fire stopping already in a building.
Is a survey report a certificate?
No. It is a record of what was observed, with photographs and recommended remedies.
Can a survey check whether an installation was certificated?
A survey records what can be seen, including labels where present. Certification records are held by the installer and the scheme.
Does certification mean the fire stopping will stay intact?
No. Later works can still damage it, which is why re-checks after works are good practice.
Which scheme is best?
We do not recommend one scheme over another. Check each scheme's own information and your contract or insurer requirements.