AAI Security and the BAFE Scheme

Any industry that is concerned with the well-being of people and property requires strict and thorough regulation, and the fire safety industry is no exception.

As you might expect, there are a number of organisations involved in the governance of standards and practices within this field, from the Fire Protection Association (FPA) to the Fire & Security Association (FSA).

One of the key organisations in this field is the British Approvals for Fire Equipment (BAFE).

Over the last 25 or so years, BAFE have worked as a highly respected independent body to create a number of schemes designed to provide assessment and approval for companies working within the fire safety industry.

Here at AAI, we’ve worked to become approved under the BAFE schemes relevant to our practices, namely SP101 and SP203.

BAFE Scheme SP101

This particular specification concerns the management system for Contact Maintenance of Portable Fire Extinguishers, in line with the Registered Fire Extinguisher Service Technicians Scheme.

Essentially, the certification is designed to provide assistance for those attempting to meet their obligations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, specifically related to the servicing and inspection of fire extinguishers.

Becoming BAFE SP101 approved is highly beneficial for all companies. Not only does it prove to customers that a high standard of service will be provided, it also improves the skills and capabilities of technicians within that organisation.

The process for becoming registered follows a straightforward application and assessment path, with regular checks three times per year to confirm that standards are being upheld.

While the process may be fairly simple, it relies on total compliance with strict industry regulations from the company being audited, and only those that demonstrate correct adherence will gain SP101 accreditation.

Each company that undertakes the scheme will be added to the BAFE register, and ongoing assessment will ensure that regulations continue to be met.

BAFE Scheme SP203

Another BAFE scheme in which AAI have become certified is SP203. This accreditation concerns the certification of fire detection and alarm systems.

As with the SP101, the purpose of the SP203 is to provide third party certification to companies working within the fire safety industry, demonstrating their competencies with the equipment in question and their compliance to industry regulations.

The scheme incorporates the British Standards that are related to the emergency lighting (notably BS 5266-1, BS EN 60598-2-22 and BS EN 62034) which are concerned with design and safety features, and was created by officials working in all corners of the industry back in 2002.

The process of becoming SP203 certified is the same as that of SP101; namely an application is followed by an audit, with regular assessments carried out to check that standards are being upheld if the application is successful.

AAI Security Systems have been serving London and the surrounding counties for over 26 years, carrying out first rate security and fire alarm design, installation and maintenance. We hold full accreditation from all relevant associations, and are fully approved by BAFE Schemes SP203 and SP101 for guaranteed quality in this field. For more information about our links with BAFE, or about any of the services we provide, don’t hesitate to get in touch with AAI Security Systems today.