A step by step guide from the only UK provider of the CFPA Europe Diploma in Fire Prevention

CFPA Europe Diploma in Fire PreventionInformation Guide

THE UK’S NATIONAL FIRE SAFETY ORGANISATIONProtecting people, property, business and the enviroment

“I would honestly recommend this diploma to anybody who wants to gain further knowledge in all parts of fire related subjects and for someone who is looking for the educational qualifications as part of their fire competency.” K O'Malley, Sussex Estates and Facilities

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Contents What is the CFPA Diploma in Fire Prevention 2

Technical Cycle 3

Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment 4

Technical Cycle Stage 2 marking criteria 5

Technical Cycle unit syllabus 6

Diploma Exam 8

Management Cycle 9

Prices 12

Learning resources and curriculum support 13

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What is the CFPA Europe Diploma in Fire Prevention?

The CFPA Europe Diploma in Fire Prevention was developed to bridge the gap between completing a short fire risk assessment training course and a full-time degree. This highly regarded qualification is recognised Europe-wide throughout the 19-member countries of the CFPA formal body. If you are looking further your fire safety career and stand out from your competitors, this is the course you should be doing.

Who are CFPA Europe?The European Confederation of Fire Protection Associations (CFPA) is the formal body which links the 19 recognised fire safety organisations in Europe. It exists to promote the highest standards of fire safety management in both Europe and EFTA countries.

How does it work?The CFPA Europe Diploma is completed in two cycles, the Technical Cycle, followed by the Management Cycle. Students are allowed up to two years to complete the Technical Cycle and up to one year to complete the Management Cycle.

Who should undertake the programme?The CFPA Diploma in Fire Prevention is suitable for:

Risk Managers

Fire Risk Assessors

Fire Engineers

Building Safety Managers

Consultants

The FPA is the only UK provider

of the CFPA Europe Diploma in Fire

Prevention

The FPA

has successfully awarded the Diploma

qualification to more than 300

students

Our successful students typically

come from housing associations, local

authorities, fire and rescue services, the NHS,

transport and power sectors

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Technical CycleCourse structureThe Technical Cycle is split in to three stages. Each stage must be completed in the following order:

1Face to face learning: completion

and successfully passing our five-day Certificate in Fire Risk

Assessment training course (more information on page 4)

2Eight independent study units,

each requiring approximately 15 hours’ study (more information on

page 6

3Examination: a three-hour written

examination completes the Technical Cycle. (more information

on page 8)

• knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of fire prevention issues

• a clear understanding of the importance of fire control, fire prevention and its management

• a thorough understanding of fire protection and prevention principles

Learning outcomes You will develop:

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Stage one

Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment One-week training course with practical assessment The course has been designed for those with little or no pre-existing knowledge of undertaking fire risk assessments and is the complete route to begin your journey as a competent fire risk assessor.

Certification• CFPA Europe Fire Risk Assessor • Approval towards the Institution of Fire Engineers

(IFE) Register of Fire Risk Assessors• 38 IFE CPD hrs• IFSM Accredited course • An optional assessment in units FC1 and FC2 of

the NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management

Course content• legislative requirements• principle causes and prevention of fire• means of escape• emergency lighting• portable firefighting equipment• signs and notices• guidance documents• arson and its prevention• human behaviour• the principles and methodologies of fire risk

assessment• practical exercises and practical fire risk

assessment• a fire risk assessment in the workplace is

required to complete the course

• understanding of the fundamental principles of fire prevention and protection measures, raising awareness of the vast range of topics involved in fire safety management

• ability to apply the principles and methodology of fire risk assessment, exploring the process and applying learning through several practical activities

• knowledge of the principal workplace fire hazards, associated risks and passive and active means available to mitigate fire

Learning outcomes

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Technical Cycle Stage 2 marking criteriaAnswers to unit questions will form the basis for the examination of the Technical Cycle. The questions are set to seek out both basic principles and in certain instances detailed information, or calculations. Considered opinions where relevant will count as much towards reaching the required standard as textbook knowledge and research.

Students are expected to make full use of the reference material listed in the bibliographies as well as further independent research – this will mean making use of the internet and/or good reference libraries. Students will receive access to the FPA online library, providing exclusive access to a huge range of FPA publications and guidance documents. However, British Standards are not included in our library and it is the responsibility of the student to find their own means to access these.

Marks will not be awarded for extensive quotations which have been extracted from existing documents. Assessors are looking for an understanding of the subject in question. Students will receive feedback for each unit and will be asked to resubmit answers that do not meet the minimum requirements.

Progression to the examination stage will not be allowed until all units have met the requirements of the assessor and successfully passed.

Important Please note: each question must achieve a pass (60%), even if your total marks from other questions would be sufficient for an overall pass.

When developing responses to unit questions students

should observe the following guidelines.

86%+• use of extensive research findings which are concisely

written to broaden responses

• answers developed to formulate a well-rounded

response which fluently covers immediate and related

topics

• demonstrate an excellent ability to analyse and provide

logical conclusions

71%-85%• broad ranging supporting research has been carried out

• ability to apply research findings to a given scenario

• where not specifically required, include background

information on relevant legislation/regulation/standards

• include some additional relevant material which extend

answers beyond the immediate associated topics

• some evidence of personal reflection and analysis of

findings

60%-70%• answer all parts of each question

• demonstrate sufficient research has been carried out to

gain a reasonable understanding of the immediate topic

• answers have been created using own words

• presentation guidelines have been followed

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Stage two

Independent study unitsUpon successful completion of stage one, students will receive eight unit question papers. Responses may be submitted one at a time and there is no prescribed order in which to complete the units. All eight units must be completed before students can be entered for the examination. The marking criteria can be seen on page 5.

Unit 2 – Fire detection

Manual and automatic alarm systems

• components • maintenance

Automatic fire detection

• types of equipment for alarm and control • action taken by staff when fire is detected • HMOs and licensed premises

Unit 3 – Fire extinguishment First-aid fire-fighting equipment

• portable extinguishers • choice and use of extinguishing media • installation, siting and maintenance • hose reels • advantages and limitations of equipment • standards and approval for equipment • training instruction and demonstration • legal requirements

Sprinklers and other aqueous systems

• automatic sprinkler installations • drenchers • foam installations • hydrants • water supplies • selection, siting, use and maintenance of

equipment

Non-aqueous systems

• fixed fire-fighting installations • dry powder• carbon dioxide • halon • alternatives

Special applications, including:

• high-rack storage • computers and data-processing • electrical installations • oil and gas storage installations • spray painting

Unit syllabus

Unit 1 – Nature and behaviour of fire Fire science

• chemistry of combustion • elementary thermodynamics and kinetics • products of combustion • rate of burning of materials • static electricity

Fire behaviour

• radiation, conduction and convection • factors affecting spread and growth of fire • sources of ignition • effect on humans of: heat, smoke and toxic

combustion

Properties and characteristics of materials

• flammability limits • flash point • auto-ignition temperature • thermal capacity • insulating and conductive properties • solids and dusts • liquids and gases

Explosions

• spontaneous heating and combustion

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Unit 7 – Fire insurance and security Principles and considerations of insuring against fire

• relationship between different risks • approval of equipment and systems • basis of fire insurance policies• role of the insurance surveyor • consequential losses • fire hazard assessment • perimeter defense • security patrols

Unit 8 – Fire protection management Planning for fire safety

• allocation of responsibility • the role of the Fire Executive • appointed fire safety personnel

Procedures

• action in the event of fire • instruction and training • risk management • the aftermath of fire • communications • action and reaction of people • education and fire safety information • publicity and public relations • management of fire safety • the need for continuous audit • relationship with outside organisations• behaviour of people • storage • manufacturing services • contractors • maintenance of buildings

Unit 4 – Fire and the lawThe most recent UK fire safety legislation

• Health and Safety at Work Act • role of the fire authority in administering the law• the building regulations 2010• the dangerous substances and explosive

atmospheres regulations 2002 (DSEAR) • the petroleum (consolidation) regulations 2014

Unit 5 – Means of escape Principles of ensuring safety of occupants in buildings

• legal requirements • fire instructions, procedures and training • maintenance of escape routes • the conflict between means of escape and

restricting access

Planning for means of escape

• design considerations • the stages on escape routes • disabled egress

Unit 6 – Fire protection of buildings Structural fire precautions

• design considerations • building regulations • fire testing • building services

Behaviour of elements of structure and materials under fire conditions

• control of fire and smoke spread• means of access for fire-fighting• fire venting

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Stage three

Diploma examThe end of course exam is held at regular intervals throughout the year at our Moreton-in-Marsh training venue. The three-hour closed book examination is preceded by a short tutor led preparation session.

Multiple Choice QuestionsMost of the heat from a ‘typical’ fire involving solid fuel is produced by:

a Radiationb Conductionc Convectiond Surface spread of flame

If a church hall has two exit doors, at what angle must they be at or greater than to be considered at true “alternative exits”?

a 45° b 90° c 180° d 360°

Open Questions Name the three mechanisms relating to the spread of heat by fire and give a practical example of a situation in which each of these would occur.

Define diffusion and premixed flames

Compare and contrast fire-related aspects of building design, materials and methods of construction that you may consider if asked to plan:

a a schoolb a high-bay warehouse.

Exam format Two sections as follows

Exam questions are a mixture of multiple choice and open questions and will cover topics from within the study units and the five-day fire risk assessment course. The exam is designed to confirm the breadth of knowledge and understanding and will not expect the level of detail required for the study units. Nor will students be required to complete complex calculations. Revision should focus on the notes collated during stage one and responses from stage two.

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Management Cycle Upon successful completion of the Technical Cycle, students will be eligible to enrol on to the Management Cycle. The course will enable experienced fire safety professionals to build on previous knowledge in order to recommend and implement fire safety strategies across large or multi-site premises.

Course structure This course is broken in to three parts. Each must be completed in the following order:

4Face to face learning: Advanced Fire Safety Management week 1

5Strategy preparation work

6Face to face learning: Advanced Fire Safety Management week 2

• Design and produce a fire safety policy to executive management

• Advise executive management about the measures, requirements, purchase and maintenance or fire protection, prevention and suppression systems and equipment

• Generate and manage the plan for the control of fire risks

• Provide information to employees and other relevant persons with regard to fire safety

• Manage and direct all personnel responsible for fire safety including fire wardens and fire intervention teams

• Design a maintenance regime for all fire prevention, suppression, alarm and detection systems within the company to ensure compliance

Learning outcomes

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Stage four

Advanced fire safety managementWeek 1The first week of the Management Cycle will draw on your experience as a fire risk assessor to re-cap on fire safety law and the role of different types of assessment. Review the process to implement preventive and protection measures. A thorough look at management systems will introduce considerations for risk tolerance, building work, procurement and contract management and negotiating with the regulator. Individual quizzes and syndicate exercises will be used throughout the week.

• Fire safety management - landscape• Preventive and protective• Fire safety management – authorities• New buildings – changes and policy decision

making • Policy and procurement

Stage five

Fire safety strategy preparationDuring the time between week one and week two of this course you will prepare an organisational fire safety strategy to be completed with further input during week two. This will be based on the inputs and policy work from week one. You should allow 15-20 hours for this preparation time. Tutorial sessions to review and continue this work will be scheduled during week two of the course.

Access to a resource library such as the British Standards Institution (BSI) will be required to complete the course and are not provided by the Fire Protection Association. Examples include:

• PAS 911 - Fire strategies - guidance and framework for their formulation

• PAS 7 – Fire Risk Management Systems – Specification

• BS 9999 - Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings

• BS 99991:2015 - Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings.

• Approved Document B - Building regulation in England covering fire safety matters within and around buildings

AssessmentThe week will conclude with a written open-book assessment that you will have three hours to complete. The assessment will consist of five questions based on the material learned in the week, each question will be worth a maximum of 20 marks. You will require 75 marks in order to pass.

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Stage six

Advanced Fire Safety ManagementWeek 2Continuing the fire safety strategy and policy work introduced in week 1, this week will focus on planning for emergencies, the communication with and training of staff. It will look at the pros and cons of fire engineered solutions and the lifecycle of the building. Finally, addressing change management, relationships and monitoring performance.

Learning objectives• Design and produce a fire safety policy to

executive management• Advise executive management about the

measures, requirements, purchase and maintenance or fire protection, prevention and suppression systems and equipment

• Generate and manage the plan for the control of fire risks

• Liaise with authorities and inspection bodies in the field of fire safety, protection and prevention

• Provide information to employees and other relevant persons with regard to fire safety

• Manage and direct all personnel responsible for fire safety including fire wardens and fire intervention teams

• Design a maintenance regime for all fire prevention, suppression, alarm and detection systems within the company to ensure compliance

AssessmentThroughout this final week your strategy work will be developed with input from tutorial sessions. The week will conclude with a short presentation of your work so far to your peers and assessors. You will then have 4 weeks in which to submit your final piece of work.

Course content • Liaison with authorities and inspection bodies• Coping with emergencies• Change management• Management and training of employees and others

in fire safety• Policy work and tutorial sessions• Final project completion and presentation

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Prices We provide options for students of all stages in their fire prevention careers. If you would like to talk to one of our friendly staff members about this programme or any of our other courses, please call us on 01608 812 500

Technical Cycle only: £2850 + VAT, Fire Protection Association member receive a 10% discount

Technical Cycle only with stage one exemption (upon application approval): £1540 + VAT, Fire Protection Association members receive a 10% discount

Management Cycle only: £2400 + VAT, Fire Protection Association members receive a 10% discount

Technical and Management Cycle: £5000 + VAT, Fire Protection Association members receive a 10% discount

How to applyYou can download an application form from our website at www.thefpa.co.uk and navigating to Training and CFPA Diploma. Once you have completed the form, send this back to us either via post or email using the contact information on the next page.

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Learning resources Students are provided with online access to the Fire Protection Association’s library of resources via our website. All publications within this library are produced by the Fire Protection Association and include manuals, handbooks and guidance materials written by experts on various topics of fire prevention. Copies of British standards and other documents will be available at Moreton in Marsh during the two weeks of the course.

Curriculum support Upon enrolment you will be allocated a tutor for the duration of the course. If you have any queries regarding technical aspects of the course, your tutor will be pleased to discuss these or refer you to a specialist unit marker where appropriate. In addition, each unit paper is marked by a specialist marker who will provide written feedback on your submission. In general, papers will be marked and returned to you within 28 days.

Administrative support and enquiriesAny initial queries regarding the course processes and procedures should be submitted to the Training department.

Email: training@thefpa.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 1608 812 530

By post: Fire Protection Association London Road Moreton-in-Marsh Gloucestershire GL56 0RH

Contact information

Fire Protection Association London Road Moreton-in-Marsh Gloucestershire GL56 0RH

Tel: +44 (0) 1608 812 500 Email: training@thefpa.co.uk