LPS 1014 SchemeRequirements for certificated fire detection and alarm system firms

Presented by - Reg Grigg LPCB

The aim of this brief presentation

• Why are LPCB schemes specified?– pedigree, experience, thoroughness, reliability, reputation– LPS standards are highly regarded and specified to reduce risk

• An overview of the LPS 1014 scheme and an explanation of the scheme’s procedures

• To create an awareness of improving reliability and quality throughout the fire industry.

LPCB – risk reduction and business continuityLPCB was formerly owned by Association of British Insurers (ABI)

Supporting Insurers and working in risk reduction and business continuity for almost 150 years

1980’s 2000 2011

Fire Offices’ Committee 1860’s

1860’s

Development of the BRE Group

Development of LPCB

Fire Insurers Research & Technical Organisation

Purpose

• To address risks not adequately addressed by existing national and international standards or :

– where no recognised standards exist or weakness in an existing standard

– to ‘package’ a suite of standards– to get innovative products to market– LPS’s include published standards if available

• Written reviewed and endorsed by – LPCB working closely with a wide range of stakeholders forming technical groups

– BRE Global’s Governing and technical bodies include representatives from: CFOA, CPNI, CAST(HOSDB), MOD(SSG), ACPO, ABI, Insurers, Risk Management, Fire & Security Consultancies, Trade Bodies, and of course Manufacturers – LPS 1014 Expert Group A

• Published by– BRE Global

Loss Prevention Standards (LPS)Formerly ‘Rules of the Fire Offices’ Committee’

Loss Prevention Standard Rules of the FOC

Background to LPS 1014

• For a considerable time very high levels of false alarms were a concern to the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS)

• Potential loss or reduction of FRS cover, or a lack of trust in the reliability of a fire detection and alarm system causes concern to insurers

• Part of the problem can be attributed to:– Poor choice of equipment and poor design– Poor or incorrect installation – multiple overlapping responsibilities– Poor housekeeping/maintenance in use– Lack of end user training/change in use of building

• LPS 1014 aims to reduce false alarms and improve reliability, it is insurer and CFOA supported

• LPS 1014 first released in 1993

False alarms, CFOA concerns

• There are two distinct elements which this CFOA policy seeks to address: false alarms which may contribute to fire safety issues

• Unwanted fire signals which impact on the F&RS resources

• In part this is addressed by : – “Promoting the use of competent persons in the

design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of systems. CFOA recommend that F&RS require the use of third party certification schemes. Certification through United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) (or equivalent) provides valuable reassurances and assists in the making of informed decisions as to the competency of the service provider”.

Code guidance, evidence of compliance

• BS5839-1:2002-2008 Section 2 System components sub-clause 11.1 states : -– “The reliability of the system to perform its functions on demand

will be governed by the reliability of individual components. In general, it is advisable that all components, such as manual call points, detectors, control and indicating equipment and fire alarm devices, comply with relevant British Standards, and have undergone type testing to these standards. It is advisable to use components having certification under a recognized product certification scheme (comprising third -party certification of product conformity against a relevant standard), based on testingand continuing surveillance, together with assessment of the manufacturer’s quality assurance systems against BS EN ISO 9000).”

The LPS 1014 scheme

• Loss Prevention Standard LPS 1014, is an LPCB scheme for firms engaged in the design, installation, commissioning and servicing of fire detection and alarm systems

• Scheme comprises of more than 50 major LPCB listed installers

• Some companies have several approved branches• Some have experience of designing and installing to

British Standards, Irish standards and installation Code’s for US organisations such as NFPA (National Fire Protection Association)

Key requirements for entry

• Management systems for design, installation, commissioning and servicing processes to be approved by LPCB (BS EN ISO9001)

• The scheme also includes:– Use of 3rd party approved components– Random LPCB site audits (typically two per year)– Identified authorisation to sign CofC– Power supply design capability– Inspection and test record keeping– Competence and number of staff– Customer training– Maintenance capability– Use of approved key components– Includes regional offices

UKAS Accredited

Key requirements for entry

• LPS 1014 requires key identified components to be listed (approved or certified as it is also known) this is independent third party confirmation that products, meet and continue to meet appropriate standards

• It is different from a type testing • Approval helps ensure, through regular audits and sampling, that the product continues to comply with the standards

• The auditing process also helps to confirm that the product remains exactly the same as was originally tested and approved

Key requirements for LPS 1014 entry

• The applicant firm must provide evidence of design, installation, commissioning and servicing of fire alarm installations, in accordance with installation rules (appropriate standards and codes) over a continuous period of not less than two years

• Once approved Installation and servicing may be sub-contracted providing contractual responsibility for these services remains with the certificated firm

• A list of at least 8 completed installations will be selected for inspection by LPCB – (random selection and number inspected at discretion of LPCB), selected from either:– within previous 12 months where service contract is not held– within 2 years where the service contract is held

Certificate of conformity ( CofC)

• The firm will issue a CofC, which is a vitally important document

• Issued for every installation the firm is contracted to install even where design responsibility may be 3rd party or where the installation was sub-contracted

• Ensures a single point responsibility• Includes ‘Signed for’ agreed pre-notified

variations included and all other aspects of relevant installation contract

• Only issued where approved products have been installed

• LPS 1014 FIRM REMAINS RESPONSIBLE

ü

Site inspections as part of regular audits

• ISO 9001 compliance must be maintained

• A random job file is reviewed (normally twice per year) for - client requirements, specification, category, standards, calculations, variations, specific requirements, drawings and certification of products

• An inspection of the installation is then carried out

In brief: -

Site inspections as part of regular audits

• If any issues arise during the audit they are discussed with the LPS1014 company only, and documented

• At the end of the audit a full report is given –– listing any minor or major non-compliances,

these are then required to be resolved within a given time, typically 30 days

• The evidence for closing out the non-compliances is then sent to LPCB for review and close out

• Providing compliance is satisfactory - LPCB approval and listing for LPS 1014 is maintained

In brief: -

Details removedfor

security reasons

Cable type and size –ie:-1.5 Red. Standard.

Short circuit isolator

Main entrance

Sample of typical site drawing

75dB

Actual sound decibelreadings.

86dB

79dB

Sample of a typical site drawing

Common major non compliances

• Call point, detector or other key component identified on drawing but not installed

• Decibel readings not sufficient• Cables and/or Power Supplies not monitored• Insufficient metal clips on vulnerable cable runs• 230v mains not to IEE regs. ie: – (single pole isolation)• Cables not fire resistant• Log book not issued / missing• Lack of False Alarm considerations• Power supplies not to BS EN54.4 – batteries too small, or

too large, and Power Supply Unit unable to recharge within 24 hrs

Unwanted fire activations

Reducing risk to Life and Property and eliminating false alarms is the responsibility of everyone

• Those responsible for the use of the system must ensure that arrangements are made for proper training for its daily use

• And that testing of the system is carried out during regular maintenance visits once the premises have become occupied

• If the fire alarm is not maintained by an approved LPS 1014 company then the LPS 1014 certificate in not valid)

Statistics – the effects of combined efforts

6 Month fire stats Apr – Sept 2010: • The total number of fire false

alarms attended in England fell by 8 per cent

• 137,000 in April to September 2010

• This is 31 per cent fewer than ten years previous (April to September 2000)

Schemes such as LPS 1014 have helped to achieve this reduction Source CLG

The ‘Red Book’

• Please go to the Red Book for a:– List of LPS 1014 approved firms– List of compliant component parts– List of cables

• New applicants that can’t demonstrate LPS 1014 approval requirements can receive PROVISIONAL approval and receive a certificate – this is reviewed at twelve months when full approval is re-considered

• These pre-approved companies are NOT Red Book listed until fully compliant

Authentication

Always check that a company is LPCB approvedby checking www.RedBookLive.com.

OUR MARKThe mark used for LPCB approval

Cert. Number below As displayed on a CofC

Thankyou for listening