FDS Contracting is SCA IFC SDI 19 Certified
The latest developments in accredited certification schemes are setting the path to improving competency and testing for smoke control systems. The ‘SCA IFC SDI 19’ certification ensures the highest industry standards are upheld.
What is 'SCA IFC SDI 19'
The SDI 19 certification scheme has been developed by the Smoke Control Association in partnership with IFC Certification.
The scheme was primarily developed to ensure a suitable and acceptable level of competency regarding system design and the installation of smoke control systems.
The scheme also covers a contractor’s ability to provide appropriate levels of service and maintenance following installation and commissioning, in line with a building’s type, size and use.
To further improve competency levels in the industry, the SCA has also made it a mandatory requirement that all current and potential members who install smoke ventilation systems must join the IFC SDI 19 installer scheme.
Why is 'SCA IFC SDI 19' Important?
This is particularly important, as following the independent review of building regulations and fire safety, several cultural changes in the procurement, design, construction and maintenance of buildings and building systems must be undertaken to deliver safer buildings.
The industry is undergoing a major shift to ensure that contractors are being held accountable for the systems which they install. The certification ensures that Contractors are being provided a directory of certified installers who are available to ensure the use of competent, compliant and expert fire safety installers.
Furthermore, with the increase in the number of installers for smoke ventilation systems, there is a growing need to ensure that contractors operating in the industry are competent. This competency is particularly important as the safety of the building’s occupants is paramount for all shareholders and thus contractors need to be compliant to the stringent regulations.
The Requirements of 'SCA IFC SDI 19'
To gain certification, smoke ventilation contractors must demonstrate their experience in designing, installing and commissioning smoke ventilation systems compliant to relevant standards and regulations.
These standards and regulations include being compliant to Approved Document B and BS7346 parts 4, 5, 7 and 8.
Alongside this, a detailed and comprehensive audit of company offices and project sites must be undertaken for the certification
Why use 'SCA IFC SDI 19' Certified Smoke Ventilation Installers?
- Non-Compliant Installations: An uncertified installer may not follow regulatory standards or best practices, increasing the risk of non-compliance. Failure to adhere to standards like BS 9991 or BS 9999 can lead to significant risks, including increased legal liabilities, challenges in meeting safety requirements, or delays in passing critical inspections.
- System Failures: Certified installers are trained to ensure smoke control systems work effectively during an emergency. Without proper certification, the installer may not have the expertise to guarantee functionality, leading to potential system failures that endanger occupants during a fire.
- Safety Risks to Occupants: A poorly installed smoke ventilation system may fail to control smoke spread properly, putting building occupants at risk by impeding evacuation routes, increasing exposure to harmful smoke, and even contributing to flashovers or other fire risks.
- Increased Insurance Premiums or Denied Claims: Many insurers require certified installations. Failing to use a certified installer may lead to increased premiums or denied claims if a fire occurs and the system fails due to improper installation.
- Costly Repairs and Maintenance Issues: Non-certified installations can lead to recurring issues that require costly repairs or replacements. SCA IFC SDI 19-certified installers follow best practices that reduce the likelihood of such costly issues by ensuring proper installation from the start.
- Reputational Damage: For contractors or developers, using a non-certified installer could damage their reputation, especially if problems arise post-installation. SCA certification is an industry standard, signaling quality and adherence to safety, so lacking it can raise red flags for clients or building inspectors.
In summary, an SCA IFC SDI 19-certified installer is crucial for ensuring that smoke ventilation systems are safe, compliant, and reliable in emergencies.
We are proud to say that FDS Contracting are certified to IFC SDI 19 and continue to lead the industry in compliance and competency. We hope that by having the certification, and thus clearly demonstrating our consistent adherence to industry best practices, we are able to provide the end user with confidence that their systems are fit for purpose.
This is what the FDS Group Managing Director, Nick Waterfield, had to say on the scheme’s importance:
I’m delighted that FDS Contracting are certified to the scheme and this goes hand-in-hand with us recently also achieving LPS1014 certification for the provision of fire alarm systems.
Clients now have somewhere to go when choosing their fire protection suppliers”
