FIC & PFPF sign Memorandum of Understanding
left to right are: David Sugden (PFPF Chairman) and David Bonnett (FIC Chairman)
A new Memorandum of Understanding designed to provide a more co-ordinated approach to active and passive fire protection measures has recently been agreed and ratified.
The MoU between the FIC and the Passive Fire Protection Federation (PFPF) was signed at the International Fire Expo 2005 Awards, an appropriate event given that the Awards celebrate the best that the fire industry has to offer.
FIC Chairman, David Bonnett, commented - "The FIC and the PFPF regard the fire protection industry as one industry with a shared purpose in achieving continuous improvement in the protection of life and property, as well as safeguarding our communities against the wider environmental impact of fire. The signing of this MoU recognises this and we look forward to working more closely with the PFPF in continuing to improve fire safety through active and passive systems working together within integrated fire safety design."
PFPF Chairman, David Sugden, commented - "The technologies, materials and products of active and passive systems are very different. It is therefore appropriate that the two sectors have separate representation with one common underlying message for fire protection, since both have a role in the delivery of effective fire protection engineering."
The main focus of the MoU will be to:
1. Articulate our common position representing the fire industry as a single key stakeholder group, wherever possible with a joint and united presence.
2. Co-ordinate the inputs of the fire protection industry to Government and other organisations on matters which impact upon the development of fire protection, including liaison with other professional stakeholder groups such as the insurance industry and the Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA).
3. Jointly develop and publish best practice guidance on the application of active and passive measures within a balanced and integrated fire protection portfolio.
4. Support the principle of third party certification as appropriate for products, systems and installers.
Areas of common interest in 2005 include comments on the latest draft of Approved Document B and communication of the implications of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, in line with the ODPM's targets under its latest public service agreement plan.