Install mechanical fire protection systems

URN: SFSMFP4
Business Sectors (Suites): Mechanical Fire Protection
Developed by: Skills for Security
Approved: 2022

Overview

This standard is aimed at those who install mechanical fire protection systems, and sets out the skills, knowledge and understanding for you to do this. You will make a plan of action to carry out the task, performing necessary system checks and use appropriate tools and methods throughout.


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

P1. prepare a method statement for the installation, including risk assessment

P2. establish appropriate communication arrangements with client representatives and third parties

P3. prepare plans of action for installing systems that comply with performance requirements, current relevant legislation and regulations, industry standard guidelines, your organisation's quality management procedures and health and safety codes of practice

P4. check that the designs are appropriate for the existing and planned services on sites

P5. confirm that testing specified in the designs can be performed post installation

P6. confirm that required tools and system components are available, in good working order, are suitable for the job and comply with health and safety requirements

P7. select fixing and mounting devices and methods that are appropriate to the site(s), building structures and materials

P8. establish and maintain a safe and secure working environment

P9. resolve potential problems during the preparation for the installation in line with your organisation's procedures and guidelines

P10. check that you have all the relevant details of work activities required to plan a system, and that they are suitable for the task required

P11. communicate and agree working arrangements with clients and third parties, that are mutually acceptable

P12. review the method statement to check that all necessary resources, including personnel, tools and system components and safe systems in work will be available when required

P13. make contingency plans to account for any potential problems with work schedules or arrangements

P14. produce project plans that are complete, current, feasible and in formats that are suitable for their purpose and ensure progress is monitored and recorded

P15. position and install specified system components in line with the manufacturers' recommendations, system design, relevant legislation and regulations, industry standard guidelines, health and safety codes of practice and method statement

P16. use tools, fixing and mounting devices and methods that are appropriate to the installation activity

P17. comply with health and safety requirements when using tools to position and install system components

P18. make good any damage to building structures or surfaces in line with agreed     specifications

P19. report any damage you cannot repair to the relevant person

P20. remove tools and materials from sites after use, reporting any that are unserviceable to the relevant person

P21. return spare or reusable components and materials to their designated    locations, including provision of site spares

P22. dispose of waste, debris and surplus materials in line with, current relevant legislation and regulations, industry standard guidelines, your organisation's quality management procedures and health and safety codes of practice

P23. maintain installation records

P24. make systems available for testing inspection and commissioning


Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

K1. the procedure for checking the safe and correct operation of tools and   system components, how to do this and how to deal with any that do not meet requirements

K2. the capabilities and limitation of the tools and system components that you intend to use, and why it is important to use the correct tools and components

K3. why it is important to check that test apparatus is in working order and calibrated where necessary

K4. the procedure for setting up safe and secure work areas, including for tools and materials

K5. the importance of obtaining full and complete information regarding design, testing or survey from other relevant colleagues prior to installing a system

K6. how to communicate effectively with clients and any third parties before and during installations in order to maintain their goodwill

K7. the procedure for developing plans of action for the installation, including but not limited to, method statements

K8. the limits of your authority and responsibility to deal with identified problems with installations of systems

K9. the plans to carry out the installations containing all required information  

K10. the technical specifications, client and third-party requirements relating to installations

K11. the principles of project planning and how to use common planning tools

K12. typical installation activities, their timescales and how to plan and co- ordinate effectively

K13. the typical problems that can occur during installations and how to deal with them

K14. communication protocols with others to plan and co-ordinate the use of    resources

K15. how to relate system components and their physical locations to installation information

K16. the different types of devices and methods for fixing and mounting systems components and how to select and use them

K17.  the properties of typical building structures and materials and how to mount and fix system components to them safely and securely

K18. safe handling procedures during installation

K19. the capabilities, limitations and correct use of tools and system components

K20. why you may need to identify the presence of an electrical supply, and how it can be isolated safely

K21. where to position the system so that it optimises operational maintenance, access and client and stakeholder requirements

K22. the house-keeping requirements at the sites where you install systems

K23. why it is important to dispose of waste, debris and surplus material safely and in line with the current relevant legislation and regulations and regulations; industry standard guidelines; your organisation's quality management procedures and health and safety codes of practice

K24. procedures for monitoring and documenting installation progress, variations and non-conformities

K25. current relevant legislation and regulations; industry standard guidelines; your organisation's quality management procedures and health and safety codes of practice relevant to the installation and operation of the system and relevant to your level of responsibility

K26. the relationship between types of fire and appropriate extinguishing mediums

K27. the characteristics of different environments to which the system is being provided

K28. the requirements of different stakeholders


Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary

fixing and mounting devices and methods: suitable tools and materials with appropriate method statements to enable installation of the mechanical fire protection system

mechanical fire protection system: a non-electrical device used for fire protection such as, sprinklers; gas systems; water mist and powder; foam and chemical systems; dry and wet risers; fire mains

performance requirements: operation of the mechanical fire protection system with due regards to the manufacturers recommendations and guidelines

stakeholders: could include: local fire authority; water undertaker; building control; insurers; government departments; environmental agencies; third party certification bodies


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

2025

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Skills for Security

Original URN

SFSMFP4

Relevant Occupations

Elementary Occupations, Elementary Security Occupations

SOC Code

5241

Keywords

Mechanical fire protection; equipment; installation; inspection; testing; resources