Independent Fire Engineering & Distributors Association (IFEDA) News

The portable fire extinguisher that has been a staple requirement for commercial buildings for decades is playing an increasing role in putting out fires according to the results of a recent survey. As Chair of the Fire Industry Association (FIA) Services Council, Chubb’s Guy Middleton was elected to head up the group conducting the Fire Extinguisher Use Survey. Aim of the survey This involved bringing together technicians from companies in the four main trade associations in the U...

Paul Wilkinson, the Chairman of Independent Fire Engineering & Distributors Association (IFEDA), has commented on behalf of the trade association, in support of the BAFE (British Approvals for Fire Equipment) campaign – ‘Don’t Just Specify, Verify’. Paul Wilkinson stated, “IFEDA has witnessed that there are companies operating across the industry claiming to have, for example, fire alarm expertise with over 20 years of experience. When checked, however, you fin...

Following a successful introduction of the event in 2020, the Fike Technology Day is back for 2022. Detector Teters recently confirmed the attendance along with 13 other exhibitors – all of whom will be sharing their latest solutions designed to bring unique benefits to the fire industry. Event Schedule The day is free to attend and will take place at the Silverstone race circuit in Northampton. As well as the exhibition, the day will also feature several seminars and presentations led...

A report by David Wales, funded and supported by IFEDA (Independent Fire Engineering & Distributors Association), has been published discussing fire extinguishers (released 30/03/2021). The report, an evaluation of the role of fire extinguishers, “was produced with the aim of providing an evidence-based assessment of the role of portable fire extinguishers within dwellings.” This includes private dwellings and HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation). Within this document, it is re...

IFEDA (Independent Fire Engineering & Distributors Association) releases statement informing that it has postponed all training courses until at least 1st June. "With yesterday’s public health announcements in mind I am sure you will appreciate that IFEDA has no option but to postpone all training courses until at least 1st June. A full refund will be offered to all who have paid, or you may wish to have your candidate moved to a later course when we can confirm dates, please let us k...

IFEDA, the Independent Fire Engineering & Distributors Association, is delighted to announce the introduction of a new course, Understanding a Fire Risk Assessment. The Fire Safety Order 2005 requires that the Responsible Person in a business must have a fire risk assessment in place. British Standard 5306 parts 3 and 8 stipulate that a fire extinguisher servicing technician must confirm the presence of, and check the contents of, a company’s fire risk assessment. This course has been...

One lesson of Grenfell is how many fire system technicians operate without the appropriate qualifications. Since the Grenfell tragedy, Dame Judith Hackitt has called for all relevant trades to hold formal qualifications, and for industry to implement a system in which clients and end users can be assured that operatives are fully competent. Another lesson is that fire service audits of buildings are no longer fit for purpose. For instance, the current system does not require proof that a fire s...

Western Business Events (WBE), host of The Fire Safety Event, is in the final week of preparations before it opens the doors at the NEC on 9th-11th April for its largest edition yet. Now in its third year, The Fire Safety Event has seen phenomenal growth since its inception in 2016. The event, which began with 16 exhibitors now boasts over 50 exhibitors for its 2019 edition. High-profile incidents in recent years have put a spotlight on the industry and The Fire Safety Event recognises it has a...

IFEDA, the Independent Fire Engineering & Distributors Association is celebrating 30 years of raising standards within the fire protection industry. The association was formed on a desire to bring fire extinguisher technician training to the independent fire trade beyond the confines of the manufacturing companies. Credit for the association should go to Mr Dave Hulse and his company National Fire Training. Through his good offices and at the direction of the founding committee members, IFE...

IFEDA, the Independent Fire Engineering & Distributors Association, welcomes Mike Tobin as the new Chairman of the association. Mr Tobin was voted in at the recent IFEDA AGM. Mr Tobin has worked in the fire protection industry for 27 years, and is Managing Director of Security and Fire Experts Ltd (SAFE). With a background in fire detection and alarm systems, he has evolved SAFE, which now provides fire extinguishers, security, and electrical installations to clients worldwide. This recent...

It deals with procedures & technical requirements to be followed when filling portable fire extinguishers The Independent Fire Engineering & Distributors Association (IFEDA) has warmly welcomed what it believes to be a landmark for common sense and sustainability of our planet’s natural resources with the publication of the revised edition of BS5306 Part 9. This very important document deals with the procedures and technical requirements which should be follo...

Colin Payne was active member of the association for many years including the role of Chairman previously IFEDA, the Independent Fire Engineering and Distributors Association, has elected a new Chairman for the association at their recent AGM. Colin Payne, Director at West of England Fire Protection, steps back into the role having been an active member of the association for many years including the role of Chairman previously. Payne said: “I am delighted to be able t...

IFEDA improves standards within the fire industry, including fire safety training The Williams F1 fire last month demonstrated how first aid fire fighting can make an impact in containing a fire and helping to stop fire spreading.  F1 team members were seen appearing to bring the fire in the Williams garage under control using portable fire extinguishers, and trolley units, before the professional fire crews arrived. Nigel Walton, Chairman at IFEDA said: “Watching...

The courses include the Fire extinguishers technician's initial training and many more IFEDA, the Independent Fire Engineering & Distributors Association, is pleased to announce that all the training courses run by the Association have been awarded CPD (Continuing Professional Development) status from The Construction CPD Certification Scheme. The courses include the Fire extinguishers technician’s initial training, a 3 day intensive course; and the Fire extinguishe...

Removal of fire extinguishers from Richmond Housing Partnership has alarmed IFEDA over this Residents at the property have allegedly been told that the removal of fire extinguishers from common areas of their block of flats was for their own safety.  IFEDA, the Independent Fire Engineering & Distributors Association, is questioning the reasoning behind the recent removal of fire extinguishers in a property maintained by Richmond Housing Partnership (RHP). Residents...

The service is designed to assist IFEDA member companies with their HR queries IFEDA, the Independent Fire Engineering and Distributors Association, recognising the need to offer additional benefits of membership that add tangible value to its many members, has introduced a free bespoke HR advice and assistance service. The service, provided by Fitzpatrick Wilkes & Co, is designed to assist member companies, many of whom employ staff but don’t always have the access...

Nigel Walton elected as a Chairman of Independent Fire Engineering and Distributors Association Nigel Walton, Director at Abbot Fire Group, steps into the role having been an active member of the association for the past 9 years. IFEDA, the Independent Fire Engineering and Distributors Association, has elected a new Chairman for the association at their recent AGM. Nigel Walton, Director at Abbot Fire Group, steps into the role having been an active member of the association...

IFEDA are committed to raising standards in the fire industry The Independent Fire Engineering & Distributors Association (IFEDA) is delighted to have been shortlisted in the Best Training Initiative category of the renowned Fire Excellence Awards 2011. Committed to raising standards within the fire industry, IFEDA was shortlisted for this prestigious award, in recognition of their new, ground breaking dry riser training course. Having identified a clear gap in the marke...