Fire Risk Assessor
A fire risk assessor carries out a statutory fire risk assessment of a building as required by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Required for all non-domestic premises and for the common areas of residential buildings containing two or more dwellings. IFE membership and BAFE SP205 registration are key quality indicators.
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Fire Risk Assessor
Carries out statutory fire risk assessments under the RRO 2005. IFE membership and BAFE SP205 registration are key quality indicators. Required for all non-domestic and multi-residential buildings.
Fire & SafetyFire Engineer
Designs fire safety strategies for complex buildings - escape routes, compartmentation, sprinkler systems and smoke control. CEng MIFireE. Required on higher-risk buildings under the Building Safety Act 2022.
Fire & SafetyFire Door Inspector
Inspects and reports on the condition and compliance of fire doors. FDIS (Fire Door Inspection Scheme) certified inspector. Required in all HMOs, flats and buildings subject to fire door inspection requirements under BSA 2022.
Fire & SafetyPassive Fire Protection Installer
Installs fire-resistant walls, floors, cavity barriers and penetration seals. FIRAS or IFC SDI 05 third-party certification. Required for all passive fire protection works on new builds and refurbishments.
Fire & SafetyFire Suppression / Sprinkler System Installer
Designs and installs residential and commercial sprinkler and mist systems. BAFSA (British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association) membership and LPCB third-party certification. Mandatory in new homes in Wales; required by BSA 2022 in high-rise residential.
Fire & SafetyBuilding Safety Manager
Manages the day-to-day building safety of a higher-risk building (18m+) under the Building Safety Act 2022. Appointed by the Principal Accountable Person. IFSM or IFE membership. A new statutory role created by the BSA 2022.
Fire & SafetyFire Stopping Specialist
Installs and inspects fire stopping around pipe, cable and duct penetrations through fire-resistant elements. FIRAS or IFC SDI 05 certified. Critical on all multi-residential and commercial buildings where services penetrate compartment walls or floors.
Fire & SafetyEvacuation Plan Consultant
Prepares personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs) and building evacuation strategies. Required under the Equality Act and as part of fire risk assessment recommendations for buildings used by people with impaired mobility.
Fire & life safety qualifications explained
IFE, BAFE and FPA are the primary professional bodies for fire safety specialists. Here is what the key designations mean.
IFE membership is the primary professional qualification for fire engineers and fire risk assessors. MIFireE demonstrates competence in fire risk assessment, fire safety management and fire engineering. CEng MIFireE is the highest level for fire engineers. The IFE register of members is publicly searchable.
BAFE SP205 registration is the third-party quality certification scheme for fire risk assessors. BAFE registered companies have been independently assessed against the SP205 standard. Always look for BAFE SP205 registration alongside IFE membership when appointing a fire risk assessor. BAFE SP101 and SP203 cover fire detection and alarm and emergency lighting installation.
The FPA (Fire Protection Association) is the UK's national fire safety organisation. FPA accredited consultants demonstrate specialist fire safety expertise. The FPA also provides the Fire Risk Assessment Competency Council (FRACC) framework which sets competency criteria for fire risk assessors working in different occupancy types.
IFSM membership is a key qualification for Building Safety Managers appointed under the Building Safety Act 2022. IFSM provides a competency framework and CPD requirements for those managing building safety in higher-risk residential buildings. The BSA 2022 requires Building Safety Managers to demonstrate appropriate skills, knowledge and experience.
The Building Safety Act 2022 created new statutory duty holders for higher-risk buildings (HRBs) - buildings of 18m or more with two or more dwellings. The Principal Accountable Person (PAP) must register the building with the Building Safety Regulator, appoint a Building Safety Manager and maintain a golden thread of building information throughout the building's life.
All fire risk assessors and fire safety consultants should hold current Professional Indemnity Insurance. BAFE SP205 registration requires companies to hold adequate PII. Always ask for a current certificate before appointing. Minimum £1 million per claim is standard for fire risk assessment and fire engineering instructions.