The new British Standard, BS 8674, “gives recommendations for competence criteria to be met by individuals undertaking general fire risk assessments”.

Ken Bullock, Technical Schemes and Assurance Manager for BAFE, states “BAFE is committed to ensure that our BAFE SP205 [Fire Risk Assessment] Scheme supports the recommendations outlined by British Standards being introduced, so it is imperative that BS 8674 is thoroughly reviewed by those actively performing Fire Risk Assessment work.

Whilst the BSI CPB/1 Committee [Competence in the Built Environment] have been clear this does not cover the competence of organisations, it will be heavily linked to the recommendations being presented in BS 8674 with any individuals employed by an organisation undertaking Fire Risk Assessment work. This will therefore introduce stronger requirements for UKAS Accredited Third-Party Certification, including BAFE SP205.”

BS 8674 is now available for public comment from 15th August to 15th October 2024.

For further information, and to review/provide comment on BS 8674 please visit the BSI Standards Development website https://standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com/projects/2023-02899#/section